Montebello · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Montebello public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.