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Two More Years and We Can Accomplish Much More. . .
Four More Years and We Can Accomplish Much More. . .
A Vision for Safe Streets, Reliable Services, and Clean Neighborhoods
What I’ve Accomplished
1. Enhanced Code Enforcement
Recognizing the importance of maintaining our community’s standards, I supported increasing funding for code enforcement. We went from having just one officer to four, ensuring comprehensive coverage across our city. This has led to more effective enforcement of our local ordinances, contributing to the progress of a cleaner and safer environment.
2. Invested in Infrastructure
I prioritized and invested in crucial capital improvement projects, such as upgrading our outdated sewage system and repairing deteriorating streets. These projects have significantly improved our city’s infrastructure, ensuring safer roads and better services for all residents.
3. Reinstated the Traffic and Safety Commission
I led the successful effort to reinstate the Traffic and Safety Commission, which had been disbanded before I joined the City Council. Now fully operational, the commission actively tackles critical traffic issues like parking and speed management, resulting in policies and projects that make our streets safer.
4. Zero Tolerance for Oversized Vehicles
I supported the adoption of a strict ordinance to regulate oversized vehicles and unattached trailers, aimed at cleaning up our community. This policy is meant to safeguard public parking spaces and minimize the negative impact on our residential streets and parks.
5. City Service Saturdays
I supported the creation of City Service Saturdays and have been an active volunteer, joining others each month to clean up different areas of our city. Together, we paint, plant trees and flowers, and carry out general clean-up efforts, all of which help make Montebello more beautiful and welcoming.
My Vision for the Future
1. Improving the Findley Exit and Via Ocampo Entryway Corridor
One of my top priorities in District 2 is addressing the safety concerns at the Findley Exit off the 60 Freeway. I am collaborating with the city and Caltrans for a capital improvement project that will replace the existing K-rails with aesthetically pleasing barriers that also provide the necessary safety measures for speeding cars exiting into our residential areas. Additionally, I am working to improve signage to slow down vehicles exiting the freeway and advocating for redesigning the intersection at Findley and Via Ocampo to create a safer and more welcoming entryway to our city.
2. Creation of the CLEAN Taskforce
I'm working with City Staff to establish a CLEAN Taskforce, comprised of multi-agency representatives dedicated to abating graffiti, trash, and vandalized properties throughout our community. This task force will work to ensure that our city remains clean, safe, and inviting by addressing these issues swiftly.
3. Vacant Property Registration and Maintenance Program
To prevent our community from becoming blighted, I'm supporting the creation of a Vacant Property Registration and Maintenance Program. This program will set clear standards for the upkeep of vacant properties, requiring owners to register their properties and comply with maintenance standards. The city will conduct regular inspections, enforce violations, and ensure that properties are maintained properly. Additionally, a monitoring program will be established by the city to assist property owners in complying with these standards, ensuring that compliant properties are not negatively impacted.
Build a Strong and Thriving Economy
What I've Accomplished
1. Facade Improvement Grant
Supported and implemented the Facade Improvement Grant program, enabling downtown businesses to receive grants for enhancing their building facades to help revitalize the area, making it more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
2. Private Arts Development Fund
Adopted a Private Arts Development Fund ordinance, requiring future developments in the city to contribute a fee that directly funds community art initiatives. This ensures continuous support for local arts and culture, enriching the community's public spaces.
3. City Planning for the Future:
Successfully completed and adopted the City's General Plan, Downtown Specific Plan, and Housing Element. These comprehensive plans will guide the sustainable development of Montebello, ensuring a balanced approach to growth and community well-being.
4. Economic Development Through Key Projects: Top Golf and Tesla
Approved the Top Golf entertainment facility, creating over 450 new jobs and bringing significant attention to Montebello as a destination for leisure and recreation. Additionally, secured a new Tesla Dealership and Service Center at the former Costco site, which had been vacant for six years. This dealership will generate new jobs, boost tax revenue, and serve as a key pick-up point for Tesla vehicles.
5. Creation of the Economic Development Division:
Approved the establishment of Montebello’s Economic Development Division, which focuses on building strong relationships with local businesses and property owners. This division plays a crucial role in connecting tenants with businesses that meet the needs and desires of Montebello’s residents.
