JANUARY 2 02 1
SOUTH EL MONTE B R ING ING NEW S , P EO PL E AND EVENTS TO T HE C IT Y O F SOUTH EL MONTE
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South El Monte Spread Holiday Cheer Amid Pandemic Despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of South El Monte safely spread the holiday cheer this past holiday season. Traditionally, the City commences the holiday season in South El Monte with its annual tree lighting ceremony at City Hall featuring live performances by students from our local schools and a special appearance from Santa; followed by other annual special events such as the children’s Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway and senior’s Christmas luncheon. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic Stay At Home Order prohibiting group gatherings, and to ensure the safety of our community, the City’s 2020 tree lighting ceremony was cancelled. To bring much needed joy to our community, city officials and staff brainstormed and found creative ways to safely celebrate the holiday season while following state-mandated requirements. This enabled the City to host its traditional holiday programming with modifications and in the process also created new traditions.
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City staff continued with the season’s tradition and decorated the exterior of City Hall with festive lights and décor including our 25ft Christmas tree. Many of our residents joined us in spreading the joy and showcased their holiday spirit by decking out the exteriors of their homes with colorful lights, inflatables and other jolly decorations to lighten the mood during the different holiday season. The decorative lights and décor at City Hall and throughout neighborhoods in our community served as a display of hope for a brighter holiday season and a happy and healthy new year. Thanks to monetary donations from several South El Monte businesses, the City was able to host its annual Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway for children from low-income households from our community. Due to the pandemic, the event was altered to a safe contact-less drive-thru. Over 200 South El Monte families drove through the Community Center parking lot, which was amazingly transformed into Santa’s Village with various props and decorations. Children received a gift from Santa and city officials. Additionally, the families received a complimentary food bag full of groceries for a holiday meal. Santa also helped spread the holiday cheer in South El Monte. To the delight of children, Santa on two separate evenings, sled through neighborhoods wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. This was Santa’s first time sledding through South El Monte and he was so overwhelmed by our community’s love and support that he will be coming again during the 2021 holiday season. For our beloved seniors, a Christmas drive-thru event was held since our Senior Center is closed due to the pandemic. Seniors from the safety of their vehicles wearing their face coverings drove through Senior Center parking lot and received a warm meal and goody bag. For the 200 seniors who are part of the City’s home meals delivery program, they received a gift from their Secret Santa to make their holiday special. This was also a new tradition created and sponsored by city staff. City officials and staff had a great time hosting the festive and memorable events for our community and we look forward to creating them again in 2021.
As we begin 2021, we remind our community to stay safe, wear face coverings and practice social distancing. We are in this together and we miss you!