Montebello · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Montebello public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police recruitment incentives reinstated
The council considered continuing a recruitment incentives program to help the police department attract qualified officers and dispatchers amid ongoing staffing challenges.
Fire Station 56 remodel completion
Chief Pelaez reported the department is at about 100 employees, manages $15 million in grants, and expects Fire Station 4 in the hills to be built within one to two years with six to eight staff — pending more grant funding.
Red-light traffic safety cameras
Council Member Alonzo pushed for data safeguards in the new Obvio Inc. camera contract: citation footage erased within six months, unused video within 15 days, and no AI training on driver-facing footage.
District 2 fire station facilities
Council Member Peralta flagged that her district's fire station is the oldest and smallest and may not fit new equipment or provide facilities for women firefighters; she asked for future planning discussions.
Crossing guard at South 5th Street and West Los Angeles Avenue
The city wants a crossing guard at this intersection near Montebello Christian School and drafted a letter to the school district — but who pays (police budget vs. district vs. private school) still needs sorting out with the City Council.
Fire Engine Fleet Replacement
Three of the city's six engines are 17–24 years old. New Pierce Enforcers will cost about $3.6 million over a 10-year lease, with delivery around 2029 due to nationwide backlog.
Flock camera privacy oversight
Speakers split sharply on proposed Flock surveillance cameras — one resident supported them for safety despite privacy fears, while another denounced them as racist surveillance.
Pedestrian Safety at Washington Elementary School
Redundant signs near Washington Elementary will come down, and stop signs on W. Madison Avenue get solar-powered blinking LEDs to grab drivers' attention during school rush times.
All-Way Stop Request at Rio Del Sol Avenue and Rancho Drive
Data says no crashes and 23 mph speeds, so staff recommended denying the all-way stop and adding red curb instead. But weekend park crowds weren't counted, so the study is being redone across all seven days.
Police Department Operational Update & Staffing
Police Chief Luis Lopez reported that the police department is fully staffed at 119 employees, highlighting low response times, new community resource centers, and expanded specialized units.
MCAP homeless outreach program showcase
The city's fire-department-based homeless outreach team got a spotlight, including a former resident who credited the program with getting her housed, into school, and reunited with family. The Operation Stay Safe tiny homes program houses 30 participants.
Fire Department Leadership Dispute — No Confidence Vote
A former mayor urged the council to directly address an unresolved personnel matter involving firefighters, saying it is damaging morale and public safety and cannot be left to the fire chief alone.
Denied all-way stops near West Los Angeles Avenue schools
Two intersections (Spruce and Fifth at Los Angeles) failed state warrants for four-way stops despite commissioner concerns about kids crossing. Red curbs were added, and a letter to the school district will push for crossing guards at Fifth Street.
Fire Department Leadership and Staffing Concerns
A former mayor urged the council to directly address an unresolved personnel matter involving firefighters, saying it is damaging morale and public safety and cannot be left to the fire chief alone.
Adventist White Memorial Hospital Investment and Services Expansion
After a hospital bankruptcy left billing in chaos, the city faced nearly $900,000 in invoices for jail medical care. Police and finance staff audited every bill and got it down to $28,000, and the new agreement sets fixed prices going forward.
Whittier Narrows Dam Safety Modification Project
The Army Corps will spend hundreds of millions starting this fall to armor the dam against catastrophic failure, protecting a million people downstream. Expect lane narrowing on Lincoln and Rosemead, trail closures, and the permanent closure of Rooks Road; a town hall is set for June 30.
State of the Fire Department and Fire Station 4
Chief Pelaez reported the department is at about 100 employees, manages $15 million in grants, and expects Fire Station 4 in the hills to be built within one to two years with six to eight staff — pending more grant funding.
Clean Task Force and vacant property enforcement
The city's multi-department Clean Task Force has demolished chronic nuisance properties, cut calls for service dramatically, and grown vacant property tracking from 21 to 67 properties, with reoccupancy up to 26.9%. New grants totaling $592,181 fund tobacco enforcement and illegal dumping cleanup through 2028.
Homelessness shifting into South Montebello
A resident warned that homeless individuals appear to be moving east out of downtown LA ahead of the World Cup and Olympics, and asked the city to prepare a plan for South Montebello.
$2.4 Million in Federal Grants for Fire and Police
The city landed $2.4 million through Congresswoman Sanchez's office — $1 million for a Fire Department wildland station to speed wildfire response, and $1.4 million to modernize police radios.
Medication safety and disposal access
A community coalition told the council Montebello has only three permanent medication disposal sites for 60,000-plus residents and asked the city to join the Let's Make a Difference campaign and National Take Back Day on April 25, 2026.
911 Dispatcher Response and Police Accountability Complaints
Residents raised sharp complaints: a dispatcher allegedly told a frightened 911 caller to open her door to a stranger, and a speaker accused the city manager and police leadership of promoting officers lacking integrity. Another speaker tied the council to a police report against a resident critic.
Expanded smoking prohibition ordinance
The city's smoking ban now covers workplaces, public spaces and outdoor areas — adopted on consent to protect public health.
City Council Ceasefire Resolution
Montebello’s City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and CAIR-LA is cheering it. It’s a symbolic local move on a global issue—so don’t expect city services to change, but it signals where your council stands.
Police Chief Investigation
The Montebello police chief is in the clear! A state commission has wrapped up its investigation into misconduct allegations and found no wrongdoing. This means the chief can get back to leading the department without this hanging over their head.
Police Chief Termination
Montebello's Police Chief was fired while on medical leave, sparking accusations of illegal activity. This move has created significant turmoil within the city's leadership.