Montebello · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Montebello public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
$3.1M park loan proposal for six city parks
The city floated a low-interest federal loan to fund park walking paths, playgrounds, shelters, ADA upgrades, and a big City Park parking lot. Councilmembers mostly loved it — except Alonzo, who objected that Chet Holifield Park didn't qualify under federal income rules. Final decisions come early next year.
Senior Center Basement Remodel moves to bid
After two failed rounds of bidding, the senior center basement finally gets rebuilt with a fitness room, computer lab, ADA restrooms, and multipurpose space. Construction could wrap by fall 2027. It's funded with Measure A and transit money, not the general fund.
Federal grant application for City Park upgrades
The city is applying for a National Park Service grant to add a soccer field, parking, paths, restrooms, and court renovations at City Park — and the potential Section 108 loan could double as the required match.
Bellaverde Golf Club Driving Range Reopening
The driving range reopened February 7 after a full overhaul — new netting, turf, irrigation, and an automated ball machine that needs no staff on site. It's open seven days a week and generating revenue for the city.
Summer Events Season
The Downtown Street Fest drew roughly 10,000 attendees, and residents told the commission they enjoyed the event and felt safe. A strong sign the city's community events programming is landing.
Aquatics Programming and Adaptive Recreation
Staff gave updates on youth basketball, aquatics, Concerts in the Park, and the Downtown Street Fest. The newly filled ad hoc committees will help plan arts and special events programming going forward.
Walking and biking path on SCE property; Ashiya Park lease
The city is pursuing use of Edison-owned land for a walking and biking path with water-saving landscaping, and renewed its lease to keep operating Ashiya Park.
Youth Basketball Summer Season
Registration is open for summer youth basketball — $70 per kid, ages 3 to 15, games and practices both indoors and out from August 11 to September 26. Most divisions still have spots.
Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument and Scout House protection
Covenants will be recorded against the land to permanently protect the monument and the 75-year-old Scout House. The Scout House covenant was reassigned from Scout Troop 330 to the Lions Club so it survives even if the troop dissolves.
Park ADA Improvements
New ADA-compliant paths, ramps and concrete are coming to nearly every major city park starting Monday. This makes playgrounds, ballfields and restrooms easier to reach for wheelchair users, seniors and families with strollers.
Black History Month Art and Essay Contest
The student art and essay contest got a deadline extension due to low submissions. Student work will be displayed February 27 at Chet Hollyfield, followed by a family movie night showing King Richard.
Grant Rea Park Field Renovations
The city renovated the baseball infield at Grant Rea Park's field three, laser-leveled all fields, and overseeded the outfields. The work wraps up just in time for the MBA league's opening day on March 14.