J A N U A RY 2 0 2 4
SOUTH EL MONTE BR ING ING NEWS, PE OPLE AN D E VE N T S T O THE CITY OF S O U T H E L MO N T E
NEWS
IN THIS ISSUE ELECTION
PG. 3
YARD SALES
PG. 5
WASTE & RECYCLING LAWS
PG. 6
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
PG. 10
THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE WISHES YOU A
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE EMBRACES THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
One of the hallmark events of the Christmas season in South El Monte is the exciting Tree Lighting Ceremony. At the heart of the event stood a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with a symphony of twinkling lights and festive ornaments. Located in front of city hall, the tree became the focal point of the City’s holiday décor. The festivities extended beyond the tree lighting itself. The event featured live performances by local cheer teams, school bands and dance groups. Information booths lined the street, offering seasonal delights, crafts and a special visit by Santa.
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City of South El Monte 1415 Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733
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PERMIT #87 EL MONTE EDDM ECRWSS
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As the holiday season descended upon us, the City of South El Monte transformed into a magical wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The City’s Christmas events were set to captivate residents and visitors alike, offering a delightful array of activities that celebrated the spirit of the season. From holiday light displays to lively toy giveaways and cheerful performances, the City of South El Monte was poised to deliver a memorable and joyous Christmas experience for all.
Christmas is a time for giving and the City of South El Monte embraced the spirit of generosity through its Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway event. Each year through the generous donations from South El Monte businesses and organizations, the City of South El Monte spreads holiday cheer to over 800 children with toys and a joyous memorable event. The South El Monte Community Center was transformed into a festive winter wonderland, where children and their families enjoyed delicious food, toys, raffle prizes, interactive activities, including a snow play area, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. No Christmas celebration is complete without the grand arrival of Santa Claus and the City of South El Monte ensured that this tradition was a highlight of its festivities. Families gathered in anticipation as Santa arrived in the city on a magically decorated sleigh parading along city streets. Children had the chance to meet Santa and take pictures with him as he passed through South El Monte neighborhoods. In South El Monte, Christmas is not merely a holiday; it is a magical experience that brings the community together in celebration, reflection, and goodwill. From the bright light displays to exciting community events, the city’s Christmas festivities create an enchanting tapestry of traditions that resonate with the spirit of the season.
02 SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
All city facilities will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
SOUTH EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS MAYOR PRO TEM RICHARD ANGEL COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA COUNCILMEMBER RUDY BOJORQUEZ COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO
Street sweeping and trash collection services will be operating its regular schedule.
CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Regular meetings start at 6 p.m. Questions or Assistance For additional information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 579-6540 ext. 3280.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
JANUARY 9 & JANUARY 23 To view Agendas or Agenda packets use the side QR Code, scroll down to the current and upcoming events section.
Certificates of Recognition presented to the South El Monte Jets Jr. Pee Wee Football League for winning the Baseline League Championships, along with receiving the Team Sportsmanship Award.
CITY MANAGER RENE SALAS CITY CLERK DONNA G. SCHWARTZ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR GUILLERMO ARREOLA COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR ARIANA DE LA CRUZ FINANCE DIRECTOR MASAMI HIGA
Presentation of Plaques to Megellan Value Partners, Vacco Industries, Mayans Development, Office of Supervisor Hilda Solis, Office of Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, and Pastor Charlie Corum of South El Monte Community Outreach for their participation and donation of turkeys to the South El Monte Community Alliance Turkey Basket Giveaway.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR JOHN POEHLER
CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN/GIRLS Meets Quarterly / Upcoming Meeting January 17 COMMUNITY SERVICES - Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. PATRIOTIC - Meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Presentation of a Plaque to the City of South El Monte’s Finance Department for receiving the “2022 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). (LEFT) Certificate of Recognition presented to Fuego Restaurant for being selected as one of the Highest-Rated, Best-Reviewed, and Beloved Businesses on Yelp. (RIGHT)
PLANNING - Meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Agenda and Meeting Minutes are available on the City’s website at cityofsouthelmonte.org
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CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS
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AT CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG
Certificates of Recognition presented to the winners of the LA County Library’s “44th Annual Bookmark Contest”.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE 1415 SANTA ANITA AVENUE SOUTH EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA 91733 (626) 579-6540
03
CITY HALL
1415 SANTA ANITA AVENUE • (626) 579-6540 MONDAY - THURSDAY • 7:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. FRIDAY - SUNDAY • CLOSED CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS
March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election
Administration City Clerk Human Resources Finance Building & Safety Housing Community Development Planning Economic Development Code Enforcement Public Works/Engineering Parking Enforcement
The City of South El Month together with the Los Angeles County Elections Division will be hosting a 4-day Vote Center for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election.