6. Community Workforce Agreement/Project Labor Agreement:
Adopted Montebello's first Community Workforce Agreement (CWA) in collaboration with the LA/OC Building Trades Council. This agreement mandates that all qualifying city-funded projects be built by unionized contractors, ensuring prevailing wages, benefits, safer working conditions, and a local hire provision. This has strengthened labor rights and improved the quality of public works projects in the city.
My Vision for the Future
1. Attracting Major Grocery Outlets & Diversifying Dining & Retail Options
I am committed to working with our Economic Development Division in attracting the investment of major grocery stores like Sprouts, Northgate, or Trader Joe’s to Montebello, providing residents with access to healthier and more diverse food choices. Simultaneously, I aim to expand and diversify our dining and retail scene by attracting a broad range of restaurants and shops. To achieve this, staff and I have regularly met and will continue to meet with representatives of popular chains to build relationships and attract investment in our community. This dual approach will enhance local shopping options, keep more tax dollars within the city, and create a vibrant commercial environment that benefits families and attracts visitors, thereby boosting our local economy.
2. Supporting Local Businesses Impacted by Theft and Vandalism
Understanding the challenges small businesses face, especially in the wake of vandalism and theft, I’m spearheading the creation of a grant program to provide financial support for these local enterprises. This program will help small businesses recover swiftly from setbacks, ensuring they remain viable and continue to contribute to our local economy. By supporting our small businesses, we are not only preserving jobs and essential services but also strengthening the community, making Montebello a more resilient and thriving city.
3. Workforce Development Programs & Montebello's Green Resiliency Project
I’m proud to champion Montebello’s first workforce development program, Montebello's Green Resiliency Project. This initiative focuses on training local residents in sustainable industries, equipping them with the skills needed to drive green initiatives within our community. Through this program, we would launch projects such as solar panel installations for residential and commercial spaces, and other environmentally friendly initiatives. Additionally, we are creating a Digital Jobs Hub to recruit and track workforce opportunities among our businesses, connecting residents to available jobs. Additionally launching a Youth Ambassador Program to engage young people in internships, outreach, business engagement activities, and beautification programs, fostering the next generation of leaders and workers in our community.
4. Entrepreneur Start-Up Fund, Business Incubator, and Shop Local Program
Through the adoption of our 2025-2027 Economic Prosperity Plan, I am supporting the establishment of an Entrepreneur Start-Up Fund and Business Incubator Program focused on culinary, tech, art, and retail sectors. This program will provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, mentorship, and funding to launch and grow their businesses, fostering innovation and stimulating economic growth. Additionally, to support our local economy, I am supporting the launch of the Shop Local Program, which includes a rewards system for residents who shop at local businesses accessible via an app. This program will incentivize residents to shop locally by offering rewards and discounts, thereby increasing patronage of our local businesses. Together, these initiatives will create new job opportunities, strengthen local enterprises, and ensure that more of our spending directly benefits Montebello.
Enhance Public Safety and Keep our Families Safe
What I've Accomplished
1. Transformed Fire Department Operations to Firefighter-Paramedic Model
I approved the restructuring of the Montebello Fire Department’s operational model, transitioning it into a more Firefighter-Paramedic model. This change was designed to improve response times to medical emergencies, which make up the majority of 911 calls in our community. As part of this transformation, we approved 18 new firefighter/paramedic positions, the purchase of a fire engine, and four new paramedic squads, significantly enhancing the department's capacity to provide life-saving care. This strategic investment ensures that our first responders are better equipped to meet the growing demands of public safety.
2. Expanded our Police Force and Reached a Groundbreaking MOU
I supported and approved our Police Chief’s comprehensive plan to strengthen the Montebello Police Department by adding 5 new officers each year for the next 4 years. Additionally, we negotiated a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that provided a 14.5% salary increase and expanded benefits for our officers. This MOU was essential in addressing the challenges of officer retention and recruitment by making Montebello a more competitive and attractive department for top-tier law enforcement talent. These efforts not only bolster our police presence but also ensure that our community remains safe and well-served by committed officers.
3. Launched the Public Park Safety Division
Recognizing the importance of safe public spaces, I spearheaded the creation of the Public Park Safety Division. This new division focuses on enhancing security and safety across our parks with a dedicated team to monitor, address issues, and deter crime, promoting positive behavior, and creating safer, more welcoming public spaces for families and residents.
