LA County unemployment rate rises slightly in March

By City News Service

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly to 5% in March, up from a revised 4.9% in February, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The 5% rate was slightly below the 5.3% rate in March 2022.

In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the March unemployment rate was 3.4%, the same as the previous month.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in March, 4.4% in February and 4.4% in March 2022. The comparable figures for the nation were 3.5% in March, 3.6% in February and 3.6% a year ago.

Total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 19,800 positions between February and March to reach more than 4.6 million.

The leisure and hospitality sector led the way by adding 7,300 jobs, according to the EDD.

America.”

Early Jan. 6, 2021, Taylor showed Hostetter he was carrying a hatchet Hostetter had given him as a gift, prosecutors said.

The group attended then-President Donald Trump’s speech at a rally. Taylor “wore the black plate-carrier vest and carried a knife in a vest pocket,” prosecutors said.

“He also carried a backpack containing a hatchet and stun baton.” They stood outside the secured area of the speech because they had “personal protective gear” now allowed by Secret Service, prosecutors said.

After Trump’s speech, they walked down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol, sidestepping police barricades before entering the Capitol grounds and into the building, prosecutors said. Taylor joined with others to push past police to try to get into the building, prosecutors said.

Taylor got pepper sprayed at one point, prompting him to flush his face and eyes with water before he continued back up the steps to the Capitol building, prosecutors said.

Taylor and Hostetter remained in the Upper West Terrace for about two hours, prosecutors said. When police attempted to push them out, Taylor bellowed, “1776! Choose a side,” they said.

Later that evening he allegedly posted in the chat group, “I was pushing through traitors all day today. We stormed the Capitol! Freedom was fully demonstrated today!”

El Monte City Notices ORDINANCE NO. 3022

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL) OF THE EL MONTE MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW CHAPTER 2.28 (LOBBYIST) TO ESTABLISH LOCAL LOBBYIST REGISTRATION, REPORTING, DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS AND PROHIBITIONS

On

THE EMPLOYMENT OF LOBBYIST

WHEREAS, the El Monte City Council (“City Council”) wishes to enact local regulations designed to ensure ethical conduct on the part of elected and appointed officials, officers and employees of the City of El Monte (“City”); and

WHEREAS, the City Council also wishes to establish policies that promote transparency and public trust in local government; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of El Monte have the right to know the identity of interests which attempt to influence decisions by City government, as well as the means employed by those interests; and

WHEREAS, all persons engaged in compensated lobbying activities aimed at influencing decisions by City government must, when so engaged, be subject to the same regulations, restrictions and requirements, regardless of their background, training or other professional qualifications; and

WHEREAS, complete public disclosure of the full range of activities by and financing of lobbyists and those who employ their services is essential to the maintenance of citizen confidence in the integrity of City government; and

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to adopt this chapter to ensure adequate and effective disclosure of information about efforts to lobby City government.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the El Monte Municipal Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Chapter 2.28 (Lobbyist Registration) which shall read as follows:

Chapter 2.28. Lobbying Registration.

2.28.010

Definitions.

For the purpose of this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth as follows:

A. “Administrative action” means the proposal, drafting, development, consideration, amendment, enactment or defeat by any board or commission, or, when authorized, by the City Manager or department head, of plans, proposals, conditions, maps, or other administrative projects carried out in the ordinary course of municipal operations by staff members and employees of the city, or proposed for adoption or approval by the planning commission of the city, or any other city agency or body, or any action subject to approval by the City Manager or any department head.

B. “City” means the City of El Monte, a general law City organized under the general law of the State of California.

C. “City Council” means the seven-member legislative body of the City of El Monte which is comprised of six (6) elected City Council members serving staggered 4-year terms of office and one (1) elected Mayor serving a 2-year term of office.

