A Record of Results for Montebello
Delivering safer neighborhoods, stronger public services,
economic opportunity, and a future for Montebello families.
Protecting District 1 from Wildfire and Emergency Risks
Secured $3 million to build a new brush fire station facility to be built in District 1, improving emergency response in a high fire-hazard area and helping homeowners facing rising insurance costs.
Approved the creation of new specialized fire divisions, including Wildland Fire Response, Urban Search and Rescue Canine Program, and Hazardous Materials Response, giving Montebello firefighters additional tools and training to respond to complex emergencies.
Investing in Our Community Facilities
During my tenure, I prioritized investment in new park amenities for our community, opening the city's first Dog Park, Police Community Resource Center, and Community Garden. I supported the renovation of our City Pool and City Park Baseball Field, and invested ~ $700K to renovate all 8 of our public park restroom facilities for a safer experience. I supported funding the city's Public Park Safety Division, staffed by community service officers (park rangers), to support the safety of our parks.
Attracting New Businesses
Helped attract major businesses to Montebello, including Tesla, Hobby Lobby, and coming soon: Yard House, Round1 Entertainment, In-N-Out, Planet Fitness, and Dutch Bros.
Collaborated with AltaMed to open an Art Gallery - The ALTA- with a joint effort to expand cultural and art programming.
Working with Adventist Health White Memorial to explore bringing a Trader Joe’s to its vacant properties as part of a future master plan, expanding local options for our community.
Supporting Workers & Strengthening Benefits
Led the adoption of Montebello’s historic Community Workforce Agreement, creating more opportunities for local residents to access good-paying, union jobs on city-funded construction projects.
Approved the City’s first increase in employee health care contributions in 16 years, helping make benefits more affordable for the employees who provide essential services to Montebello residents.
Successfully approved MOU's with our 10 bargaining units, including raises for our transit, fire, police, and city employees.
Restoring Resident-Led Governance
Reinstated resident-led city commissions, including the Traffic and Safety Commission, which addresses traffic concerns and ensures safer streets, and the Civil Service Commission, which oversees fair hiring practices and employment standards within the city. These commissions are crucial to maintaining accountability and safety in our community.
Supported the launch of our CERT program and the continuation of the Police Citizens Academy, giving residents the tools to learn about city government and get directly involved.
Strengthening Public Safety
Approved 40+ new police and fire personnel positions to strengthen emergency response, along with funding for 3 paramedic squads to improve medical call response times. Secured a new fire engine/ladder truck, upgraded police resources with new vehicles, body cameras, and a K-9 heat detection system, and invested in facility upgrades, including a new roof for Fire Station 56. I also supported the establishment of the city's inaugural First Responders Appreciation event.
Addressing Regional Issues
Supported establishing a $150K fund to assist families directly impacted by ICE operations, ensuring residents have access to critical resources during uncertain times. I also helped organize Know Your Rights workshops for community members, as well as guidance for local businesses to understand their rights and responsibilities. On another pressing regional issue, I supported a moratorium on data centers in our city, laying the groundwork toward a permanent ban to protect our community's resources and quality of life.
Building a Transparent, Community-Driven Budget
Led the city's first community online budget survey and held in-person budget meetings in every district, ensuring a community-driven, informed budget process shaped by public input. I maintained balanced budgets, increased transparency by publishing monthly city financials, and implemented new procedures to strengthen internal controls over procurement, contracts, and financial management. Under this approach, city reserves have grown to ~ $30 million.
Growing a Greener Montebello
Supported the creation of Montebello's first Tree Replacement Program to beautify our community and expand our urban canopy.
Established a partnership with TreePeople, securing $775K in grant funding to expand urban forestry initiatives across the city and spearheading the city's first Urban Forest Management Plan, with a goal of planting over 700 trees throughout Montebello.
Additionally, I supported the creation of a public walking trail in the Metro Heights area, connecting residents to the Shops at Montebello.
Expanding Community & Recreation Programs
Revived and brought back the City's Annual Parade, restoring a beloved community tradition.
Established and launched the Adaptive Inclusive Recreation Program, offering year-round activities for residents of all abilities.
Supported the new Rec and Go initiative, providing families with field trips to enriching experiences outside the city, and launched a Parks and Rec Scholarship to help families access programming regardless of financial barriers.
Investing in Arts & Culture
Supported the adoption of a Public Arts Development Fund, a fee charged on new developments to boost funding for art and cultural initiatives, with nearly $400K in the fund to date. This ensures that all future projects contribute to enhancing our city's artistic landscape through murals, art exhibitions, and more.
Also led the installation of the city's first art scramble crosswalk, paired with a new signal light in downtown Montebello, and launched Downtown Montebello Live, a new initiative bringing year-round programming and art installations to the area. Coming soon!
Confronting Blight & Building Housing Stability
Championed an affordable housing development at J.J. Rodriguez with 63 affordable units for families. I supported a new rezoning mandate with affordable housing set-asides for future development, ensuring families aren't being pushed out of our community.
Also led the creation of Montebello's CLEAN Taskforce, an inter-departmental initiative to tackle blight throughout the city, and supported the launch of a Vacant Property Registration and Maintenance Program to hold property owners accountable for blight, graffiti, trash, and to keep neighborhoods safe.