4. Spearheaded the City’s CERT Program and Supported Public Safety Education Initiatives
I championed the establishment of Montebello’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to train residents in emergency preparedness and response, ensuring that our community is ready to act in times of disaster. Additionally, I supported the Police Department's Citizens Academy, which educates residents about police operations and community safety, as well as the Junior Fire Academy, which engages local youth in fire safety and emergency response training. These programs help strengthen community ties to public safety and foster a culture of preparedness and civic responsibility.
My Vision for the Future
1. Continue Enhancing our Police and Fire Departments
I will ensure continue to support our police and fire departments in having the resources, training, and tools they need to effectively fight crime and respond to emergencies. By maintaining and enhancing our investment in public safety, we will keep our community protected and well-served with the highest standards of safety and response capabilities.
2. Reinstate City Ambulance Transportation Rights
One of my key priorities is to bring ambulance transportation services back in-house by reinstating the city’s rights to provide this service. This will allow us to offer faster, more reliable emergency medical transport. Additionally, I will work to establish subsidy programs to make ambulance services more affordable for seniors and low-income residents, ensuring that no one is left behind in a medical emergency.
3. Improve Traffic and Pedestrian Safety in District 2
I will focus on enhancing traffic and pedestrian safety across District 2. This includes implementing new traffic calming measures, improving crosswalks, and addressing accident-prone areas to ensure safer commutes and walkways for all residents. By making these improvements, we can significantly reduce accidents and increase the overall safety of our streets. In the past four years, we successfully expanded our Traffic Division from one officer to four. If re-elected, I will continue to build on this success by further expanding the division, and ensuring even more coverage and enforcement to reduce speeding, accidents, and traffic-related incidents. in our neighborhoods
Green Spaces and Fun Places: Building a Brighter Future for Recreation
What I've Accomplished
1. Approved the City’s First Dog Park and Community Garden
I championed the creation of Montebello’s first dog park at Acuna Park opening at the end of this year, providing a safe and enjoyable space for residents and their pets. Additionally, I supported the development of a community garden at Chet Holifield Park, fostering community involvement and promoting sustainable living.
2. Invested in Recreational Facilities
Approved a $2 million renovation project with major improvements at the George Hensel Aquatic Center, enhancing our Olympic-sized pool and enhancing our swimming programs for residents. I also approved renovation projects for the Montebello City Park baseball field and the Senior Center, which include upgrades to fitness and technology areas, making these spaces more accessible and engaging for all ages.
3. Ashiya Park and Edison Trail Expansion
I approved and championed the master plan for the Ashiya Park and Edison Trail study. This project aims to create a 10-acre greenbelt in District 2, adding new walking and biking trails that will provide valuable recreational space for the community. I’ve been actively collaborating with Southern California Edison to move this project forward and create a vibrant outdoor space for residents to enjoy.
4. Recreational Scholarship and Rec & Go Program
I supported and approved a recreation scholarship for low-income families, ensuring that all children in Montebello have access to our city's recreational programs. Additionally, I supported the launch of the "Rec and Go" program, which takes residents on monthly field trips to museums, parks, and entertainment venues, providing enriching experiences for families who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities.
5. Led the City’s First Resource Fair for Children with Disabilities
I initiated the city’s first resource fair for children with disabilities, providing access to vital services, support, and year-round recreational activities tailored to their needs. This effort is part of my commitment to creating an inclusive community where all children can thrive.
My Vision for the Future
1. Complete the Ashiya Park and Edison Trail Project
My goal is to fully implement the greenbelt expansion in District 2 by working closely with Southern California Edison to bring the Ashiya Park and Edison Trail project to life. This will add over 1 mile of new trails and open space for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation, improving the quality of life for local residents.
2. Expand Recreational Programs for All Ages
I plan to continue expanding recreational opportunities, including more field trips and cultural outings through the Rec and Go Program. Additionally, I will work to enhance the city’s youth sports programs, making them more accessible and affordable for all families.
3. Further Investment in Park Infrastructure
I am committed to securing additional funding for park improvements across the city, focusing on modernizing playgrounds, expanding fitness areas, and enhancing green spaces. This includes advocating for more community gardens, improved sports facilities, and senior-friendly recreational facilities to ensure that our parks meet the needs of all residents.