NOW HIRING
THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
• BOXING TRAINER
• CROSSING GUARD
• PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER
• RECREATION LEADER
• HUMAN RESOURCES/RISK MANANGER ( FULL -TIME )
• PERMIT TECHINICIAN (FULL- TIME)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE CITY’S WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG
• AQUATICS CASHIER/LOCKER ATTENDANT
• ASSISTANT POOL MANAGER
• LIFEGUARD
• POOL MANAGER
• WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR
SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS NOTIFY ME AT CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • FEBRUARY 2023 02
WITH US CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG
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
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
COMMUNITY CENTER 1530 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 579-2043 MONDAY – FRIDAY • 1:00 P.M – 9:00 P.M.
SENIOR
SHERIFF’S TEMPLE STATION
8838 LAS TUNAS DR., TEMPLE CITY, CA 91780 (626) 285-7171 • LASD.ORG/TEMPLE 911 FOR LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES OR IN-PROGRESS CRIMES
HOMELESS RESOURCES
LAHSA
(LOS ANGELES HOMELESS SERVICES AUTHORITY) MAKE A HOMELESS OUTREACH REQUEST AT LA-HOP.ORG
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • FEBRUARY 2023 03
Administration
Human Resources Finance Building & Safety Housing Community Development Planning Economic Development Code Enforcement Public Works/Engineering
Enforcement
City Clerk
Parking
P.M.
CITY YARD 1900 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 444-3158 MONDAY – THURSDAY • 7:00 A.M. – 4:00
CENTER 1556 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 448-0131 MONDAY – FRIDAY • 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
ANIMAL CONTROL (SEAACA) (562) 803-3301 ANONYMOUS NARCOTICS TIP LINE (626) 292-3375 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (626) 443-0180 HOUSING RIGHTS CENTER (800) 477-5977 SUPERVISOR HILDA L. SOLIS OFFICE (626) 350-4500 SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SERVICE CENTER (626) 575-5431 GREATER EL MONTE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (626) 579-7777 LIBRARY (626) 443-4158 LA COUNTY SOCIAL PROGRAMS 211 LA COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE (626) 258-6001 LA COUNTY WHITTIER NARROWS (626) 575-5526 POST OFFICE (800) 275-8777 VECTOR CONTROL (562) 944-9656 UTILITY COMPANIES EDISON (800) 655-4555 GAS COMPANY (800) 427-2000 SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER COMPANY (626) 448-6183 ATHENS SERVICES (TRASH/STREET SWEEPING) (888) 336-6100 SPECTRUM (888) 369-2808 Congratulations Maldonado Family • Best Overall Chavez Family • Most Animated Kametani Family • Most Holiday Spirit THE CITY COUNCIL PRESENTED PLAQUES TO THE 2022 HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS
WATER SMART WORKSHOPS BY THE UPPER DISTRICT
Upper District hosts a variety of workshops that offer useful tips and how-to information on water efficient topics such as sustainable landscaping, turf removal methods, DIY greywater home systems, and leak detection and repair. Classes are open to the public and are free of charge.
2023 SPRING LANDSCAPE CLASSES
• Resilient Alternatives to Removing Turf (Virtual)
02/07/2023 • 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Protecting Your Trees (Virtual)
02/23/2023 • 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Hugelkultr (Virtual)
03/09/2023 • 6:00 P.M. - 7:15 P.M.
• Outdoor Leak Detection (Virtual) 03/21/2023 • 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Gardening in the Shade (Virtual) 04/13/2023 • 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Birds, Bees, & Pollinators (Virtual) 04/25/2023 • 6:00 P.M. - 7:15 P.M.
• Where Your Water Comes From (In-Person)
05/16/2023 • 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Landscape Mythbusters (Virtual)
06/08/2023 • 6:00 P.M. - 7:15 P.M.
To sign up for any of the workshops or for additional information, visit upperdistrict.org/water-smart-workshops
STREET SWEEPING & TRASH COLLECTION SERVICES WILL OPERATE ON PRESIDENTS’ DAY HOLIDAY.
Although City Hall facilities will be closed in observance of holiday, please be advised that street sweeping and trash collection services will be operating on Monday, February 20,2023.
KEEP SOUTH EL MONTE CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL BULKY ITEMS PICK-UP
If an item is too large to fit in your trash container, it’s considered a bulky item. South El Monte residents can request three (3) FREE bulky item pickups each year. Schedule your bulky item pickup with Athens Services at (855) 557-1007 or online at athensservices.com/bulky-item-pickup.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY WIDE RESIDENTIAL CLEAN UP: MARCH 27-31
During the week of March 27-31, Athens Services will host a community wide residential clean up. Athens Services will pick up all bulky items placed on the curbside on your day of service. *Hazardous waste, tires, and paint will not be accepted.
QUESTIONS
For additional information, contact Athens Services at (888) 336-6100 or visit athensservices.com
HOW TO REPORT POTHOLES IN OUR COMMUNITY
The City of South El Monte Public Works Field Services Division oversees the routine maintenance of city streets, including potholes, crack sealing, and other defects on roadways caused by environmental factors such as rain and heat.
