Issuu

M A RC H 2 0 2 2

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 SOUTH EL MONTE REOPENS

PG. 2

DIGITAL PERMITTING SYSTEM

PG. 4

SPRING CLEAN-UP

PG. 5

SPRING BREAK DAY CAMP

PG. 8

Save the Date! April 16 Easter Breakfast

CITY INSTALLING DECORATIVE ENERGY EFFICIENT STREETLIGHTS The City of South El Monte, in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE) is enhancing its street lighting along Santa Anita Avenue between Fawcett Avenue and Tyler Avenue with underground utility lines and new decorative energy efficient streetlights. The objective of this Capital Improvement Project is to upgrade the street lighting system, enhance public safety and improve streetscape aesthetics within the designated area, since its extensively used by the public and carries a heavy volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. As part of the project, all poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures are currently being removed and replaced with underground electric facilities. These enhancements will avoid or eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead transmission facilities. The street lighting system along Santa Anita Avenue involves the replacing of outdated lights with the installation of 41 new decorative LED energy efficient street/pedestrian light combination poles. LED fixtures provide high quality lighting and use less energy, providing long term cost savings to the City. Furthermore, this project aligns with the City’s sustainability initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. The nighttime visibility and public safety through Santa Anita Avenue will be improved due to efficient street lighting. LED lights are shielded to direct light downward onto the streets and sidewalks, permitting pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists to see other people and objects; therefore, creating a safe environment. The approximately $2.7 million project is funded by SCE Rule 20A and a required City match in the amount of $340,713.85 that was funded with the City’s Measure M and Prop C allocations. Construction began in July 2021 and is anticipated to be completed in March 2022. City Officials and staff are pleased to see this Capital Improvement Project underway, since it has been many years in the making dating back to the original approval in 2009.

SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY BIKE RIDES BACK AFTER TWO-YEAR HIATUS Residential Customer

City of South El Monte 1415 Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733

PAID

PERMIT #87 EL MONTE EDDM ECRWSS

PRSRT. STD U.S. POSTAGE

The City will continue to prioritize and pursue funding opportunities to enhance our community’s infrastructure, public safety, and overall quality of life for our residents.

The South El Monte community bike rides will return in March after being on hold for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are thrilled to have our community bike rides back,” said one City Official. “Our goal with these events is to provide opportunities for our residents to stay healthy and active in South El Monte.” So, bring your bike and helmet and join the South El Monte City Council, staff and other community members on Saturday, March 5 for the first bike ride of the year. The bike ride will depart and return to the South El Monte Community Center located at 1530 Central Avenue. Bicyclists are encouraged to meet at 8:30 am for light refreshments and safety guidelines before departing at 9:00 am. All participants will receive a free bike ride t-shirt on March 5. The 8-mile leisure bike rides around the City will be held monthly from March to September on the following Saturdays: • March 5 • April 2 • May 7 • June 4 • July 9 • August 6 • September 10 In the event of rain, the bike ride will be cancelled. The bike rides are designed for bicyclists of all levels, ages 10 and older. All riders under 18 years of age must wear a helmet when on a bicycle as required by California law. All COVID-19 precautions will be put in place at bike rides. For additional information, please call the Community Center at (626) 579-2043.

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • MARCH 2022

SOUTH EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL MAYOR MAYOR PRO TEM COUNCILMAN COUNCILMAN COUNCILWOMAN

GLORIA OLMOS MANUEL ACOSTA RICHARD ANGEL HECTOR DELGADO GRACIE RETAMOZA

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 MARCH 8 & 22

CITY MANAGER RACHEL BARBOSA DEPUTY CITY MANAGER RENE SALAS CITY CLERK DONNA G. SCHWARTZ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR COLBY CATALDI

CONNECT WITH US

CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG

CITY HALL & OTHER FACILITIES WILL REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON MONDAY, MARCH 7

South El Monte City Hall and other facilities will reopen to the public on Monday, March 7, 2022. All health guidelines and orders will be in place at all City facilities.

FACILITY OPERATION HOURS • City Hall: Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm • Community Center: Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm • Senior Center: Monday through Friday during senior recreational programming. Call the Senior Center at (626) 448-0131 for more information. • Public Safety Center: Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 12 noon & 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm The City had previously closed its facilities to walk-ins on January 5, 2022, during the surge in COVID-19 cases. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We remain dedicated to the South El Monte community with the safety of the public and our employees as top priority.

