South El Monte News - January 2023

Page 4

SOUTH EL MONTE

City

of South El Monte

RECEIVES HIGH FISCAL HEALTH SCORE

FROM STATE AUDITOR

The State of California Auditor recently released a report on the financially riskiest cities in California and the City of South El Monte was once more categorized as a “low risk city.” The agency audited 430 cities in California and the City came in at 208, indicating South El Monte as a low risk city.

Each year, the State Auditor looks at the finances of cities within the state and conducts a risk assessment. The risk assessment identifies municipalities with potential for fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement. High risk cities are subject to formal State audits.

There are five financial factors, the agency reviews for determining the financial health of a city, which include general funds reserves, debt burden, liquidity, revenue trends and retirement obligations utilizing a point scale based on an overall score of 100 points. South El Monte scored 75.70 out of 100.00, and its areas of strength were its debt burden, liquidity, and Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) obligations from its Fiscal Year 2020-21 financials. In Fiscal 2021-22, City Officials implemented measures to address the State Auditor’s risk assessment to improve its scores in the areas of pension funding and general fund reserves. These measures will raise our score in the next year’s State risk assessment.

“The State Auditor’s updated risk assessment demonstrates the City of South El Monte’s commitment to fiscal sustainability,” said one City official. “We will continue to be prudent with our City budget and diversify our revenue sources, to ensure we are able to continue to provide critical city services for our community.” The audit results are posted on the State’s Auditor website auditor.ca.gov for the public to view.

see page 8 for more info JANUARY 2023
NEWS BRINGING NEWS, PEOPLE AND EVENTS TO THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE City of South El Monte 1415 Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733 Residential Customer PRSRT. STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #87 EL MONTE EDDM ECRWSS
IN THIS ISSUE ELECTION RESULTS PG. 2 BULKY ITEM PICK UP PG. 4 BABY PAGEANT PG. 9 SENIOR SERVICES PG. 10 THE CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE WISHES YOU A HAPPPY NEW YEAR

SOUTH EL MONTE

COUNCIL

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS

CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION

Gracie Retamoza was recognized for her service to the South El Monte community. Best wishes on your future endeavors.

CITY
MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS MAYOR PRO TEM MANUEL ACOSTA COUNCILMAN RICHARD ANGEL COUNCILMAN RUDY BOJORQUEZ COUNCILMAN HECTOR DELGADO
or Assistance For additional information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 579-6540 ext. 3280.
Agendas or
use
RENE
CITY CLERK DONNA G. SCHWARTZ CONNECT WITH US CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS NOTIFY ME AT CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023 02
TUES., JANUARY 10 & 24 To view
Agenda packets
the side QR Code, scroll down to the current and upcoming events section. INTERIM CITY MANAGER
SALAS

HOUSING

SAN GABRIEL

GREATER

All

(626) 443-0180

(800) 477-5977

(626) 350-4500

(626) 575-5431

(626) 579-7777

LIBRARY (626) 443-4158

LA

LA

LA

POST

(626) 258-6001

575-5526

(800) 275-8777

VECTOR CONTROL (562) 944-9656

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

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023 03
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.
HOTLINE (626) 652-6800
HALL
SANTA
AVENUE •
MONDAY –
• 7:00 A.M. –
P.M. FRIDAY – SUNDAY • CLOSED CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS Administration City Clerk Human Resources Finance Building & Safety Housing Community Development Planning Economic Development Code Enforcement Public Works/Engineering Parking Enforcement
YARD
CENTRAL AVENUE •
MONDAY –
• 7:00 A.M. –
CENTER 1530 CENTRAL
MONDAY –
1556
MONDAY –
SHERIFF’S TEMPLE STATION 8838 LAS TUNAS DR., TEMPLE CITY, CA 91780 (626)
LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES OR IN-PROGRESS CRIMES HOMELESS RESOURCES LAHSA (LOS ANGELES HOMELESS SERVICES AUTHORITY) MAKE A HOMELESS OUTREACH REQUEST AT LA-HOP.ORG IMPORTANT NUMBERS
CONTROL
NARCOTICS TIP LINE
OF COMMERCE
CITY
COVID-19
CITY
1415
ANITA
(626) 579-6540
THURSDAY
5:30
CITY
1900
(626) 444-3158
THURSDAY
4:00 P.M. COMMUNITY
AVENUE
(626) 579-2043
FRIDAY
1:00 P.M
9:00 P.M. SENIOR CENTER
CENTRAL AVENUE
(626) 448-0131
FRIDAY
8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
285-7171 • LASD.ORG/TEMPLE 911 FOR
ANIMAL
(SEAACA) (562) 803-3301 ANONYMOUS
(626) 292-3375 CHAMBER
RIGHTS CENTER
OFFICE
SUPERVISOR HILDA L. SOLIS
VALLEY SERVICE
CENTER
COMMUNITY
EL MONTE
HOSPITAL
SOCIAL PROGRAMS
COUNTY
211
OFFICE
COUNTY ASSESSOR’S
COUNTY WHITTIER NARROWS (626)
OFFICE
UTILITY COMPANIES
UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURE
City facilities will
on
collection services will be
schedule.
OPPORTUNITIES
be closed
Monday, January 16, 2023, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Street sweeping and trash
operating its regular
EMPLOYMENT
for employment
Visit the City website at CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG
opportunities.

