Montebello · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Montebello public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Employee termination appeal
The Civil Service Commission took up an appeal stemming from a city employee's termination, under the personnel appeal rules in the municipal code and civil service regulations. These hearings determine whether a fired employee's discipline is upheld, reduced, or reversed — but no outcome was recorded.
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.
Business license and administrative appeal procedure reforms
The temporary freeze on new business licenses, in place since March 2021, is officially over — a signal the city is open for business again.
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.
Congestion at Marketplace Drive and Paramount Boulevard and speeding on Lincoln Avenue
Two neighbors described dangerous lane-jumping and blocked turn lanes at the Marketplace Drive intersection near the 60 freeway since the 2018 shopping center opened, proposing a second right-turn arrow or a combined straight/right lane.
Blue curb disabled parking requests at 320 Morris Place and 425 North 16th Street
Two residents got approved ADA parking spots — one at 753 Bradshaw (no driveway) and one at 1345 Caribbean (driveway under 14 feet wide).
Barbering trade school and workforce development
A local barbershop is becoming a state-licensed barber school, giving residents and high schoolers a chance to train for a trade close to home. Students will also offer discounted haircuts as part of their training.
Capital Budget Carryover and Grant Funding
Consent items would roll over unspent capital project money into the new budget year and pursue grant funds for the Bluff Road slope stabilization storm drain project, plus police technology and traffic safety grants.
Capital improvement projects for 2026-27
A resident found a nearly $2.5 million gap between two funding tables in the carryover budget item. The council continued the item to reconcile the numbers before approving.
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.