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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 HOUSING RIGHTS
PG. 3
YOUTH PROGRAMS
PG. 9
SENIOR ACTIVITIES SUMMER CONCERTS
PG. 10 PG. 12
CITY ADOPTS BALANCED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 The South El Monte City Council adopted a balanced $25.4 million budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year at its Budget Hearing on June 22, 2021. The annual budget is a fiscal plan that provides a roadmap for South El Monte officials and staff to effectively and responsibly operate the City of South El Monte. For the upcoming fiscal year, the General Fund will have a balanced $17.8 million budget, allowing the City to provide upcoming infrastructure projects, pandemic recovery, public safety enhancements, and other core services and programs that residents have come to expect and/or depend on. The budget includes revenue from Measure ES, the “South El Monte Essential Services Protection Measure” approved by South El Monte voters in November 2020. Measure ES ensures the quarter-of-a-penny sales tax is used locally to solely benefit our South El Monte community without any of it going to other cities, LA County, Sacramento or Washington, D.C.; consequently, placing the City of South El Monte on a sustainable financial trajectory. Additionally, funding from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) is included in the budget. The City will receive $4.9 million in one-time funding over the course of the next two years. Cities across the country will use these funds as stipulated by Congress in four eligible uses: 1) to respond to the public health emergency and its negative economic impacts, (2) to provide pay to essential workers, (3) to provide government services to the extent of eligible governments’ revenue losses, and (4) to make necessary water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure investments. The City Council will discuss at a future meeting how to program these funds for the betterment of our community. The City continues to invest in South El Monte’s infrastructure and the following endeavors below have been programmed to take place during this fiscal year.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. MARY VAN DYKE PARK 1819 CENTRAL AVE. SEE PAGE 6
• Traffic signal enhancements at the intersections of Rush Street and Peck Road, Santa Anita Avenue and Klingerman Street, Santa Anita Avenue and Rush Street, and Santa Anita Avenue and Central Avenue. • Repaving of various residential streets including Lashbrook Avenue, Strozier Avenue, Fawcett Avenue, Michael Hunt Drive, Bunker Avenue, Enloe Street, Adson Place, Lorin Avenue, Granada Avenue and Lexington-Gallatin Road. • Replacement of overhead electric facilities with a new underground street lighting system along Santa Anita Avenue between Fawcett Avenue and Tyler Avenue; and the installation of 41 new decorative streetlights. • The planning and designing for new bike facilities and street furniture along Santa Anita Avenue.
• Installation and monitoring of autonomous building controls for HVAC and energy-efficiency upgrades to lighting and water heaters at the Senior Center, Community Center, and Mini Center facilities.
PAID
PERMIT #87 EL MONTE EDDM ECRWSS
PRSRT. STD U.S. POSTAGE
• Various parks and facility improvements including restroom renovations and playground pavement rehabilitation projects at Shively Park, installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Mary Van Dyke Park, and new playground structures at New Temple Park and Mary Van Dyke Park.
• Planning and design for street improvements along Merced Avenue, consisting of cool pavement, permeable pavers, bike lanes, landscaping, and stormwater infrastructure.
Residential Customer
City of South El Monte 1415 Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733
• Conceptual design for street improvements along Rosemead Boulevard and Rush Street to reduce single occupant motor vehicle trips and improve safety for all roadway users. As the City of South El Monte recovers from this world-wide pandemic, we remain committed to the vitality, wellbeing, and safety of our community in a fiscally responsible matter. City officials continuously monitor the City’s revenue and expenditures and pursue cost cutting measures and grants from local, state, and federal agencies.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HOUSING IN SOUTH EL MONTE August 19, 2021 · 5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Front Lawn of Dean L. Shively School 1431 Central Avenue, South El Monte Visit our booth and fill out our Housing Element Survey for a chance to win prizes. For more information, call (626) 242-1666 or email us at customercare@soelmonte.org
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SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY.
SOUTH EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL MAYOR MAYOR PRO TEM COUNCILMAN COUNCILMAN COUNCILWOMAN
*STREET & TRASH COLLECTION SERVICES WILL NOT TAKE PLACE.