CITY YARD
Upcoming Elections
4-Day Vote Center Schedule Location: Community Center, 1530 Central Avenue, South El Monte, CA 91733 - Gymnasium.
1900 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 444-3158 MONDAY - THURSDAY • 7:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS
COMMUNITY CENTER
Days: March 2 to March 4 Times: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
1530 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 579-2043 MONDAY - FRIDAY • 1:00 P.M - 9:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS
Day: March 5 – Election Day Time: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
SENIOR CENTER
November 4, 2024, General Election Location: Community Center, 1530 Central Avenue, South El Monte, CA 91733 - Gymnasium. Days: November 2 to November 4 Times: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
1556 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 448-0131 MONDAY - FRIDAY • 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS
SHERIFF’S TEMPLE STATION
Day: November 5 – Election Day Time: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
8838 LAS TUNAS DR., TEMPLE CITY, CA 91780 (626) 285-7171 • LASD.ORG/TEMPLE 911 FOR LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES OR IN-PROGRESS CRIMES
For more information visit: www.lavote.gov
HOMELESS RESOURCES LAHSA
(LOS ANGELES HOMELESS SERVICES AUTHORITY)
IMPORTANT NUMBERS ANIMAL CONTROL (SEAACA)
(562) 803-3301
ANONYMOUS NARCOTICS TIP LINE
(626) 292-3375
BUSINESS LICENSES
(626) 332-5797
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
(626) 443-0180
GREATER EL MONTE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
(626) 579-7777
HOUSING RIGHTS HOTLINE
(800) 477-5977
LA COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
(626) 258-6001
LA COUNTY SOCIAL PROGRAMS
211
LA COUNTY WHITTIER NARROWS
(626) 575-5526
LIBRARY (626) 443-4158 POST OFFICE (800) 275-8777 SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SERVICE CENTER
(626) 575-5431
SUPERVISOR HILDA L. SOLIS OFFICE
(626) 350-4500
VECTOR CONTROL (562) 944-9656
UTILITY COMPANIES
ATHENS SERVICES (TRASH/STREET SWEEPING)
(888) 336-6100
EDISON (800) 655-4555 GAS COMPANY (800) 427-2000 SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER COMPANY (626) 448-6183 SPECTRUM (888) 369-2808
MAKE A HOMELESS OUTREACH REQUEST AT LA-HOP.ORG OR DIAL 211
04 SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024 CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Parks & Recreation ANNOUNCES E T I S B E W S T I
LAUNCH!
SOUTH EL MONTE 2024 HOMELESS COUNT SAVE THE DATE TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 | 8:00 PM SOUTH EL MONTE SENIOR CENTER 1556 CENTRAL AVE. SOUTH EL MONTE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SIGN UP TODAY TO VOLUNTEER AT theycountwillyou.org/south_el_monte
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
https://bit.ly/3PEn7Pr
Experience the new Parks & Recreation website, your destination for all recreation services like Seasonal Camps Sport Leagues Leisure Classes
After School Programs Facility Reservations
Community Event Information And Much More!
OWNER-OCCUPIED HOME REHABILITATION PROGRAM
This program helps homeowners by providing financial assistance to correct or rehabilitate health and safety and/or code violations.
PROGRAM FEATURES Financial Assistance to property owners who meet income limit requirements.
SEM_PARKSANDREC
30-year deferred payment mortgage loan. Must be a South El Monte resident.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL REC@SOELMONTE.ORG OR CALL 626-579-2043.
For more information on the program please email homrepair@soelmonte.org or call 626-652-6800.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
2024 YARD SALE DATES The City of South El Monte allows yard sales citywide in Residential Zones on the first Saturday of every month with a permit. Residents may obtain their FREE yard permit: Online: visit cityofsouthelmonte.org/345/Yard-Sales City Hall: 1415 Santa Anita Avenue, Monday - Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Proof of residency (i.e., electric, water, or gas bill) is required for permit.
Upcoming Yard Sale Dates for 2024 January 6 February 3 March 2 April 6
May 4 June 1 July 6 August 3
September 7 October 5 November 2 December 7
For additional information, email customercare@soelmonte.org or call (626) 579-6540.
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The Los Angeles County Library is excited to announce its new and improved mobile app! It is available in the App Store and Google Play and will make your use of the library seamless and convenient. For more information, visit the South El Monte Library!
06 SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
CALIFORNIA WASTE AND RECYCLING LAWS Athens Services is here to help you navigate through these state mandates and ensure you have compliant waste and recycling programs. In your city, Athens collects recyclables, organics, and trash in three separate containers.