D. “City body” means the City Council; all other legislative or decision-making bodies of the City whose membership is the membership of the City Council; all committees of the City Council, including all City Council standing committees and ad hoc committees; the El Monte Planning Commission; the El Monte Zoning Review Committee; and all other City boards, committees and commissions.

E. “City official” means all members of the City Council; all members of other legislative or decision-making bodies of the City whose membership is the membership of the City Council; the City Treasurer; the City Clerk and all members of all other City bodies.

F. “Compensation” means any economic consideration for lobbying services rendered or to be rendered, including reimbursement of expenses incurred in lobbying. Compensation includes, but is not limited to, financial gain that a person may realize as a result of the determination of a municipal question, including gains in the form of a contingent fee. Compensation which has not yet been received is considered to be received on the date that it is earned, if that date is ascertainable; otherwise, it is received on the date on which the contract or agreement for compensation is made, or on the date lobbying commences, whichever is first. Compensation does not include any amounts previously reported.

G. “Legislative action” means the drafting, introduction, consideration, modification, enactment or defeat of any motion, minute order, resolution, ordinance, amendment, report, nomination, or other matter by the City Council, the Redevelopment Agency, the Planning Commission, or by any committee or subcommittee thereof, or by a City officer or member of the City staff regularly working with or preparing reports or recommendations to or for any such body.

H. “Legislative Body” shall have the meaning set forth in California Government Code Section 54952, as it may be amended from time to time.

I. “Lobby” or “Lobbying” means performing services, for compensation, for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action.

J. “Lobbyist” shall mean any individual or entity who is employed, retained or contracts for economic consideration to communicate with any elective official or any officer or employee of the City of El Monte for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action.

K. “Municipal question” means a public policy issue of a discretionary nature pending before the City Council or another City body identified in the definition of City official, including, but not limited to, proposed action, or proposals for action, in the form of ordinances, resolutions, motions, recommendations, reports, regulations, policies, nominations, appointments, sanctions, and bids, including the adoption of specifications, awards, grants, or contracts. The term “municipal questions” does not include day-to-day application, administration, or execution of City programs and policies such as permitting, zoning and planning matters, but does include the amendment, modification or revision of the City’s General Plan or Zoning Ordinance.

L. “Person” means an individual, business entity, trust, corporation, association, firm, partnership, committee, club, legal entity or any other organization or group of persons acting in concert.

2.28.020 Initial Registration and Disclosure Requirements.

A. Within fifteen (15) days of Lobbying the City of El Monte, any lobbyist shall register with the City Clerk by filing a lobbying registration form, as provided by the City Clerk, which shall thereon disclose, at a minimum, a written statement containing the following information, certified as true under penalty of perjury: i. The lobbyist’s full name, business address, e-mail address and telephone number; ii. The name, business address and telephone number of any individual or entity by whom the lobbyist is employed, retained or engaged for compensation to perform lobbying services in the City; iii. The legislative or administrative actions for the City as to which the lobbyist has been engaged; iv. The date, amount, and description of any payment made to, or on behalf of any City official or member of an official’s family. Payments to be disclosed include gifts, meals, fees, salaries and any other form or compensation or renumeration, but do not include campaign contributions; and v. Any other information, including total compensation, description of any payment made to, or on behalf of any City official or member of an official’s family, required by the City Clerk consistent with the purposes and provisions of this Chapter.

2.28.030 Semi-Annual Report. Each Lobbyist shall file a report disclosing any Lobbying of the City of El Monte with the City Clerk on a semi-annual basis on a form provided by the City Clerk and made available on the City Clerk’s webpage. The report shall be filed and received by the City Clerk on the last day of the semi-annual date and shall be posted on the City Clerk’s webpage. The report shall include information from section 2.28.020 (iii) through (v), including legislative or administrative actions the Lobbyist supported or opposed during the reporting period. The failure to file a semi-annual report with the required disclosures shall be a violation of this Chapter and a penalty fee may be assessed by the City Clerk, as set by resolution.