GLORIA OLMOS RICHARD ANGEL MANUEL ACOSTA HECTOR DELGADO GRACIE RETAMOZA
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. City Council Meetings During COVID-19 Pandemic
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all City Council Meetings are held via teleconference, until further notice.
CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION Certificate of Recognition was presented to LA County Sheriff Adrian Ruiz of the South El Monte Team for being recognized as “Sheriff of the Year” by the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce.
The City Council Chambers is closed to the public.
Public Participation
Join Zoom Meeting (View and/or Participate ONLY during PUBLIC COMMENT) Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84494206382 Webinar ID: 844 9420 6382 Or Call In: 1(669) 900-6833, when prompted, then enter 84494206382#
Questions or Assistance
For additional information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 579-6540 ext. 3280.
UPCOMING MEETINGS NO MEETINGS IN AUGUST CITY MANAGER RACHEL BARBOSA DEPUTY CITY MANAGER RENE SALAS CITY CLERK DONNA G. SCHWARTZ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR COLBY CATALDI
CONNECT WITH US
CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG
BUILDING PERMITS KIOSK
NOW AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL A self-service permitting kiosk “Submit Electronically Myself” has been installed at City Hall to better serve our community. The kiosk assists residents and businesses obtain their permits therefore, reducing the processing time. It’s easy to use and if you need assistance, City staff is there to assist you!
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
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CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE COVID-19 HOURS Please be advised that City hours and operations are subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For updates visit our City website and social media platforms.
COVID-19 HOTLINE (626) 652-6800
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 Administration Human Resources Building & Safety Community Development Economic Development Public Works/Engineering
City Clerk Finance Housing Planning
CITY YARD
1900 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 444-3158 MONDAY – THURSDAY • 7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
1530 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 579-2043 (FACILITY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE) INFORMATION LINE HOURS MONDAY – THURSDAY • 1:00 P.M – 5:00 P.M.
PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER
1443 SANTA ANITA AVENUE • (626) 652-3111 (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) INFORMATION LINE HOURS MONDAY - THURSDAY • 9:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. CODE ENFORCEMENT & PARKING ENFORCEMENT
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 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
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LA COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
(626) 258-6001
POST OFFICE
(800) 275-8777
VECTOR CONTROL
(562) 944-9656
LAHSA (LOS ANGELES HOMELESS SERVICES AUTHORITY) MAKE A HOMELESS OUTREACH REQUEST AT LA-HOP.ORG
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
SENIOR CENTER
1556 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 448-0131 (FACILITY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE) INFORMATION LINE HOURS MONDAY – THURSDAY • 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. FRIDAY • 8:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
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
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SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
VALLE LINDO STUDENT’S RISE: Finding Strength in Community Valle Lindo School District is committed to the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and families and recognizes the strength in building a community where every individual is valued and all voices are heard. The past year has brought to light the importance of mental health. Valle Lindo School District has strengthened mental health services and social-emotional supports for all students through implementing a program called RISE: Respond, Intervene, Support, Empower. RISE provides a pathway for students and adults to connect in healthy and meaningful ways within the Valle Lindo learning community. As the district prepares for the full reopening of both school campuses, returning to full-time in-person learning will bring excitement, relief and possibly new challenges for students as they adjust to being back in the physical classroom. In addition to the safety measures that are put in place to continue to combat the spread of COVID-19, Valle Lindo has implemented RISE and has also partnered with Care Solace to support our community’s mental health. The RISE program provides a comprehensive district-wide system dedicated to promoting healthy and resilient students by providing school-based, on-site and virtual mental health services and social-emotional supports. Students and their families are provided with the necessary tools and guidance to meet their own individual social, emotional and mental health needs. According to the district’s licensed clinical social worker, Ms. Emily Guerra, “ Witnessing students reach out on their own for help is evidence that we [Valle Lindo SD] have created a space where students truly feel they will be accepted for being their authentic selves.” RISE cultivates strong relationships between students and staff members. Much of the success is due to the dedicated families and staff who personalize learning experiences for all RISE students. District teachers and staff work with families and invest time beyond the school day building strong student-staff connections. Support is provided both inside and outside of the classroom and interwoven to provide maximal support to the student. The social worker, teachers, support staff, and families work together to ensure that the students’ needs are met. This is done through individual and group counseling, student and family workshops, and ongoing professional development for teachers and support staff. According to Valle Lindo School District Board President, Mrs. Veronica Castillo, “Since RISE has been implemented, I’ve witnessed the growth of a kinder, empathetic student community that now has the tools to advocate for its needs. RISE has normalized self-care practices and conversations about mental health.” When you walk onto one of Valle Lindo School District’s campuses, you quickly realize that RISE isn’t a person or a place, but instead a collection of people, places and services that promote student wellness and mental health support. To enable all students to feel they have a space where they belong, the program builds on student strengths, recognizing that every student has a unique and important story to tell. For this reason, every student is invited to be a part of RISE. Inclusion is at the heart of the program because it gives students the opportunity to be present no matter what stage of life they feel they are currently experiencing. The lives of students are enriched by the friendships, mentorships, and relationships they form.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE THIS SUMMER
BEAT
KEEP COOL
THE HEAT
Protect your skin from direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.
WEAR SUNSCREEN
Apply sunscreen before going outdoors. Reapply every 2 hours.
Stay hydrated & don't wait until you're thirsty.
PROTECT YOUR EYES Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
SEEK SHADE Use a tree, umbrella or tent to protect you from the sun.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK Never leave children or pets inside the car. Protect them from heatstroke.
CALL 2-1-1 FOR COOLING CENTERS WHERE YOU CAN GO FOR FREE TO STAY COOL.
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SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
SHERIFF’S
TEMPLE STATION 8838 LAS TUNAS DRIVE TEMPLE CITY, CA 91780 (626) 285-7171 DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES
The City of South El Monte contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services. Designated deputies of the Sheriff’s Temple Station oversee the safety of South El Monte community members. Temple Station responsibilities include: • Promoting and preserving public order. • Documenting and investigating any criminal activity. • Providing emergency response to all life threatening incidents. • Preventing Crime by Community Policing with the community it serves. • Ongoing education to citizens within the community with current crime prevention ideas and methods.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
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South El Monte
Be Alert and Drive Safely as Students Head Back to School With school starting this month, there will be more traffic on the roads and students commuting to and from school. The City of South El Monte reminds all residents to be alert and cautious when using roadways. Back to school brings increased traffic, additional vehicles on the streets and more people walking, cycling or getting dropped off at school.
Let’s keep our students safe by following the safety tips below. SCHOOL ZONES SAFETY DRIVING TIPS
• Be on the lookout for signs, signals, crossing guards, and school buses with their lights on. • When approaching a school bus, obey the lights and never pass a school bus whose lights are red, or the stop sign is extended. • When entering a school zone, always obey the traffic laws, and slow down. • Watch for crossing guards and obey their signals. • Be aware of children near schools, playgrounds, bus stops, sidewalks, cross walks, in the streets, at the corners, or in parking lots. • Avoid passing other vehicles while driving in a school zone. • Never make a U-turn in a school zone. • Never text while driving, especially in a school zone. • Avoid using your phone unless it is completely hands-free. • Avoid any distractions such as loud music, eating, applying makeup, etc., especially in a school zone and when children are present. • Unless licensed to do so, never use handicap or emergency vehicle lanes or spaces to drop off or load/unload children at school. • Watch for children and adults riding bicycles. • Watch for children/teens walking who appear distracted (looking down) as they may be looking at their phone and may not hear or notice your vehicle.
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SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
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.
