South El Monte News - April 2023

BRINGING NEWS, PEOPLE AND EVENTS TO THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE

IN THIS ISSUE

RECYCLING

PG. 4

PARTIES PG. 5 SPRING BREAK DAY CAMP PG. 6 SENIOR

PG. 10

CITY AWARDED $1 MILLION HUD GRANT FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

The City of South El Monte has been awarded a $1 million grant from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds will be utilized for the City’s Owner-Occupied Home Repair Loan Program.

The City provides eligible South El Monte homeowners financial assistance for home improvements with 0% interest and no monthly payments home repair loans. The 30-year deferred loan is repayable upon the sale or transfer of the home, when the home ceases to be owner occupied, or upon the loan maturity date, whichever occurs first. Residents may receive up to a $40,000 loan.

The program is designed to enable homeowners to do much needed home repairs, maintenance, and address safety risks, increase accessibility and improve their quality of life.

Eligible home repair improvements include heating and air conditioning replacements, plumbing/electrical upgrades, roofing, accessibility enhancements and other improvements.

To qualify, applicants must own and occupy the unit as their primary place of residence. Additionally, applications must meet the household income limits set by HUD.

South El Monte residents who are interested in the program, please call (626) 652-6800 or email homerepair@soelmonte.org for additional information.

BREAKFAST

SOUTH EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS

MAYOR PRO TEM RICHARD ANGEL

COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA

COUNCILMEMBER RUDY BOJORQUEZ

COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO

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

APRIL 11 & 25

To view Agendas or Agenda packets use the side QR Code, scroll down to the current and upcoming events section.

CITY MANAGER

RENE SALAS

CITY CLERK

DONNA G. SCHWARTZ

FINANCE DIRECTOR

MASAMI HIGA

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

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.

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

CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

Certificates of Recognition were presented to the South El Monte High School Lady Eagles Girls Wrestling Team for being chosen Team of the Month by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and the Army National Guard for their academic excellence and community service.

Certificate of Recognition was presented to South El Monte High School Student and Lady Eagles Wrestler Daisy Ayala for her performance at this year’s 2023 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Wrestling Meet.

The City Council Proclaimed the month of March 2023 as American Red Cross Month.

THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

Katherine Ariza, Daisy Ayala, Joselyn Ayala, Berenice Benitez, Amber Diaz, Jayleen Faustino Lopez, Ashley Garcia, Ruby Gonzalez Garcia, Jennifer Jimenez,  Galilea Medina,  Amanda Medina, Evelyn Montes, Andrea Trejo Carmona, Aaliyah Castaneda and Bianca Zamora.

Daisy Ayala

American Red Cross Month

RECYCLING SERVICES AT THE CITY YARD

South El Monte residents may recycle their Electronic Waste (E-Waste) and Used Motor Oil and Filters free of charge at the City of South El Monte Public Works Maintenance Yard, located at 1900 Central Avenue.

This service is only available to South El Monte residents, proof of residency is required. Business waste is not accepted. An appointment must be scheduled. To schedule your appointment to drop off items for recycling or for additional information, please contact Brianna Badar at (626) 579-6540 ext. 3245 or via email at bbadar@soelmonte.org.

Items Accepted

E-Waste items accepted include:

• Alarm clocks

• Cell phones • Computers • Electronic games • Fax machines • Hair dryers

GRAFFITI REMOVAL

The City of South El Monte Public Works Field Services Division oversees the Graffiti Abatement Program. The goal is to keep our community clean, safe, and an attractive place to live, work, and visit. One way of maintaining the City’s attractiveness is by promptly removing graffiti from our community. This keeps our neighborhoods aesthetically pleasing and deters further graffiti vandalism.

HOW TO REPORT GRAFFITI SIGHTINGS

• Access South El Monte App

Using a smartphone or other mobile device to submit a service request via the Access South El Monte App. To use, simply open the application, tab on “Start Request” button, enter “Graffiti”, add a photo, enter location, description of graffiti and tab submit. Our Field Services Division will immediately be notified of the service request. The FREE Access South El Monte App is available for download at the App Store and Google Play.