SB 1383 (2016) SHORT LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANT REDUCTION SB 1383 targets the reduction of methane emissions from landfills. The law establishes targets to achieve a 75% reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organics waste from the 2014 level by 2025. It also requires that at least 20% of currently disposed edible food be recovered for human consumption statewide by 2025. Who & When Must Customers Comply? Beginning January 1, 2022, all businesses, multi-family complexes, and single-family home residents are required to subscribe to an organics collection service and must separate into their green organics container ALL of their green waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper (100% fiber-based). How Do I Comply? SB 1383 requires businesses to arrange for recycling and organics waste recycling services. Please contact the Athens Customer Care Center at (888) 336-6100 to schedule a FREE organics recycling assessment. In addition, Edible Food Generators (considered Tier 1 and Tier 2) must recover the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed of, arrange for food donation and collection through contracts or written agreements with food recovery organizations or services, and maintain food donation records. For more information, please visit AthensServices.com/FoodDonation. TIER 1 BUSINESSES (Effective January 1, 2022) • Food distributors • Wholesale food vendors • Food service providers • Grocery stores and supermarkets (10,000 square feet or greater)
TIER 2 BUSINESSES (Effective January 1, 2024) • Hotels with at least 200 rooms and an on-site food facility • Restaurant facilities (5,000 square feet or larger, or seating more than 250) • Local education agencies with an on-site food facility • Healthcare facilities with an on-site food facility and 100+ beds • Large venues (including shopping centers and malls) and events with 2,000+ daily visitors
ACCEPTABLE ORGANICS WASTE:
GREEN WASTE
FOOD SCRAPS
100% FIBER-BASED, FOOD-SOILED PAPER*
Flower & hedge trimmings Grass clippings Leaves & branches Lumber, scrap wood, & plywood (not painted or treated) Weeds
Bread, rice, & pasta Cheese & dairy Coffee grounds & filters Fruits & vegetables Flowers & herbs Meat, bones, & poultry Pet food (non-medicated) Seafood & soft shells
Food-stained paper Paper egg cartons Paper napkins & kitchen towels Pizza boxes Plates To-go boxes (no coating) Wooden & fiber-based utensils *Must be 100% fiber-based. NO materials with bio-plastic, wax, or petroleum-based plastic coating, liner, or laminate.
Updated March 2023
AthensServices.com
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
07
AB 1826 (2014) MANDATORY COMMERCIAL ORGANICS RECYCLING This bill requires businesses and multifamily buildings (of 5 or more units) that generate 2 cubic yards or more of solid waste per week to arrange for organics recycling services. As of January 1, 2022, all businesses are required to follow the SB 1383 regulations. Athens’ composting program is an integral part of the recycling loop. By processing local organics waste, we can create nutrient rich, soil amendment that can be reused in the communities we serve. WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR ORGANICS Athens recycles organics waste at our American Organics composting facility. Through composting and mulching, Athens helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by limiting the amount of methane gas generated from the decomposition of organics in a landfill.
AB 341 (2011) MANDATORY COMMERCIAL RECYCLING To further California’s recycling efforts, AB 341 established a statewide recycling goal of 75% by 2020. This law requires California commercial or public entities that generate four or more cubic yards of solid waste per week, and multifamily dwellings of five or more units, to arrange for recycling services. As of January 1, 2022, all businesses and multifamily dwellings (of all sizes) are required to follow the SB 1383 regulations. How Do I Comply? • If your business participates in Athens’ recycling service, you are in compliance. • If you do not currently have recycling services, please contact the Athens Customer Care Center at (888) 336-6100 to schedule a FREE assessment.
AB 827 (2019) COMMERCIAL AND ORGANICS WASTE: RECYCLING BINS Businesses subject to AB 341 and AB 1826 must provide customers (on or before July 1, 2020) front-of-house access to collection bins for recycling and organics (including food scraps) alongside trash. All three bins must be grouped together, easily accessible and visible, clearly marked with signage on what “can or cannot be placed into each bin,” and properly serviced for recycling and composting. All commercial food service establishments that provide food for purchase and immediate consumption on site must comply with AB 827. “Full-service restaurants” are exempt as long as they provide organics and recycling bins in the back of house for their employees. Full-service restaurants are defined as those where all the following are true: • Customers are escorted or assigned to an assigned eating area. • Customers’ food and beverage orders are taken after being seated. • The food and beverage orders as well as any other requested items are delivered directly to the customers. • The check is delivered directly to the customer at the assigned eating area.
AB 619 (2019) BRING-YOUR-OWN REUSABLE FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS This law explicitly allows reusable food containers to be refilled by either the owner/operator of a food facility or the consumer. Consumers may supply their own reusable containers. Facilities may accept returned containers from consumers for reuse. The bill also allows Temporary Food Facilities to use multiuse utensils when approved by the local enforcement agency. This law allows consumers to bring reusable containers to a food facility to be filled by an employee or the customer, provided certain conditions are met pursuant to the law. AB 619 does not enforce the use of reusables.