RESIDENTIAL BULKY ITEMS

As part of the City of South El Monte’s partnership with Athens Services, residential customers get three (3) bulky item pickups per year. Bulky items are oversized items that cannot be placed in waste containers due to size or weight. Any single item that cannot be handled by two workers will not be accepted.

ACCEPTABLE BULKY ITEMS COLLECTION

Acceptable bulky items include but are not limited to dryers, furniture, mattresses, refrigerators, rugs, tree trunks, washing machines, and water heaters.

NOT ACCEPTABLE ITEMS

Automobile parts, construction debris, and hazardous waste are not allowed in your waste containers or as part of bulky item pickup.

SCHEDULE A PICK-UP

Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance of your normal collection day by contacting Athens Services at (855) 557-1007 or online at athensservices.com/bulky-item-pickup

Residential bulky items are picked up on your service day. Items should be placed next to your trash container by 6:00 am on your scheduled collection day.

COMMUNITY WIDE RESIDENTIAL CLEAN UPS

In addition to the regular bulky item pickups, Athens Services hosts three (3) community-wide residential trash clean up drives per year. During each clean up drive, Athens Services will pick up all bulky items placed on the curbside on your service day.

COMMUNITY WIDE RESIDENTIAL CLEAN UP WEEKS FOR 2023:

• March 27-31

• July 24-28

• November 13-17

QUESTIONS

For additional information, contact Athens Services at (888) 336-6100 during their hours of service: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or visit their website at athenservices.com.

South El Monte

may

(E-Waste)

E-WASTE

USED MOTOR OIL & FILTERS

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023 04
Your
Used
At The
Recycle
E-Waste &
Motor Oil/Filters
City Public Works Maintenance Yard
ITEMS ACCEPTED
residents
recycle their Electronic 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, South El Monte. This service is only available to South El Monte residents by appointment; proof of residency is required. Business waste is not accepted. To schedule your appointment to drop off your items for recycling or for additional information, please call (626) 579-6540 ext. 3245.
items accepted
alarm clocks, cell phones, computers, electronic games, fax
hair dryers, keyboards, microwaves, printers, radios, and
E-waste
include
machines,
televisions.
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.

STREET SWEEPING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Street sweeping services will not take place on the following upcoming holidays in 2023:

• Memorial Day (Last Monday of May)

• Independence Day (July 4th)

• Labor Day (First Monday of September)

• Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday of November)

• Christmas Day (December 25th)

If your regular street sweeping day falls on one of the holidays listed above, your street will not be swept that day. Streets that are not swept due to holidays are not rescheduled but are skipped until the next regular sweep day. There is no make-up schedule for street sweeping.

Please be advised, that Public Safety Officers patrol and enforce other parking regulations (i.e., red zones, blue zones/handicap, sidewalk, etc.) on non-street sweeping days and holidays.

QUESTIONS

For additional information, visit our City website at cityofsouthelmonte.org/315/ Street-Sweeping or call the Customer Care Hotline at (626) 242-1666.

CITY TREES

The City of South El Monte has over 2,000 city trees on public-right-away, city parks and facilities that beautify our community. The city trees also provide significant benefits for our community members including improved air quality, temperature moderation, traffic noise reduction, safety and increase property values.

TREE TRIMMING SCHEDULE

The City contracts certified tree arborists to trim city trees city-wide. Trees on residential streets are pruned on a 2–3-year trim cycle. Emergencies, weather, and service requests do influence the schedule.

Residents and businesses are notified in advance of trimming of city trees with the placement of “No Parking” notices. Individuals are asked to follow the parking restrictions and not park on the street until the trees have been pruned and the area has been cleaned.

