Thursday, July 22, 2021
City of Monterey Park E-News
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Tonight: It's Farmers' Market Thursday!
This evening, July 22, get free COVID-19 shots from LA County's convenient mobile vaccination unit from 4-8 p.m. Appointments not needed

August 5, join us for a special free live concert with Rock Tops featuring rock and Top 40 music

Visit Monterey Park weekly farmers' market at George Elder Park on Thursday evenings from 4-9 p.m. with a variety of farmers selling fresh produce. As conditions allow, prepared food, retail, crafts and entertainment are available for your enjoyment.

Enjoy a Free Movie in the Park, Friday, July 23
Recreation and Community Services has announced dates for upcoming free movies and a concert in the parks. The first is tomorrow, Friday, July 23 at Barnes Park featuring "The Croods: A New Age" (rated PG). For more details, please visit www.montereypark.ca.gov/summerevents.

Breaking news: free COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at the event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. courtesy of Supervisor Solis, Assemblymember Chau, Chinatown Service Center and Monterey Park Fire Department.

While you're at the park enjoying the event, take the #mpkparkschallenge and share the experience on social media!

Visit Our Parks, Share the Fun, Take the #MPKParksChallenge
In honor of "Parks Make Life Better" month, visit a park in Monterey Park, have some fun, take the challenge, and you may win a prize!

Enter by completing an activity and posting on Facebook, IG or Twitter with the hashtag #MPKParksChallenge. Deadline for entry is July 31, 2021.

Monterey Park City Council Strategic Planning Workshop, Saturday, July 24
The public is invited to attend an MPK City Council Strategic Planning Workshop on Saturday, July 24 at 8:30 a.m. at the new Courtyard Marriott.

Council Members and key staff members will be reviewing the City Council’s previous strategic plan; updating it; and providing direction to the City Manager. Topics may include, without limitation, infrastructure improvements; revenue enhancement; land use challenges; and municipal property needs assessment.

For more information please download the July 24 agenda on the city website.

MPK Housing Element Update Workshop August 5
The City of Monterey Park is updating key elements of the City’s General Plan and we want to hear from you!

Since 1969, the State of California has required that all Cities and Counties adequately plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. State Law requires each jurisdiction to accommodate its fair share of affordable housing, as an approach to distribute housing needs throughout the state.

Visit mpkhousingupdate.com to get involved and sign up for updates regarding the first community workshop on August 5.

Monterey Park Redistricting 2021
In addition to State of California and LA County redistricting efforts, the City of Monterey Park is also required to engage the community in the 2021 redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops regarding local city council districts.

For more information on this subject and notices regarding future meetings, please visit www.MontereyPark.ca.gov/Redistricting2021.

State of California Redistricting Public Meetings
The State of California has setup the "California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CRC) website where you will find information about California’s redistricting process and how you can get involved."

"CRC is committed to drawing fair districts that reflect the best interests of the people, not the incumbent politicians."

A Los Angeles area public meeting will be held Friday, July 30 from 4-8 p.m. The public is invited to attend and provide input. For more info, please visit www.wedrawthelinesca.org.

"Rec & Read" In the Parks With the Library
Join MPK Bruggemeyer Library Children’s Services and city recreation staff for activities and stories at specified city parks every Thursday during the summer! This is a drop-in program. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Thursdays through July 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.


See an Abandoned Shopping Cart? Report It!
If you see abandoned shopping carts in Monterey Park, please report them via:


Please provide a street address, cross street, city and the number of carts.

At This Week's City Council Meeting
Here's an overview of some of the items from the July 21 city council meeting teleconference:

  • Item 1-A: Presentation by Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang.
  • Item 4-A: Public hearing regarding redrawing of city council district boundaries pursuant to elections code.
  • Item 1-B: Introduction of Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Christine Tomikawa.
  • Item 1-C: 2021-29 Housing Element Update.
  • Item 1-D: Firework Enforcement Update.
  • Item 1-E Update on new and innovative shop local app program.
  • Item 4-B: Whitmore Villas Mitigated Negative Declaration and Tentative Map.
  • Item 5-A: Dissolution and consolidation of certain city commissions; formation of Traffic Safety Committee.
  • Item 5-B: Consideration of opposing Senate Bill 9 (Atkins), increased density in single-family zones.

Please click on the item to view the video or the full meeting. Item descriptions have been summarized in the interest of brevity.
MPK City Hall Open for Appointments
Monterey Park City Hall is open for in-person appointments during limited hours:

  • Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Several city departments have online appointment systems including Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library, Management/Support Services and Public Works.

For all other departments, we ask constituents to please contact the desired department directly via the website Staff Directory or by calling 626-307-1458.

LA County COVID-19 Vaccine Info
Visit the LA County COVID-19 Vaccine page for info about how to get vaccinated.

The COVID-19 Vaccine is free to all eligible persons. Immigration status and insurance are not required. Medical information is protected by law.

Residents with disabilities or without computer access can call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 7 days a week for assistance with appointments.

Visit VaccinateLACounty.com or call 833-540-0473 for assistance.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund Offering Relief Grants to Restaurants, Bars, Bakeries & More
US SBA program offers grants of up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has begun accepting applications for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grants. The purpose of this funding is to support the restaurant industry by providing funding to those that have suffered significant pandemic-related revenue loss.

Housing is Key: California’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program
Income eligible tenants in need of rental/and or utility assistance, both for arrears and future payment, can apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. Funding for this program is provided by federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

Applications for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Applications must include all required information, along with necessary verification items. Once an application has been successfully received, both the landlord and tenant will be notified about the application status.

Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Turns the Page on Overdue Fines
The Monterey Park City Council has eliminated overdue fines on library materials at the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library and to forgo collection of any outstanding overdue fines.

With this important action the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library joins many other libraries locally and nationwide that have gone “fine-free” to remove barriers and expand access to library services for their communities.

“The support of the Monterey Park City Council and the Library Board of Trustees for this change shows recognition of the importance of life-long learning in our community”, says City Librarian Diana Garcia. “The Library is a vital part of our residents’ lives and this change makes access easy, equitable and enjoyable for everyone.”

Follow City of Monterey Park on Facebook and Instagram
Instagram: @cityofmontereypark. 
 
Also connect via Nixle, News Releases, Twitter and More
 
In addition to social media, you can also stay informed by subscribing to official City of Monterey Park online communications. In particular, Nixle will get you linked up the good guys and gals at the Monterey Park PD, and city news flashes will provide you with official news releases. And, if you like Twitter, we've got that too.

City of Monterey Park Staff Available by Phone, Email and Appointment
For the latest COVID-19 information, please visit www.MontereyPark.ca.gov/Coronavirus 
 
City of Monterey Park city staff will continue to be available by phone and email during the next phases of reopening. Additionally, electronic services such our GoMPK app and online billpay options are available. 
 
For more City of Monterey Park coronavirus-related news, FAQs and resources, please visit www.MontereyPark.ca.gov/Coronavirus.
Report Graffiti, Potholes, Low Flying Aircraft, Water Wasters and Maintenance Issues with GoMPK
Whether you use a phone or a desktop, GoMPK makes it easier than ever to engage with city hall to report issues such as graffiti, potholes, sidewalk repairs, private property maintenance, water wasters and more. If you don't have a smartphone, a web version is available on the city website. To download, visit your app store and search for "GoMPK."

Monterey Park's "Most Wanted"
"MPK's Most Wanted" webpage features photos and other resources to help make the public aware of some of the outstanding crimes in the city. Visit the city website and view MPK's Most Wanted today.

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City of Monterey Park general information 626-307-1458.