For COVID-19 updates visit our City website and social media platforms.

IN-PERSON CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS TO RESUME AT CITY HALL

Beginning March 8, 2022, City Council meetings will resume to in-person at City Hall inside the Council Chambers. Regular City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month beginning at 6 p.m.

NOTIFY ME

AT CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG

All COVID-19 safety protocols established by the Los Angeles County Department of Health will be enforced to keep both the public and City staff safe during meetings. Please be advised that in-person meetings are subject to cancellation due to the ongoing pandemic.

WATCH MEETINGS City Council meetings can be viewed live on the City’s website at https://www.cityofsouthelmonte. org/129/City-Council-Agendas-Minutes. The public may attend City Council meetings electronically or telephonically using the following: Via Zoom (participation only during public comment) Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84494206382 Webinar ID: 844 9420 6382 • Telephonically: Call In: 1(669) 900-6833, when prompted, then enter 84494206382# All City Council meeting agendas are available on the City’s website at https://www.cityofsouthelmonte.

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • MARCH 2022

EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES

Thank You for Your Years of Dedicated Service to Our Community! Dianna Gomez · 30 Years Jayson Perez · 10 Years Angie Hernandez · 5 Years Marlo Moreno-Mendivil · 5 Years Monica Ruiz-Herrera · 5 Years Paulina Reyes · 5 Years Joel Ultreras · 5 Years

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

1900 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 444-3158 MONDAY – THURSDAY • 7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

COMMUNITY CENTER

POSITION APPLICATION DEADLINE

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER OPEN UNTIL FILLED ASSISTANT POOL MANAGER APRIL 7, 2022 AQUATICS/LOCKER ATTENDANT APRIL 7, 2022 LIFEGUARDS APRIL 7, 2022 POOL MANAGER APRIL 7, 2022 WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTORS APRIL 7, 2022

VISIT CITY WEBSITE AT CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION OR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

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

211

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

1530 CENTRAL AVENUE • (626) 579-2043 MONDAY – FRIDAY • 1:00 P.M – 9:00 P.M.

PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER

1443 SANTA ANITA AVENUE • (626) 652-3111 MONDAY - THURSDAY 10:00 A.M. - 12:00P.M. & 5:00 P.M. - 7:00P.M. CODE ENFORCEMENT & PARKING ENFORCEMENT

SENIOR CENTER

1556 CENTRAL AVENUE • (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.

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

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • MARCH 2022

SOUTH EL MONTE, HAS GONE LIVE WITH

A NEW DIGITAL PERMITTING SYSTEM The City can now automate the management and tracking of permit applications from start to finish to increase transparency, save valuable time and resources, and improve user experience for both residents and agency staff.

PERMITS

BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLANNING PLUMBING, MECHANICAL Commercial and Residential

REDUCES permit processing time by 33% with “easy use” digital permitting processes.

AUTOMATED

TRACKING & MANAGEMENT OF PERMIT APPLICATIONS FROM START TO FINISH

BETTER project management capabilities, keeping projects on schedule and on budget.

Customer has complete visibility and transparency throughout the permitting process.

IMPROVED builder, engineer, architect productivity, saving customers time and money.

SELFSERVICE

PERMITTING SYSTEM AVAILABLE 24/7

No more lines, wait times or inconvenient trips to City Hall.

(626) 579-6540

EASY to upload documents, submit applications, make payments, check status, schedule inspections from the comfort of your home or office.

PERMITS.CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG

CUSTOMERCARE@SOELMONTE.ORG

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • MARCH 2022

TRASH SERVICE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS If you have any questions or concerns regarding trash services please contact Athens Services by: • Calling the South El Monte Hotline at (626) 723-3788. • Visiting their website at www.athensservices.com and use their self-service options. Your requests will be answered quickly without the need of a call. • OR you can call the Athens Customer Care Center at (888) 336-6100. Operating hours are Monday– Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please note that due to the impact of COVID, they are experiencing longer than normal wait times. Please feel free to use their call back feature to receive a call back from their team and not lose your place in line.

PREGUNTAS O INQUIETUDES DEL SERVICIO DE BASURA Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud con respecto a los servicios de basura, comuníquese con Athens Services: • Llamando a la línea directa de South El Monte al (626) 723-3788. • Visitando su sitio web www.athensservices.com y utilizando sus opciones de autoservicio. Sus solicitudes serán atendidas rápidamente sin necesidad de una llamada. • O puede llamar al Centro de Atención al Cliente de Athens al (888) 336-6100. El horario de atención es de lunes a viernes, de 7:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. y sábado 7:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Tenga en cuenta, que debido al impacto de COVID, estan experimentando tiempos de espera más largos de lo normal. Puede usar la función de regreso de llamada para recibir una llamada de su equipo y no perder su lugar en la fila.

FREE VIRTUAL LANDSCAPE CLASSES

Drough Resilient Lawn Care March 10 – 6pm March 22 – 12pm

Herb Gardening: Beyond Basil April 7 – 6pm April 26 – 12pm

Firescaping: Reducing the Vulnerability May 12 – 12pm

Compost: Buiding the Soil Sponge June 9 – 12pm

NEW STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE Due to the new automated waste and recycling hauling services, it was necessary to revise the street sweeping route schedule to avoid conflicts in the City’s roadways. The new street sweeping schedule can be found on the City’s website at www.cityofsouthelmonte.org/317/Street-Sweeping-Schedule. Please help keep our streets clean by following the new dates and times for street sweeping. For additional information, please call Athens Customer Care Center at (888) 336-6100.

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • MARCH 2022

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 • MARCH 2022

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 MONDAY-FRIDAY • 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS

VISIT OUR VIRTUAL RECREATION CENTER FOR: • RESOURCES • CLASSES • CONTESTS * PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

CONNECT WITH US SEM_PARKSANDREC

NOTIFY ME AT

CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • MARCH 2022

CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

EASTER BREAKFAST SATURDAY, APRIL 16 10 AM TO 1 PM

FRONT LAWN OF SOUTH EL MONTE CITY HALL 1415 SANTA ANITA AVE. FREE BREAKFAST WILL BE SERVED UNTIL 11:30 AM.

GAMES • PETTING ZOO PETER COTTONTAIL EGG HUNTS FOR AGES 1-10 *EVENT SUBJECT CHANGE OR CANCELLATION BASED ON COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (626) 579-2043.

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • MARCH 2022

Enjoy the #LibraryAtHome by checking out an eBook from Libby App, hoopla digital, and BiblioBoard. All you need is your LA County Library card and PIN. What will you be reading today? For more info., visit https://lacountylibrary.org/ebooks/

SOUTH EL MONTE’S OWN

JUAN ROSAS

QUALIFIES TO COMPETE IN THE SILVER GLOVES NATIONAL TOURNAMENT After winning the USA BOXING California State tournament, South El Monte’s boxing program participant Juan Rosas qualified to compete in the Silver Gloves National Tournament in Kansas City on Friday, February 4, 2022. Rosas competed against the best 12-13 year old boxers in the nation and fought hard in the single elimination tournament. Rosas did not bring back the championship belt, but will continue to work hard to compete in the upcoming National Tournament.

SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS • MARCH 2022

SENIOR SERVICES DIVISION OUTDOOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES (60+)

The Senior Center is now open for outdoor programming with COVID-19 safety guidelines in place. Pre-Registration is required before attending any of the programs and activities. Activities and schedules are subject to change based on LA County Health Order. Seniors partaking in the programming will be screened upon arrival and are required to wear face masks at all times.

To register or for additional information, call the Senior Center at (626) 448-0131.

CRAFT CLASS (FREE)

TUESDAY, MARCH 8 · 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

CROSS STITCHING (FREE)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 & 30 · 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

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.

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.

BINGO (FREE) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 · 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

SENIORS (60+)

ARTHRITIS CLASS (FREE)

MONDAY, MARCH 7 & 21 · 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

ZUMBA (FREE)

MONDAY, MARCH 14 & 28 · 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

PRINCIPLES OF MIND FOR OLDER ADULTS (FREE) FRIDAYS · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

DRIVE-THRU CELEBRATION

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 • 10 - 11AM

South El Monte Senior Center Parking Lot 1556 Central Avenue

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (626) 448-0131.