COMMUNITY CENTER 1530 CENTRAL AVE. • (626) 579-2043 INFORMATION LINE HOURS MONDAY-THURSDAY • 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS
VISIT OUR VIRTUAL RECREATION CENTER FOR:
South El Monte Aquatic Center
• RESOURCES • CLASSES • CONTESTS * PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
CONNECT WITH US SEM_PARKSANDREC
RECREATION SWIM
Monday - Friday • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. $1.50 Adults / $1.00 for ages 17 and under
LAP SWIM (AGES 14+)
Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. *Times subject to change $1.00 per person
SENIOR WATER AEROBICS (AGES 55+)
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday • 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. FREE For more information, call the South El Monte Community Center at (626) 579-2043 or the Aquatic Center at (626) 442-0569.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
AYSO 908 Ages 3 to 19 years old.
Fee: $105.00 Includes Uniforms, practice fields, and games, player insurance.
Online Registration is now open! Now – August 30, 2021
Starts August to December 2021 To register or for additional information, visit www.ayso908.org
SPECIAL EVENTS
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SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
SENIOR CENTER
1556 CENTRAL AVE. • (626) 448-0131 INFORMATION LINE HOURS MONDAY – THURSDAY • 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. FRIDAY • 8:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS
The Senior Services Division would like to remind seniors that although the Senior Center remains closed due to COVID-19, they are offering the following services below to South El Monte residents 60 and older.
SENIOR SERVICES DIVISION HOME-DELIVERED MEALS PROGRAM
TUESDAY - FRIDAY SUGGESTED, BUT NOT REQUIRED DONATION IS $10 PER WEEK. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED CALL (626) 448-0131 The Home Delivered Meals program provides meals to adults 60 and older who are “Safer at Home” due to COVID-19 and are unable to prepare meals for themselves. City staff delivers meals directly to the homes of seniors who reside in the City of South El Monte. There is no charge for eligible participants, but we appreciate your donation in any amount you can afford. If you are unable to donate, it will not affect your participation in our program.
UPCOMING ACTIVTIES FOR SENIORS (60+) AT THE SENIOR CENTER *MUST REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE • ARTHRITIS EXERCISE PROGRAM (FREE)
MONDAY, AUGUST 9 & 23 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
• CROSS-STICHING CLASS (FREE) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11 & 18 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (FREE)
MONDAY-FRIDAY • 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE 24 HOURS WITH TRANSPORTATION DISPATCHER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (626) 448-0131. Transportation services are available to residents who are 60+ years of age or disabled (any age), Monday through Friday (except major holidays), from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This service transports participants within city limits and up to 15 miles outside South El Monte for medical appointments.
• OUTDOOR BINGO (FREE)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25 9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
TO REGISTER OR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CALL (626) 448-0131.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • AUGUST 2021
Looking for a new, fun way to be active? ¿Busca una forma nueva y divertida para estar active?
It's a 10-week health promotion program combining bingo with fall prevention exercise and health education.
Es un programa de promoción de la salud de 10 semanas que combina bingo con ejercicios de prevencón de caidas y educación sobre la salud.
Proven to increase an individual's physical fitness and health knowledge, it is downright fun.
Probado para aumentar la aptitud fisica y el conocimiento de la salud de un individuo, es francamente divertido.
Come play bingo and meet new people while learning more about managing your health!
iVen a jugar bingo y a conocer gente nueva mientras aprendes mas sobre cómo administrar tu salud!
Sign up NOW for this 10-week program • Inscríbase ahora para este programa de 10 semanas! South El Monte Senior Center 1556 Central Ave, South El Monte Tuesdays & Thursdays • Martes y Jueves August 24 - October 28 24 de agosto al 28 de octubre 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Contact/ Contacto: (562) 904-7223
FREE OLDER ADULT CLASSES PRINCIPLES OF MIND AND BODY HEALTH FOR OLDER ADULTS II: STRENGTH AND BALANCE SEPTEMBER 3 – DECEMBER 10 • FRIDAYS 10:00 A.M. – 10:50 A.M. SOUTH EL MONTE SENIOR CENTER, 1556 CENTRAL AVENUE, SOUTH EL MONTE This course provides older adults with instruction and resources for cultivating mind and body health. Guided instruction in movements to maintain and increase muscle strength, physical fitness, coordination, and balance is combined with class discussions on current topics in nutrition, healthy aging, and mental health.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (626) 448-0131.
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