Due to recent winter storms, several streets throughout the City have been affected. The Field Services Division is working hard to repair problem areas and, as they may not locate each pothole, and they rely on the community members’ assistance to report these issues.
Residents are encouraged to report potholes found within the South El Monte city boundaries by:
• Using a smartphone or mobile device to submit a service request via the Access South El Monte App. To use, simply open the application, enter “Potholes”, click on the “Make Request” button, add a photo, enter location of pothole, and tab on “Submit Request” button. Our Field Services Division will be notified of the service request, along with the recorded GPS location and picture of the pothole. The FREE Access South El Monte App is available for download at the App Store and Google Play.
• Visiting the City website at cityofsouthelmonte.org and click on the Online Service Request link, located on the home page. Enter “Potholes”, click on “Make a Request for Potholes” button, provide the location, upload a picture, and click on the “Submit” button. The service request will be sent directly to the Field Services Division.
• Contacting the Field Services Division at (626) 579-6540 Ext. 3245 and provide a location of the potholes. Office hours for the Field Services Division are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Requests for pothole repairs will be quickly inspected and addressed as soon as possible.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • FEBRUARY 2023 04
The battle against crime is the combined efforts of police and citizens. Because police cannot be at all places, all times, your Sheriff’s Department is dependent on citizen cooperation in the fight against crime. Many crimes could be prevented if more citizens would be alert for suspicious activity and take appropriate measures to notify police.
When or why should I call?
If you observe suspicious activity, even though you may not be the only witness, take the initiative and call us. Do not rely on someone else to act – this may never happen. You could be the only caller, and police questioning the individuals seen lurking in or repeatedly traveling through areas often deters crimes. Many people fail to act because they are not sure if what they are observing is worth reporting or afraid of retaliation. When in doubt, call the Police immediately. Don’t lose precious time discussing the event with friends or neighbors first.
How Do I Report a Crime?
If you suspect that a crime is in progress, or is about to be committed, please dial 9-1-1. You need not give your name. However, if you want a police officer to contact you, give your name, address, and telephone number and tell the Dispatcher that you would like to meet with an officer.
What is suspicious activity?
• A stranger around your neighbor’s house or a strange vehicle parked near your neighbor’s home.
• The sound of breaking glass.
• Anyone peering into vehicles or removing tags, gasoline, or auto parts.
• An improperly parked car, or a parked car with someone in it who seems out of place.
• Someone carrying property such as TVs, stereos, or tools that can be used to break into homes.
• Apparent business transactions conducted from a vehicle or street corner.
A constant flow of strangers to and from a particular house on a regular basis, especially during late evening hours.
• Persons involved in a fight or an explosion or scream.
• Door-to-door solicitations or any stranger knocking on doors (burglars sometimes knock at the door first to see if anyone is at home).
• Recurring appearances of a strange vehicle in the neighborhood.
• Persons standing around, possibly acting as lookouts.
Burglar in your home?
If you return home and believe that someone may have broken in while you were away:
• Leave immediately! Do not enter your home!
• Go to a neighbor’s house or some other location and dial the emergency number for the police, 9-1-1.
• Wait for the police; do not return to your home until officers have checked it.
Call Prioritization
To ensure a rapid response when you need it, law enforcement agencies have a call priority system. High priority calls consist of situations where lives may be endangered, in progress crimes, or those recently committed where there is a chance of apprehending a suspect. As the call taker is asking questions, the information is being made available to the dispatchers for relay to the deputy sheriff on the street. It is important to continue talking with the dispatcher, answering questions and providing additional information as accurately as possible.
Hang-ups
When 9-1-1 is dialed and the calling party hangs up, an officer is sent to the address. With the 9-1-1 system used in Los Angeles County, the address of the telephone from where the call is being made appears on the dispatcher’s computer terminal. Please ensure that children do not play with your telephone. Lower priority calls consist of reports of property crimes that occurred some time ago and suspects have left the scene. These calls are dispatched based on available units and may take a little longer.
Reasons People Give for Not Reporting Suspected Criminal Activity:
Reason: It’s none of my business
Fact: You may be the next victim.
Reason: Someone else may be reporting it.
Consider: Maybe not.
Reason: The police are too busy.
Consider: Calls of in-progress crimes or suspicious activity are always important.
Reason: That noise may not be anything.
Consider: If so, why did it attract your attention?
Reason: That unknown person may be visiting the neighbors.
Consider: Maybe not. It’s best to be certain.
Reason: That strange car may just be lost.
Consider: There may be a crime about to occur.
Reason: The stranger at your door seems friendly, he or she was just lost.
Consider: This is how some burglars determine if anyone is home.
Reason: I could be wrong, and there is no crime occurring.
Consider: Maybe not. But then again, no harm is done by investigating it.
Reason: The criminals might retaliate if I report them.
Consider: Though this could occur, experience indicates this happens in extremely rare cases.
Reason: I do not care what happens off my property.