HOW TO REPORT ISSUES WITH TREES

CITY TREES

Residents and businesses may report broken tree limbs or other issues with city trees to the Public Works Division by:

• Calling the Customer Care Hotline at (626) 242-1666

• Making an Online Service Request on the City’s website at cityofsouthelmonte.org

• Utilizing the “Access South El Monte” app from your smartphone

TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Property owners are responsible for trees, shrubs and bushes planted on their private property. Vegetation cannot impair the view of the street signs, or any other control devices or signs placed upon the streets for the safety and convenience of the public.

To report a tree located on private property that has branches that are hanging too low over a street or public right-of-way or is dangerous or an obstruction to public pedestrian, bicycle or vehicle travel, please call the Code Enforcement Department at the Customer Care Hotline at (626) 242-1666.

QUESTIONS

For additional information, on city trees, please call the Public Works Division at (626) 444-3158.

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023 05 CUT TING BACK ON L AWN WATERING even for one day a week can save up to 20% more water SWITCHING TO WATER-WISE PL ANTS can save 30 – 60 gallons per 100 0 sq f t each time you water ADJ USTING SPRINKLER HE ADS & FIXING LE AKS can save up to 6, 30 0 gallons of water per month SET TING L AWNMOWER BL ADES TO 3” saves 16 –50 gallons per day by encouraging deeper root s USING MULCH keeps water in the soil and saves up to 30 gallons of water each time you water WATERING E ARLY MORNING OR L ATE EVENING saves 50% of sprinkler water other wise lost to wind and evaporation USING A BROOM TO CLE AN OUTDOOR ARE AS saves 6 gallons ever y minute you re not running the hose INSTALLING DRIP IRRIGATION & ADDING A SMART CONTROLLER saves 15 gallons each time you water Check with your local water agency to learn more about resources or rebates to help make your yard water-wise The average Californian uses 196 gallons of water per day, and 60% of that is used outdoors But California is in a severe drought, and ever y household is being asked to save water, because even small changes can make a big difference. Use the tips below to find the right combination of actions you can take to reduce your water use. S ave Wate r. S ave C a l i fo r n i a For more wate r savi n g ti ps: AUGUST SEVERE DROUGHT Simple ways to save water around the yard
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 LIHWAP LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program APPLY! Must be a Los Angeles County resident Must have unpaid water or sewage bills Must income qualify under the income guidelines All names of the people in your household Photo ID and social security card of the applicant Last 4 weeks of income for all household members Water/sewer bill Proof of Citizenship What is LIHWAP? The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is an emergency program that helps assist low-income families with past due water and wastewater bills - up to $2,000 LIHWAP is a one-time grant that does not have to be repaid Below are the following criteria to receive assistance: How to apply: Please give Maravilla Foundation a call at (323) 721-4162 to request an application If you apply for our LIHEAP program, it automatically pre-qualifies you for LIHWAP Visit our website www maravilla org for more information The following items are needed upon applying: Additional eligibility: If you have received CalWORKS, CalFresh, and/or LIHEAP within the last 4 months you are pre-qualified for LIHWAP *Your water system must be enrolled in the Direct Pay Program to receive payments from us Contact Us: (323) 721-4162 www maravilla org SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023 06

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM THEFT

Thieves are creatures of opportunity and if they see what looks to be an easy score, they will attempt to take advantage. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal items from your car and even less time if the car is unlocked. Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity and in many cases can be prevented by locking up your vehicle.

Residents are reminded to be vigilant about securing their vehicles and taking preventive measures to keep their cars safe.

Below are tips to help protect your vehicle from theft and burglary.

• Lock it up. Lock your doors.

• Remove your keys from the vehicle.

• Do not leave spare keys near your vehicle (e.g., under the car or in the glove box).

• Never leave your vehicle running unattended.

• Close all windows.

• Park in well-lit areas.

• Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.

• Be alert of your surroundings when you park your car.

• Don’t be complacent. Lock up your car, every time!

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 • JANUARY 2023 07
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 2023 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY CENTER 1530 CENTRAL AVE. Free Lunch Singing Performance Lion Dance Performance Raffle Prizes Featured Festivities COMMUNITY CENTER 1530 CENTRAL AVE. • (626) 579-2043 MONDAY-FRIDAY • 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS * AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS * AQUATIC PROGRAMS * SEASONAL DAY CAMPS * SPECIAL EVENTS * YOUTH & RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS ** PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CONNECT WITH US SEM_PARKSANDREC SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS NOTIFY ME AT CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG 08 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. SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023 09 S O U TH E L M O NTE C O M M U N I T Y CEN T E R 1 5 30 CE N T R A L A V E . CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Craft Vendors fooD VEndors Craft Vendors fooD VEndors FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 626-579-2043. FARMER'S MARKET T - B A L L A R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 3 E F O R R E S D E N T S F E B R U A R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 3 M A T I O N & Girls Ages 4-6 C I T Y O F S O U T H E L M O N T E C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S D E P A R T M E N T o m p e t i t i v e p r o g r a m f o c u s e d o n f u n d a m e n t a l s w h e r e p l a y e r s a g e s o d u c e d t o t h e b a s i c s o f b a s e b a l l M A T I O N P L E A S E C A L L 6 2 6 - 5 7 9 - 2 0 4 3 C O A C H E S W A N T E D C O M P L E T O N O F V O L U N T E E R A P P L C A T I O N P A S S B A C K G R O U N D C H E C K R E Q U I R E M E N T S A N D W L L B E O N A F R S T - C O M E , F I R S T S E R V E D B A S S T O C H A N G E O R C A N C E L L A T O N S E M P A R K S A N D R E C

