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SOUTH EL MONTE NEWS

SOUTH EL MONTE LOCALLY-CONTROLLED SERVICES MEASURE

Approximately $1.6 Million Annually for Public Safety, Housing Programs, Parks/Recreation, Homelessness Prevention, Road Repairs, and Other Local Services - Exclusively for South El Monte

On August 7, 2024, the South El Monte City Council unanimously voted to put the South El Monte Locally-Controlled Services Measure on the ballot at the presidential election. By increasing local control over sales taxes paid in South El Monte, the Locally-Controlled Service Measure would increase the resources available to fund local services.

The sales tax that people pay when they shop in South El Monte is actually composed of twelve different smaller taxes. Most of these taxes go to the state government, the county government, or the Los Angeles County MTA. The state, the county and the MTA use these taxes to fund their own priorities. Though, currently, consumers pay ten and a quarter cents in taxes at cash registers in South El Monte, only one and three-quarters cents of that is directly controlled in South El Monte and used for local services.

One of the twelve pieces of the sales tax is the county’s Measure H Tax. This quarter-cent sales tax is collected throughout Los Angeles County. Since 2017, South El Monte has originated about $9.1 million in Measure H taxes. Of this, the County has only allocated $158,466 to our city. The rest has been spent throughout LA County on projects chosen by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The Measure H Tax will be ending on September 30, 2027 and could end even sooner. If South El Monte voters adopt the Locally-Controlled Services Measure, then, as soon as the Measure H Tax ends, a tax funding local services in South El Monte would begin. The new funding would, at the latest, begin collection on October 1, 2027. Collection would be at the same quarter-cent rate as under Measure H. All funds would be deposited in the City of South El Monte’s general fund, controlled by South El Monte, and independently audited and publicly reported in order to ensure that our money is used to provide locally-chosen services.

The South El Monte Locally-Controlled Services Measure will appear on the ballot at the November 5, 2024 Statewide Election. At the time this article was written, the City had requested that the measure be designated on the ballot as “Measure SEM” – however the Registrar of Voters had not yet formally assigned that designation and might assign a different designation. The Registrar of Voters has a website at https://www.lavote.gov/home/voting-elections with information about how to register to vote and how to cast your ballot.

SOUTH EL MONTE CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS

MAYOR PRO TEM RUDY BOJORQUEZ

COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA

COUNCILMEMBER RICHARD ANGEL

COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO

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

September 10 & 24

To view Agendas or Agenda packets use the side QR Code, scroll down to the current and upcoming events section.

CITY MANAGER

RENE SALAS

INTERIM CITY CLERK

SABRINA MUHNE

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

GUILLERMO ARREOLA

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR

ARIANA DE LA CRUZ

HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

IYOB TESSEMA

FINANCE DIRECTOR

MASAMI HIGA

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

JOHN POEHLER

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN/GIRLSMeets Quarterly / Upcoming Meeting

October 16

COMMUNITY SERVICES - Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 P.M.

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

PLANNING - Meets on the third 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 CITYOFSOUTHELMONTE.ORG

CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

Proclamation proclaiming the month of July 2024 as Parks Make Life Better Month.

Certificate of Appreciation presented by Valle Lindo School District Parent/Teacher Organization to the City of South El Monte for its continued support.

HR CORNER

Below are great examples of various community activities that can easily be organized and offer numerous benefits to any community:

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT

Cleaning up local parks, beaches, streets, and other public areas reduces litter and pollution, leading to a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment This not only improves the quality of life for residents, but also protects local wildlife and ecosystems

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Such events encourage residents to come together and work towards a common goal, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. This can strengthen social bonds and create a more cohesive, supportive neighborhood.

RAISING AWARENESS

Community cleanups can raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of proper waste disposal It can also educate participants about recycling, conservation, and sustainable practices

HEALTH BENEFITS

Engaging in physical activity during the cleanup can promote physical health and well-being Additionally, spending time outdoors can have positive effects on mental health

SETTING A POSITIVE EXAMPLE

Such initiatives can inspire others to take responsibility for their surroundings and encourage ongoing efforts to maintain clean and safe public spaces It sets a positive example for younger generations about the importance of community involvement and environmental stewardship

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

HOMELESS RESOURCES

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

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death from home fires in half.

That’s why we’re rallying volunteers, fire departments and partners to Sound the Alarm

Together, we’re installing FREE smoke alarms in your community. Request a smoke alarm installation today!

On Saturday October 12th 2024 10:00AM to 1:00PM City of South El Monte

The appointment will take approximately 30 minutes. Our volunteers will be coming to your home, to install free smoke alarms and provide home fire safety information.

Appointment Link: www.redcross.org/LAHomeFire Appointment Phone Number: 310-445-9914

¡Las alarmas de humo salvan vidas! Las alarmas de humo que funcionan pueden reducir a la mitad el riesgo de muerte por incendios domésticos.

Es por eso que estamos reuniendo a voluntarios, departamentos de bomberos y socios para la campaña Activa tu Alarma Juntos, estamos instalando alarmas de humo GRATUITAS en su comunidad. ¡Solicite la instalación de una alarma de humo hoy mismo!

El sábado 12 de Octubre de 2024 10:00AM a 1:00PM Ciudad de South El Monte

La cita durará aproximadamente 30 minutos. Nuestros voluntarios irán a su casa a instalar alarmas de humo gratuitas y brindarle información de seguridad contra incendios en el hogar.

Asegure los artículos en su cajuela cuidadosamente. Los desechos peligrosos deben estar en su cajuela sin otros artículos.

Traiga los artículos en una caja resistente, preferiblemente en sus envases etiquetados originales. Prepárese para dejar los envases y las cajas.

No se permiten explosivos, municiones, materiales radioactivos, sustancias controladas, basura, llantas o grandes aparatos (como refrigeradores, estufas y lavadoras)

El desecho de objetos punzantes requerirá salir de su vehículo en un lugar designado para depositarlos en un contenedor.

Disponible para los residentes del Condado de Los Ángeles. Desechos de negocios no serán aceptados.

Límite de 15 galones o 125 libras de desechos tóxicos por

In-Person Registration

South El Monte Community Center 1530 Central Ave. Monday - Friday 1:00 PM - 8:30 PM Resident Fee: $5.00 Non-Resident Fee: $10.00

*Must bring proof of South El Monte residency for fee Online Registration Fee: $10 per participant

SATURDAYS SEPT. 7 & OCT. 5

at 8:30 AM

at 9:00 AM

Starting Point: South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave

Bring your bike and helmet and join the city council in an eight-mile bike ride around the city Bike rides are recommended for ages 10 and older

*In the event of rain, the bike ride will be cancelled.

Starting Point: South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave

Bring your bike and helmet and join us for an eight-mile bike ride around the city. This event is about

and enjoyable experience for participants, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and fostering a

community that encourages more women and girls to take up cycling

*The bike ride is recommended for ages 10 and older.

CITY

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

• SPECIAL EVENTS

• YOUTH & RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS

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

CONNECT WITH US SEM_PARKSANDREC

SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS ON A FIRST-COME,

RESIDENTS: BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 - OCTOBER 18, 2024

FEE: $60 PER PARTICIPANT (SIBLING DISCOUNT AVAILABLE)

NON-RESIDENTS: BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 - OCTOBER 18, 2024

FEE: $90 PER PARTICIPANT

*PROOF OF GRADE LEVEL AND SOUTH EL MONTE RESIDENCY IS REQUIRED FOR FEE

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.