2.28.040 Appearance of Unregistered Lobbyist. If a Lobbyist who has not registered appears at a public meeting of any City legislative body in order to make a presentation on behalf of a client, the Lobbyist will be permitted to make the presentation upon stating the information required by Section 2.28.020 on the record. The Lobbyist shall be required to file the required registration form and pay the registration fee and any penalty fee as set by resolution, to the City Clerk within seven (7) days of such presentation.

2.28.050 Registration Fee. The City Council may by resolution establish a registration fee as set forth therein to defray the reasonable cost of regulating Lobbying activities in the City. Registration shall not be complete until the fee is paid.

2.28.060 Registration Time. Every lobbyist required to file a registration statement under this chapter shall register with the City Clerk no later than fifteen (15) days after being engaged as a lobbyist and shall renew the registration annually as required in Section 2.28.070.

2.28.070 Registration Duration. Registration shall be filed with the City Clerk on an annual basis between January 1st and January 31st of each year or upon initial employment if that occurs after the annual filing period. Should the registration be filed upon initial employment after the filing period, such registration shall be filed within fifteen (15) days of such initial employment. Registration shall be valid for one (1) year.

2.28.080 Registration Amendment. If any change occurs concerning any of the information required by Section 2.28.020 or Section 2.28.030, the lobbyist shall file an amendment reflecting the change within fifteen (15) days of the change.

2.28.090 Notice of Termination. Lobbyist may file a notice of termination with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) days after ceasing all activity which required registration.

2.28.100 Exemptions. The provisions of Chapter 2.28 shall not apply to:

A. Any public official acting in his or her official capacity, and any government employee acting within the scope of his or her employment;

B. Any newspaper or other regularly published periodical, radio or television station (including any individual who owns, publishes, or is employed by any such newspaper or periodical, radio or television station) which in the ordinary course of business publishes news items, editorial or other comments, or paid advertisements, which directly or indirectly urge action upon municipal legislation;

C. A person when representing a bona fide church or religious society solely for the purpose of protecting the public’s right to practice the doctrine of such church or society;

A person when representing a not-for-profit charitable, religious, civic, patriotic or community service organization, granted tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, unless such person is lobbying for a specific project, issue or person for which the organization has received compensation or a contribution to lobby for or against a specific project, issue or person; or

D. A person invited by the City Council or any of its committees, or by any board or commission, or any committee of a board or commission, or by any officer or employee of the City charged by law with the duty of conducting a hearing and making a decision as to a pending or proposed matter, for the purpose of giving testimony to aid the body or person extending the invitation.

2.28.110 Prohibited act. It is unlawful for any person or entity to act as a lobbyist in the City without having registered in compliance with this chapter, or knowingly to employ a person or entity to serve as a lobbyist when such person is not registered pursuant to this chapter.

2.28.120 Gift prohibitions. No lobbyist shall make to a City official and no City official shall knowingly receive from a registered lobbyist a gift or gifts aggregating more than fifty ($50) dollars in any calendar month. No lobbyist shall act as an agent or intermediary in the making of any such gift or arrange for the making of any such gift by any other person.

2.28.130 Notice of registration required. The City Clerk shall issue a “notice of registration required” upon the written request of 1) the City Council or any of its members, 2) any board or commission pursuant to a majority vote of its total membership, or 3) any officer or employee of the City charged by law with conducting a hearing and making a decision on a matter pending or proposed. Any person who in good faith and on reasonable grounds believes that he or she is not required to comply with the provision of section 2.28.020 or section 2.28.030 by reason of his or her being exempt under section 2.28.100 or section 2.28.110 shall not be deemed to have violated the provisions of 2.28.020 if, within thirty (30) days after notice from the City Clerk, he or she either complies with this section or furnishes satisfactory evidence to the City Clerk that he or she is exempt from registration.