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

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

NEW KAISER PERMANENTE BENEFITS • THURS., JANUARY 12 • 10:45 A.M. - 11:15 A.M. SCAMS/COVID SCAMS BY BET TZEDEK • TUES., JANUARY 17 • 10:45 A.M

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY BY LA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH THURS., JANUARY 26 • 10:15 A.M. - 11:15 A.M.

*Programs and events are subject to change.

AGING & VISION LOSS BY INDEPENDENCE AT HOME • TUES., JANUARY 31 • 10:30 A.M. - 11:15 A.M.

WELLNESS ACTIVITIES & PRESENTATIONS

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS • THURS., JANUARY 19 • 10:45 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

CHAIR EXERCISES & BLOOD PRESSURE/GLUCOSE SCREENINGS MON., JANUARY 9 & 23 • 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

CHAIR YOGA • MON., JANUARY 23 • 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

CHOLESTEROL HEALTH SCREENINGS TUES., JANUARY 10 • 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. WALKING WEDNESDAYS • WEDNESDAYS • 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

LEISURE

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES GUITAR CLASS • MONDAYS • 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. KNITTING WITH A CAUSE • TUESDAYS • 9:30 A.M. MOVIE

NUTRITION PROGRAM
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
SOCIAL/EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
HEALTH/WELLNESS PROGRAMS
EXCURSIONS
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023 10
WEDNESDAY • WED., JANUARY 25 • 12:45 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. TECHNOLOGY 101 (BY APPOINTMENT) THURS., JANUARY 19 • 9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. CLUB MEETINGS & CASH BINGO 3L CLUB • JANUARY: 5, 17, 19, 31 · 12:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. CLUB LATINO • JANUARY: 10, 12, 24, 26 · 12:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. *UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCHEON WED., JANUARY 18 · 11:30 A.M. JANUARY BIRTHDAYS CELEBRATION TUES., JANUARY 31· 10:45 A.M.
SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • JANUARY 2023 11 Sign up NOW for this 10-week program! Location: South El Monte Senior Center – 1556 Central Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733 Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays starting January 10 – March 16, 2023. Time: 10:00am – 11:00am Contact: (626) 494-6467 FREE! CLASSES IN YOUR COMMUNITY S o u t h E l M o n t e S e n i o r C e n t e r Apply Today! Questions? Call (562) 463-4606 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 S o u t h E l M o n t e C A 9 1 7 3 3 NCOA 010 Flexibility and Balance for Older Adults (Yoga) NESL 15 English as a Second Language NCOA 001 Painting for Older Adults Jan 28 - May 25 No class Feb 17 & Mar 31 Fridays 9:30AM-10 45AM CRN 35972 Jan 28 – May 25 No class Feb 20 & March 27 29 Mondays & Wednesdays 1:00PM-2:50PM CRN 37356 ESL Beginning II Feb 6 – May 25 No c ass Feb 20 & March 27 Mondays 1:00PM-2 50PM CRN 38971 CONTINUING EDUCATION A big thanks to the Super Bingo Club for their donation to purchase the new pool tables and accessories for the Senior Center’s pool room. The pool room is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A big thank you to our South El Monte business community!

EL

Over 800 participants, were in
and treated to a
Also
you
7-Eleven
providing warm drinks
hot
• SHOP LOCAL. SHOP SOUTH
MONTE • A few pictures of South El Monte’s Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway Event sponsored by
South El Monte businesses!
attendance
memorable Christmas experience.
thank
to Montebello Brewers Baseball for their donation of toys, Baby Bros for providing delicious pizzas,
on Tyler & Rush for
(coffee,
chocolate, &
cappuccino) and Pastor Charlie Corum
&
South El Monte Community Outreach Church for
providing
treats and activities for our community members in attendance.

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