• City Website

Visiting the City’s website at cityofsouthelmonte.org and click on the “Online Service Request” link, located on the home page. Enter “Graffiti”, provide the location and description of graffiti, upload a picture, and click on the “Submit” button. The service request will be sent directly to the Field Services Division.

• Phone

Contacting the Field Services Division at (626) 579-6540 Ext. 3245 and provide a description and location of the graffiti. Office hours for the Field Services Division are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Our City’s Graffiti Abatement crew will generally respond to the location and remove the graffiti within 24 to 48 hours of receiving your report.

USED MOTOR OIL & FILTERS

To recycle them please drain the filter for 12 hours to remove most of the used oil. Store your used oil and filter in a leak-proof container. Do not mix oil with gasoline, automotive fluids, other liquids, or debris. Contamination makes it hazardous and unrecyclable.

CITY REMINDS RESIDENTS TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS NO

As you gather with your family and friends to celebrate a special occasion, the City of South El Monte reminds you to be a good and respectful neighbor when hosting your celebrations at home. Loud parties or gatherings can be distressing in neighborhoods.

South El Monte Municipal Code 9.12.040 prohibits any persons from playing, using, or operating any radio, receiving set, television set, musical instrument, phonograph, jukebox or other machine device for producing or reproducing sound when audible on property used partially or entirely for residential purposes and audible at a distance of 50 ft. or more from the building structure, property or vehicle where the sound is produced.

On the first response to a location of violation, the Sheriff’s deputies or other enforcement personnel shall give a written warning to the person or persons deemed responsible for such violation, advising the person or persons of City law. After the first response, each and every response from the Sheriff’s Department or other enforcement personnel to the property in violation of where the violation is observed, will be issued a citation in the excess  amount of $1,000. In addition to the financial penalty, the owner/ renter of the property can be charged for the response, deputies, and other resources used to take the necessary steps to abate the problem.

To report loud parties or gatherings, please contact the Sheriff’s Temple Station at (626) 285-7171. For other noise problems, make an online service request on the City’s website at cityofsouthelmonte.org or contact the Code Enforcement Department at (626) 579-6540.

Would you like to receive up to $1,000 every month for up to 15 years?

NEW TEMPLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CELEBRATES READ ACROSS AMERICA

New Temple Elementary School in South El Monte has been recognized for its incredible effort to promote reading and celebrate literacy during Read Across America Week. The school’s dedication to encouraging young students to love reading has been highlighted through the variety of authors and genres of books that were featured throughout the week.

From February 27th through March 3rd, the school welcomed guest readers from various backgrounds including local officials, community leaders, law enforcement, and educators who volunteered to read to students in their classrooms.

The week-long event was filled with fun and engaging activities that helped to create a buzz around reading. Students participated in read-alouds, book giveaways, and even spirit week dress-up days, all in an effort to promote a love for reading and encourage students to explore new genres and authors.

New Temple Elementary School’s principal, Mr. Bonde, expressed his excitement about the event, stating that “we’re excited to be able to celebrate Read Across America Week and to provide our students with an opportunity to experience the joy of reading. It’s a great way to inspire students to become lifelong learners and to instill a love of reading in them.”

The celebration of Read Across America Week was a great success, as it provided students with the chance to engage with a variety of books, and the guest readers who volunteered their time helped to make the event even more memorable. As a result, students were able to develop a greater appreciation for reading and the impact it can have on their lives.

New Temple Elementary School’s commitment to promoting literacy is commendable, and we look forward to seeing more events like this in the future. It is through events like this that we can help children develop a lifelong love of reading, and ultimately, set them up for success in all areas of their lives.

