Thursday, October 7, 2021
City of Monterey Park E-News
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Monterey Park Police Department Joins Fight Against Breast Cancer, Supports Pink Patch Project
Pink Patch Project (#PinkPatchProject) patches are intended to stimulate conversation within the community and to encourage public awareness about the on-going fight against this disease and importance of early detection. 

This year Monterey Park Police Officers also have specially designed vibrant pink badges. Officers will wear these pink patches and badges on their regular police uniforms for the entire month of October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Wi-Fi Hotspots Now Available for Checkout at the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library
The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library now offers Franklin T9 T-Mobile hotspots for checkout. The hotspots provide access to a free and reliable internet connection for students, parents, teachers and anyone working or studying remotely. The portable hotspots connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, tablets or smart phones to a 4G LTE network at one time.

MPK Farmers' Market: Every Thursday at Elder Park
Come on down to the Monterey Park's 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 live entertainment are available for your enjoyment.

Join the DĂ­a de los Muertos Community Ofrenda
The Recreation and Community Services Department and Bruggemeyer Library will display a community DĂ­a de los Muertos ofrenda (altar) in the front window of the library October 11 to November 3 to honor the memories of loved ones who have passed.

If you would like to add a photo of a loved one to the library display, please send an email with a high-quality photo to events@montereypark.ca.gov. For questions or more information, please call recreation at 626-307-1388 or the library at 626-307-1368.

Help Your MPK Small Business Compete in the Digital World!
It’s a digital world, and small businesses need to compete to grow and thrive. Make your small business digital ready! 

Running a small business has never been more complex. The good news is Verizon has a new free small business program that can help: Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.

It’s a free program designed to give small businesses like yours more tools to succeed and includes personalized content, coaching, networking, and more, with all the online tools in one place.

Monterey Park Rewards
Earn Points
Support Small Businesses!
Monterey Park will soon launch a new shop and dine local mobile app called Monterey Park Rewards. Users can register a credit, debit, or prepaid debit card and use that linked card at participating shopping and dining businesses to earn “MPK Points.” Each MPK Point is worth $1 that users can use at redeeming businesses on purchases.

In addition, users can track the number of MPK Points they’ve accumulated and redeemed at local businesses through the convenience of their smartphones. 

The app will soon be available for download on the Apple Store or Google Play. However, business that are interested in participating can sign up now by visiting www.montereypark.ca.gov/mpkrewards.

Save the Date for the Third Annual Monster Mash October 21
This family-friendly event, co-hosted by the Recreation and Community Services Department and Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library, will feature carnival games, a costume parade, trick-or-treating, and food trucks. Entertainment will be provided by Fantastick Patrick and Arty Loon. October 21, 4-7 p.m. at Barnes Park. Admission is free.

Asian Pacific Health Corps Health Fair October 23
Free healthy lifestyle education and screenings. Services provided by UCLA Asian Pacific Health Corps (APHC). Saturday, October 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Langley Senior Center.

Free COVID-19 Testing Saturdays at Barnes Park
Visit Barnes Park for free COVID-19 testing Saturdays through October 23.

  • 10 a.m.-4 p.m., no appointment necessary.
  • Barnes Park, 350 S McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754.
  • Near ball field on Ramona Ave.
  • Test is shallow nose PCR with results in 24-72 hours.

Brought to the community, in part, by www.coreresponse.org.
Help Shape the Future of MPK, Get Involved in the Housing Element Update
The City of Monterey Park is updating key elements of the City’s General Plan and we want to hear from you!

The Draft Housing Element is available for public comment. The public is invited to review and comment on the Draft Housing Element by December 6, 2021.

The City of Monterey Park will host a virtual workshop on Thursday, November 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. to discuss updates to the Housing Element, Safety Element, and new Environmental Justice Element.

At This Week's City Council Meeting
In case you missed the live meeting, here's a recap of some of the items from the October 6 city council meeting teleconference:


Please click on the item to view the video or the full meeting. Item descriptions may have been summarized in the interest of brevity.
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.

LA County Redistricting Public Hearings
From LA County: "During Summer 2021, the Citizens Redistricting Commission (CRC) will conduct ten public hearings, ensuring residents’ ability to participate from all five Supervisorial Districts. At these public hearings, the CRC will present an overview of the redistricting process, legal considerations, outreach efforts, public access plan, and a timeline."

"Your input is valuable to us. These public hearings are important for receiving public comments and input from communities of interest (COI), including what the CRC should consider in the redistricting effort. Members of the public are welcome to make live comments at the public hearings. Please fill in the COI Form to speak or submit public comments ahead of, during, or after the public hearing."

For more info, please visit redistricting.lacounty.gov.

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."

For more info, please visit www.wedrawthelinesca.org.

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.

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.
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.

Say Goodbye to Your Overdue Library 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.