Consider: Apathy breeds crime. You could be next.
Reason: It is the Sheriff’s job, not mine.
Consider: The police depend on residents to be the “eyes and ears” on the street.
Reason: I am the victim and do not want to report it because it was just a minor theft.
Consider: It could be part of a developing pattern and the police need to know about it.
How to call the Temple Sheriff’s Station:
1. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies, or (626) 285-7171 for non-emergencies or to ask questions.
2. Quickly describe why you are calling. We will ask a lot of questions!
3. Give your name, address, and phone number, if you so desire.
4. Give detailed suspect or vehicle description and last known location or direction of travel.
5. Stay calm. Remain on the phone to give any additional information.
6. When in doubt, call 9-1-1.
7. Call from a LANDLINE if possible – Cell phone calls are routed based on cell tower location. Calls near freeways go to CHP; calls near jurisdiction boundaries go to local agency.
8. If you call from a cell phone and get the wrong agency they can transfer quickly. In this jurisdiction, you may call us directly at (626) 285-7171.
9. It is not recommended to call fire stations directly. They might not be there!
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • FEBRUARY 2023 05
Public Safety is everybody’s business!
“WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE SHERIFF’S STATION?” A GUIDE FOR RESIDENTS
SOUTH EL MONTE LIBRARY
1430 N. CENTRAL AVE, SOUTH EL MONTE PHONE: (626) 443-4158
LIBRARY HOURS
Monday Closed
Tuesday 12 pm - 8 pm
Wednesday 12 pm - 8 pm
Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Friday 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday Closed
LIBRARY SERVICES
• Photocopier
• In person and telephone research assistance
• Metro TAP Cards
• Children’s Services
(Online Homework Help, Self-Service Homework Center, Early Learning and Engagement)
• Teen Services
• Online Services
For a complete list of services available at the South El Monte library, visit lacountylibrary.org/south-el-monte-library
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SOUTH EL MONTE LIBRARY BOOKMARK CONTEST WINNERS!
Nadia Pretzantzin: 2nd Grade - New Temple Elementary
George Benitez: 4th Grade - Monte Vista Elementary
Leonardo Daniel Moreno Rodríguez: 8th Grade - Monte Vista Elementary
Joahna Merino: 10th Grade - South El Monte High School
NEW TEMPLE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS PERFORM
MANDARIN SONGS FOR CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE’S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
The City of South El Monte and students at New Temple Elementary School came together to celebrate the Lunar New Year at a special luncheon held at the South El Monte Community Center on January 19, 2023. The event featured a musical performance by students from Valle Lindo School District’s Dual Immersion Mandarin Program.
Kindergarten and first grade students, dressed in red shirts celebrating the Year of the Rabbit danced and sang to popular Mandarin songs, delighting the audience. The students’ enthusiasm and energy were contagious, and the crowd couldn’t help but clap along and join in the celebration.
The Lunar New Year is a significant holiday in Chinese culture and marks the start of a new year on the lunar calendar. It is a time for families and friends to gather, enjoy delicious food, and exchange gifts. The City of South El Monte’s event provided an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate Chinese culture and tradition.
The event also showcased Valle Lindo School District’s Dual Immersion Mandarin program, which provides students with the opportunity to learn the Mandarin language and culture. The program aims to promote cultural understanding and bilingualism.
One of the audience members shared, “I am so happy to see the community coming together to celebrate the Lunar New Year. It’s important to keep our tradition alive and to pass it on to the next generation. The performances by the students were so lovely, and it’s great to see the young ones learning about the importance of celebrating all cultures.” The Lunar New Year celebration was a resounding success, bringing people together to celebrate, learn and appreciate the rich culture of China.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • FEBRUARY 2023 06
Content Warning:
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • FEBRUARY 2023 07 S A T U R D A Y | F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 3 C H E C K I N 1 0 : 3 0 A M E V E N T S T A R T T I M E 1 1 : 3 0 A M S O U T H E L M O N T E S E N I O R C E N T E R 1 5 5 6 C E N T R A L A V E N U E D I S C U S S I O N S O N : M E N T A L H E A L T H | D O M E S T I C V I O L E N C E | H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S | R E S O U R C E S R E C O M M E N D E D F O R A G E S 1 3 & O V E R R E C O M M E N D E D F O R A G E S 1 3 & O V E R R S V P / R E G I S T E R W I T H P A O L A L A R A A T : R S V P / R E G I S T E R W I T H P A O L A L A R A A T : P L A R A @ S O E L M O N T E . O R G | 6 2 6 - 6 5 2 - 3 1 2 1 P L A R A @ S O E L M O N T E . O R G | 6 2 6 - 6 5 2 - 3 1 2 1 R E G I S T E R B Y F E B R U A R Y 1 5 T H , 2 0 2 3 R E G I S T E R B Y F E B R U A R Y 1 5 T H , 2 0 2 3
and/or
Mental Health & Domestic Abuse
as triggers.
there are resources to support you.
The following workshops may contain triggering
sensitive material/discussions on
that may act
Please know