HORA DE CUENTOS EN ESPAÑOL STORYTIME IN SPANISH

Miércoles, 5 de abril, 5 - 6 pm

Wednesday, April 5, 5 - 6 pm

¡Es tiempo de familia! Acompáñenos a disfrutar cuentos, canciones y movimientos donde los niños descubrirán el amor por los libros y crearán una actividad artística única. Para niños de 3 a 11 años.

It’s family time! Enjoy stories, songs, and movements where children will discover the love of books and create a unique art activity. For children from 3 to 11 years old. For more information, please call the LA County South El Monte Library at (626) 443-4158.

NEW TEMPLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN SOUTH EL MONTE OFFERS AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION WITH AWARD WINNING ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Parents in search of a top-rated elementary school with a strong focus on academics and an abundance of enrichment programs and after-school activities need look no further. New Temple is offering exactly that, and 2023-2024 registration is now open for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten students. Valle Lindo School District offers an extended age TK program and is open to children who turn 5 by June 30, 2024. Kindergarten is open to children who turn 5 on or before September 1, 2023.

The school boasts a dedicated and highly qualified teaching staff, who work to create a warm and inclusive learning environment for students. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, and the school places a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, social emotional learning, problemsolving, and collaboration skills.

In addition to strong academics, the school offers a variety of enrichment programs and after-school activities, designed to provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. From music to arts and crafts, dance and academic support there is something for every child to enjoy.

The school is proud to offer a safe and supportive environment for all students, and the staff work tirelessly to ensure that every child feels valued and included. The school’s commitment to the overall well-being of students is evident in the range of support services available, including counseling, academic support, and health services.

Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in this award winning elementary school are encouraged to visit the district’s website to learn more and to register. With its strong academic program, wonderful enrichment programs, and abundance of after-school activities, this school is the perfect place for children to grow, learn, and thrive.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to provide your child with an excellent education, surrounded by a supportive and welcoming community. Scan the QR Code or visit the district’s website (https:// www.vallelindo.k12.ca.us/) today to register for Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten at award winning New Temple Elementary School in Valle Lindo School District.

Residents: $30 per child (sibling discount available)

Non-Residents: $100 per child

Register

CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

CENTER

THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE INVITES VETERANS TO OUR COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023

ALL VETERANS ARE INVITED TO JOIN US ON AN EIGHT MILE BIKE RIDE AROUND THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE! MEET US AT 8:30 AM AT THE SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY CENTER 1530 CENTRAL AVE.

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED DURING AND AFTER THE BIKE RIDE.

FREE SHIRT TO ALL PARTICIPANTS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! FREE BIKE RAFFLE!

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 • TRANSPORTATION SERVICES • SOCIAL/EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS • HEALTH/WELLNESS PROGRAMS • EXCURSIONS

*Programs and events are subject to change.

CLUB MEETINGS & CASH BINGO

3L CLUB • APRIL: 4, 6, 18, 20

P.M. - 3:30 P.M.

The Senior Center follows all current LA County Public Health Department Orders and CDC recommendations for everyone’s safety.

Pre-registration is required in advance for all programs. To register for any of the programming, or for additional information, call the Senior Center at (626) 448-0131.

PRESENTATIONS & SCREENINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

CHAIR EXERCISE & BLOOD PRESURE/GLUCOSE SCREENINGS · MON., APRIL 10 & 24

10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

ESL · MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

1:00 P.M. - 2:50 P.M.

GUITAR CLASS · MONDAYS • 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.

PAINTING FOR OLDER ADULTS

MONDAYS • 1:00 P.M. - 2:50 P.M.

PRINCIPLES OF MIND & BODY FOR OLDER ADULTS

FRIDAYS • 9:30 A.M. - 10:45 A.M.

TAI CHI · TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

WALKING WEDNESDAY · WEDNESDAYS

9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

ZUMBA VIDEO · MON., APRIL 17

10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

NEXT CRAFT CLASS:

WED., APRIL 12 • 10:15 A.M. - 11:15 A.M.