2.28.140 Enforcement.

A. Administrative Enforcement. The provisions of this chapter may also be prosecuted as an infraction and enforced through the issuance of administrative citations and the imposition of administrative fines in such amounts as set forth under Section 1.18.040 and Section 1.18.050 of the

ORDINANCE NO. 3023

CODE AMENDMENT NO. 810, NO. 811 AND NO. 812 AND SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 02-23 AND ZONING MAP NO. 1

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MONTE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CODE AMENDMENTS TO REPEAL AND REPLACE IN ITS ENTIRETY TITLE 16 (SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE) AND UPDATE TITLES 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS), 5 (BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS), 8 (HEALTH AND SAFETY), 10 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC), 12 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES), 14 (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT) AND 17 (ZONING) OF THE EL MONTE MUNICIPAL CODE (EMMC); APPROVING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT TO UPDATE THE GATEWAY (SP-1), MOUNTAIN VIEW (SP2), DOWNTOWN MAIN STREET (SP-4) AND ESPERANZA VILLAGE (SP-5) SPECIFIC PLANS; AND APPROVING THE OFFICIAL CITY OF EL MONTE ZONING MAP

A SUMMARY OF THE ORDINANCE contents is provided below:

CODE AMENDMENT NO. 810

Completed a comprehensive update to Title 16 (Subdivision) of the El Monte Municipal Code.

Division 1 – General

Includes Sections on applicability; review authorities; applicant responsibilities; subdivision permits and actions; project with multiple applications or actions; ability to appeal; application resubmittals; inactive applications; rules and measurements; procedures for interpretations; and fees.

Division 2 – Maps and Procedures

Identifies the types of Subdivision Maps covered in the Subdivision Ordinance. This includes Chapters 16.20 (Maps Required); 16.21 (Tentative Maps); 16.22 (Vesting Tentative Maps); 16.23 (Final Maps and Parcel Maps); Chapter 16.24 (Adjustments, Mergers and Reversions); 16.25 (Urban Lot Splits); 16.26 (Certificates of Compliance); and 16.27 (Condominium Conversions).

Division 3 – Design Standards and Other Requirements

Outlines the design standards and requirements when establishing new parcels. This includes Chapters 16.30 (Design Standards); 16.32 (Dedications and Reservations); 16.34 (Subdivision Improvement Requirements); 16.36 (Subdivision Improvements Security); and 16.38 (Surveys and Monuments).

Division 4 – Definitions

Includes Chapter 16.40 (Definitions) to define key terms used in the Subdivision Ordinance.

CODE AMENDMENT NO. 811

Staff completed an annual update to Title 17 (Zoning Code) of the EMMC. This includes minor changes (e.g. correcting any errors, adding clarifying language, etc.) and more significant changes (revising some development standards, adding new Chapters and Sections for new uses, etc.).

Division A – Matrix of Uses

Includes adding the following new uses: affordable housing in commercial areas; corridor housing; religious institutions housing; temporary uses; commercial manufacturing; and vehicle parking (as a commercial use).

Division 1 – Introduction

• Clarifies the language on transferring lot coverage, floor area ratio (FAR) and residential density from one property to another.

• Adds language on the ability to expand nonconforming residential uses in single-family, multiple-family, commercial and manufacturing zoning districts. Added language on parking and open space requirements.

Division 2 – Residential Zoning Districts and Overlays

• Revises the maximum FAR for single-family properties.

• Revises the building separation requirements for multiple-family zoning districts.

• Adds new qualifying enhancements to receive an FAR bonus in multiple-family zoning districts.

• Requires recreational amenities for projects with 20 or more units in multiple-family zoning districts.

Division 3 – Mixed/Multiuse Zoning District

Expands the list qualifying recreational amenities to include barbeque with seating/picnic area, designated dog run or play area, horseshoes or cornholes and pickle ball courts.

Division 4 – Commercial and Manufacturing Zoning Districts

• Adds a new table outlining residential development standards for commercial zoning districts.