AthensServices.com
08 SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
PARKS & RECREATION DIVISION The Parks and Recreation Division enriches the quality of lives for our community through the variety of events and programs they provide.
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY CENTER 1530 CENTRAL AVE. • (626) 579-2043 MONDAY-FRIDAY • 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS
• ADULT SPORTS • AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS • PARK & FACILITY RENTALS • SEASONAL DAY CAMPS
Li tt le M r. an d M is s So ut h El M on te
BABY PAGEANT
• SPECIAL EVENTS • YOUTH & RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS *Programs, events, and fees are subject to change.
CONNECT WITH US SEM_PARKSANDREC
SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS
Saturday, March 16, 2023 South El Monte Community Center 1530 Central Ave. South El Monte Check-in Time at 10:00 AM
Age Divisions
Pageant begins at 11:00 AM
Registration Information
NOTIFY ME AT
CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG
REGISTER FOR PARKS & RECREATION ONLINE
Register online at https://bit.ly/3PEn7Pr or scan the QR Code. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL REC@SOELMONTE.ORG OR CALL 626-579-2043.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
09
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
BOYS & GIRLS
4-6
YEARS OLD
T-Ball is a non-competitive program focused on fun, fitness, and fundamentals where players ages 4-6 are first introduced to the basics of baseball. REGISTRATION INFORMATION RESIDENTS: JANUARY 8, 2024 - FEBRUARY 9, 2024; FEE: $60 (SIBLING DISCOUNT AVAILABLE) NON-RESIDENTS: JANUARY 22, 2024 - FEBRUARY 9, 2024; FEE: $90 PER CHILD *MUST BRING PROOF OF CHILD’S AGE TO REGISTER. REGISTER AT THE SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY CENTER 1530 CENTRAL AVE. MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 1:00 PM - 8:30 PM. REGISTER ONLINE AT HTTPS://BIT.LY/3PEN7PR OR SCAN THE QR CODE
COACHES WANTED VOLUNTEER COACHES MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION & PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL REC@SOELMONTE.ORG REGISTRATION SPACE IS LIMITED AND WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. *SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION. SEM_PARKSANDREC
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 626-579-2043.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 626-579-2043
10 SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
SENIOR SERVICES DIVISION SENIOR CENTER
1556 CENTRAL AVE. • (626) 448-0131 MONDAY-FRIDAY • 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS • NUTRITION PROGRAM (60+) • TRANSPORTATION SERVICES • SOCIAL/EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS • HEALTH/WELLNESS PROGRAMS • EXCURSIONS *Programs, events, and fees are subject to change.
SCAN QR CODE FOR SENIOR SERVICES WEBPAGE
Congratulations to the Harvest Baking Contest winners: Rose Jayme (1st place), Maria Murillo ( 2nd place), and Raquel Para (3rd place).
SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS
NOTIFY ME AT
CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG
CHAIR
CLUB MEETINGS & CASH BINGO 3L CLUB • JAN.: 2, 4, 16, 18 12:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Get your heart racing and join us for a Zumba session with a laid-back approach to moderation.
Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the Month From 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
CLUB LATINO • JAN.: 9, 11, 23, 25 12:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
For more information, call (626) 448-0131.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2024
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE SENIOR SERVICES Division
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C IT Y O F S O UT H E L M O NT E S E N I O R S E R V IC E S D IV IS I O N
PUZZLE TIME! Engage Your Mind! Seniors, it's time to paddle up for some ping pong fun! Join us and discover the joy of staying active with a game that helps improve coordination and is easy on the joints.
eVERY mONDAY fROM 8:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Unlock the fun! Join us for an exhilarating challenge in our Puzzle Extravaganza.
Enjoy assembling a puzzle on your own Monday - Friday, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., at the Library Room for a relaxing and fulfilling puzzle-solving experience.
sIGN IN AT THE FRONT DESK. for more information, call 626-448-0131.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 626-448-0131.
FREE DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICES FOR SOUTH EL MONTE SENIOR RESIDENTS The City of South El Monte’s Dial-A-Ride provides curb-to-curb transportation services for residents who are 60+ years old or legally disabled (any age) to ensure they continue to live independently in our community. Riders can use the service to and from any location within the South El Monte City limits and up to 15 miles outside city limits for medical appointments only. Services are typically Monday through Friday (except major holidays), from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, however hours will vary depending on location. Pre-registration is required. Applicants must show proof of residency with a valid California ID. For a registration form, visit the South El Monte Senior Center or scan the QR code. Questions? For additional information, call the South El Monte Senior Center at (626) 448-0131.
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS