South El Monte News

SOUTH

MONTE WINS PRESTIGIOUS JOHN SANFORD TODD AWARD FOR MERCED

AVENUE GREENWAY PROJECT

The City of South El Monte is proud to announce it has received the Annual Municipal Seminar John Sanford Todd Award, recognizing the Merced Avenue Greenway Project as a model for successful, community-centered partnerships.

Originally envisioned in 2015, this multi-phase effort transformed a 1.3-mile corridor into a vibrant greenway with an elevated Class IV bike lane, green infrastructure, and native landscaping. The project improves stormwater management, water quality, air quality, and provides much-needed shade and mobility options in a historically underserved area.

Led in collaboration with nonprofit partners—Council for Watershed Health, Active SGV, and Climate Resolve—Phase I was celebrated in March 2025 with over 200 attendees. The project has secured $11.8 million in funding to date, and Phase II design is nearing completion this summer.

The Greenway’s success shows the power of public, nonprofit, and community collaboration—and positions South El Monte as a leader in sustainable and equitable urban development.

SOUTH EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS

MAYOR PRO TEM HECTOR DELGADO

COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA

COUNCILMEMBER RUDY BOJORQUEZ

COUNCILMEMBER LARRY RODRIGUEZ

CITY

COUNCIL MEETINGS

The City Council holds regular meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. Regular meetings start at 6:00 P.M.

Questions or Assistance

For additional information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 579-6540 ext. 3280.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

July 1 & 15

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

ADRIAN GARCIA

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR

ARIANA DE LA CRUZ

FINANCE DIRECTOR

MASAMI HIGA

HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

IYOB TESSEMA

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

DANILO BATSON

INTERIM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

GERARDO MARQUEZ

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN/GIRLSMeets Quarterly / Upcoming Meeting July 16

COMMUNITY SERVICESMeets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 P.M.

PATRIOTIC - Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:00 P.M

PLANNING - Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 P.M

Agenda and Meeting Minutes are available on the City’s website at cityofsouthelmonte.org

CONNECT WITH US

CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

Certificates of recognition and scholarships presented to the South El Monte High School State of the City 2025 Scholarship recipients.

Certificates of recognition and scholarships presented to the Dean L. Shively Middle School State of the City 2025 Scholarship recipients.

Certificates of recognition to the South El Monte High School Varsity Softball team for their 2025 MVL title.

Certificates of recognition to the South El Monte High School Varsity Baseball team for their 2025 MVL title.

J U L Y E V E N T S J U L Y E V E N T S

FOR CHILDREN

SMARTY PANTS STORYTIME*

FRIDAYS, JULY 11, 18, & 25, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 – 5 with a parent or caregiver.

SUMMER EXPLORERS

SATURDAY, JULY 12, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Discover nature around us! Learn about the wonders of the natural world as well as tips & tricks for exploring nature in your own community. For ages 5 – 12 with parent or caregiver.

SCOOP ‘N’ SERVE: PAPER PLATE ICE CREAM*

TUESDAY, JULY 22 , 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Create your own ice cream on a paper plate while developing fine motor skills and cognitive abilities. For ages 2 - 5 with their caregivers.

STEAM CHALLENGE

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Think like an engineer, explore the design process, and create a strong bridge using tape, and newspaper. For ages 5 - 12 with a parent or caregiver.

*This program is part of Smart Start at the Library, LA County Library's collection of programs and services for early learners ages 0 - 5 and their caregivers.

SOUTH EL MONTE LIBRARY

1430 N CENTRAL AVE

SUNDAY & MONDAY : CLOSED

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY : 12 PM - 8 PM

THURSDAY - SATURDAY : 10 AM - 6 PM

FOR TEENS

ADULT 101: SEWING BASICS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Have you ever had a button come off your shirt and wondered how to sew it back on? Join us to learn some basic sewing techniques to help in life’s sewing emergencies! For ages 12 - 18.

DUCT TAPE WATER BOTTLE HOLDER

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Duct tape is a highly versatile and durable material. Learn about its history and make yourself a water bottle holder to keep your water handy and stay hydrated during the hot summer months! For ages 12 – 17.

FOR ADULTS

SELF-LOVE ART

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 10 AM - 11 AM

Feeling a little down? Join us for an art project and practice positive affirmations while learning how to cultivate positive self-esteem. For adults.

Attendance is limited and advance registration is required

To sign up, see library staff or register online at

For more information, please call the South El Monte Library at 626-443-4158

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

ANIMAL CONTROL (SEAACA)

(562) 803-3301

ANONYMOUS NARCOTICS TIP LINE (626) 292-3375

BUSINESS LICENSES (626) 332-5797

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (626) 443-0180

GREATER EL MONTE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (626) 579-7777

HOUSING RIGHTS HOTLINE (800) 477-5977

LA COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE (626) 258-6001

LA COUNTY SOCIAL PROGRAMS 211

LA COUNTY WHITTIER NARROWS (626) 575-5526

LIBRARY (626) 443-4158

POST OFFICE (800) 275-8777

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SERVICE CENTER (626) 575-5431

SUPERVISOR HILDA L. SOLIS OFFICE (626) 350-4500

VECTOR CONTROL (562) 944-9656

UTILITY COMPANIES

ATHENS SERVICES (TRASH/STREET SWEEPING) (888) 336-6100

EDISON (800) 655-4555

GAS COMPANY (800) 427-2000

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY WATER COMPANY (626) 448-6183

SPECTRUM (888) 369-2808

CITY YARD

COMMUNITY CENTER

SENIOR CENTER

SHERIFF’S TEMPLE

LAS TUNAS

91780 (626)

• LASD.ORG/TEMPLE 911 FOR LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES OR IN-PROGRESS CRIMES

HOMELESS RESOURCES

LAHSA (LOS ANGELES HOMELESS SERVICES AUTHORITY) MAKE A HOMELESS OUTREACH REQUEST AT LA-HOP.ORG OR DIAL 211

Get moving

Regular exercise can help your brain make new cells and may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory problems.¹ Try walking or jogging for 30 minutes a day. You can also add strength training for better coordination and memory ² and yoga or stretching to reduce stress and enhance focus.

you care for your brain every day.

Feed your brain

What you eat can affect how well you think and feel.³ Choose whole grains, leafy greens, and berries to get healthy nutrients. Lean proteins, like fsh and nuts, add brain-boosting omega-3s. Cutting back on sugar and highly processed foods can also help you think more clearly. Give your brain a break

Good sleep is key to memory, learning, and focus. During sleep, your brain processes information, repairs cells, and strengthens connections.4 So try to aim for 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. For better sleep, follow a bedtime routine with relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and gentle stretching. Limit your screen time before bed because the blue light can make it harder to fall asleep.

Your brain is your body’s command center. Take care of it today for a healthier tomorrow. Learn more at kp.org/brainhealth

Thursday, July 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

FIREWORK SHOW BEGINS AT 9 PM

LIVE CONCERT BY STEEL ROD 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

sem parksandrec

BACKPACK

GIVEAWAY AT 6:00 PM

programs After School

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

• ADULT SPORTS

• AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

• PARK & FACILITY RENTALS

• SEASONAL DAY CAMPS

• FITNESS CLASSES

• SPECIAL EVENTS

• YOUTH & RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS

*Programs, events, and fees are subject to change.

CONNECT WITH US SEM_PARKSANDREC

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT OUR NEW PARKS & RECREATION SITE.

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c o o r d i n a t e c o m m u n i t y p r o g r a m s l i k e o u r d a y c a m p s , a f t e r s c h o o l p r o g r a m s , s p o r t s l e a g u e

SENIOR SERVICES DIVISION

The Senior Services Division provides community based senior programs to enhance the quality of life, independence, and well-being of South El Monte citizens age 55 and older.

SENIOR CENTER

1556 CENTRAL AVE. • (626) 448-0131

MONDAY-FRIDAY • 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. CLOSED ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS

• NUTRITION PROGRAM (AGES 60+)

• TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

• SOCIAL WORKER

• SOCIAL/EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

• HEALTH/WELLNESS PROGRAMS

• EXCURSIONS

*Programs and events are subject to change, rescheduling or cancellation without notice.

Must be registered at the Senior Center to participate in any programming and events.

Scan QR Code for Senior Services Webpage.

REGISTRATION DAYS AND HOURS FOR NEW/RENEWAL SENIOR CENTER PARTICIPANTS: MONDAY – FRIDAY

8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

CLUB MEETINGS & CASH BINGO

3L CLUB • JULY: 1, 3, 15, 17, 29

1:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.

CLUB LATINO • JULY: 8, 10, 22, 24, 31 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. *Subject

Congratulations to Aurora Lucero for being recognized as South El Monte’s Older American for 2025 by the County of Los Angeles! Aurora has been volunteering her time at the South El Monte Senior Center’s Nutrition Program for over 20 years. She volunteers an average of 400 hours per year.