• Moves the Residential Mobilehome Park (RMP) zoning district to Chapter 17.24.

Division 5 – Performance Standards No significant changes.

Division 6 – General Development Standards

Allows wall heights up to eight (8) feet in commercial zoning districts and fully updates wall standards when there is a grade separation.

Division 7 – Parking and Landscaping Regulations

• Increases the parking requirements for manufacturing uses.

• Adds language to comply with recent state legislation, which eliminates parking minimums for projects within one-half (½) miles of a Major Transit Stop (MTS).

• Fully updates recreational vehicle (RV) parking requirements.

• Adds a new Subsection for the installation and maintenance of artificial turf.

Division 8 – Signage and Billboard Regulations

Adds a new Section allowing the creation of Special Sign Districts for multiple parcels that may be reasonably grouped together. De velopment standards for the signs would be incorporated within the Special Sign District Ordinance.

Division 9 – Wireless Regulations No significant changes.

Division 10 – Affordable Housing

• Adds a new Chapter for an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance outlining applicability, exemptions, affordable housing unit require ments, alternative forms of compliance, development standards for the affordable units, Inclusionary Housing Agreement require ments, incentives to construct affordable units on-site and the In clusionary Housing Trust Fund.

• Adds a new Chapter for Affordable Housing in Commercial Ar eas to comply with recent State legislation.

Division 11 – Regulations Applicable for Specific Uses

• Reviews the Sections on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Urban Dwellings for compliance with recent State legislation.

• Adds a new Section for Corridor Housing to comply with recent

State legislation.

• Adds new Section for Religious Institutions Housing.

• Relocates Urban Lot Splits to Title 16 (Subdivision).

Division 12 – Applications and Permits

• Updates the Zoning Clearance Chapter and replaced Administrative Permits with Director Level Zoning Clearances.

• Adds a new Section outlining requirements for Business Occupancy Permits.

• Adds a new Chapter for Temporary Use Permits.

• Increases the length of approval for most entitlements from one (1) year to two (2) years.

Division 13 – Specific Plans

• Adds new Chapters for the Mountain View and Esperanza Village Specific Plans.

• Adds façade remodels as another type of private improvements that may qualify for Development Opportunity Reserve (DOR) credits in the Downtown Main Street Specific Plan.

Division 14 – Comprehensive Design Guidelines

No significant changes.

Division 15 – Definitions

Adds definitions for all new land uses.

CODE AMENDMENT NO. 812

Minor updates to Titles 1 (General Provisions), 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations), 8 (Health and Safety), 10 (Vehicles and Traffic), 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) and 14 (Sustainable Development) of the EMMC.

SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 02-23

Minor updates to the Gateway (SP-1) and Downtown Main Street (SP-4) to remain consistent with updates made to Division 13 of Title 17.

ZONING MAP NO. 1

Consolidated the City’s Zoning Map, Specific Plan Maps and Overlay Zones into one official City of El Monte Zoning Map. Zoning boundaries did not change. However, some adjustments were made to the boundaries of the Billboard Overlay Zone.

THE CITY COUNCIL INTRODUCED THE ORDINANCE on April 18, 2023 at a noticed public hearing for public posting with the following vote:

AYES: Mayor Ancona, Mayor Pro Tem Herrera, Councilmembers Cortez, Martinez Muela, Puente, Rojo and Ruedas

NOES: None

ABSTAINS: None

ABSENT: None

A copy of the full text/graphics of the Ordinance is available at the following:

• Hard Copy: Visit the office of the City Clerk at El Monte City Hall; 11333 Valley Boulevard; El Monte, California, 91731; Monday through Thursday, except legal holidays, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM;

• City Website: o Code Amendment No. 810: https://www.elmonteca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6002/A---Subdivision-Ordinance o Code Amendment No. 811: https://www.elmonteca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6040 o Code Amendment No. 812: https://www.elmonteca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6000/C---Other-Titles