Montebello City Council
April 10, 2024

Part C, 2. Our Prosperous Community 83

4. Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability
Montebello is a land management corporation that anyone who lives or does business in is also an investor in. Land is the primary resource of any city, and how it uses land influences the costs the city will face and its ability to pay for services. Luckily, through planning and development processes the city can understand and influence the way it grows.

The fiscal analysis focused on the per acre metric as a unit of productivity. This metric normalizes total revenues and tax values into a direct “apples-to-apples” comparison, utilizing land consumed as a unit of productivity. Put another way, different cars have different-sized gas tanks, so the gallon is used as a standardized measure, not the tank. Therefore, “miles per gallon”, not “miles per tank” is common practice to gauge efficiency. The same principle is applied to measure the financial productivity of various development types across a community on a value per acre scale instead of total value.

P2.7 Encourage urban infill and compact development.

The tax production per acre is considerably higher in more dense downtown and corridors than development in less dense fringes that is only accessible by automobiles and therefore requires acres of land for parking. Downtowns and urban corridors are more highly utilized and highly valued.  They save money on upfront infrastructure; reducing the cost of ongoing services like fire, police and ambulance; and generate greater tax revenues.

A2.7a Promote infill development on vacant and underutilized sites (such as surface parking lots), particularly on corridors and in the Downtown area. SE R
Vacant or underutilized sites that currently detract from the City’s pedestrian environment by breaking with retail frontages and provide no or little street activation, and do not fully capitalize on the City’s fiscal opportunity.

A2.7b Ensure that new infill development is not a fiscal burden to the City. SE R Require proponents of new developments to provide fiscal impact analyses, which are then independently peer reviewed at the proponent’s expense, to inform entitlement decision making.

P2.8 Remove regulatory and procedural barriers to fiscally productive land uses and good design.

A2.8 Amend General Plan policies and zoning and development standards to allow more intensive uses while being respectful to the contextual setting. SE R
Introduce new infill buildings and renovate existing buildings in a manner that preserves and enhances Montebello’s walkable urbanism of interconnected streets lined by buildings that engage, frame, and activate the street. The infill building design should respect the existing small and fine-grain context and enrich the public realm.

VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

84 Montebello General Plan

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 85
3 Our Well Planned Community
This chapter indicates why, how, and where Montebello will grow. The vision and strategy for growth was developed through open, transparent, and broadbased public involvement. The different components of the Well Planned Community chapter are developed on an integrated platform that supports multiple benefits from implementation.

The General Plan coordinates the community’s priorities into a spatial and physical framework to achieve the vision. The policies are linked to place.

The organizing framework recognizes that Montebello provides a range of options to suit diverse needs. The framework therefore supports a range of complete human habitats of distinctive character and intensity from the natural, sub-urban, to the urban core. The form and character of the different human habitats is conceived as a geography of diverse place types such as neighborhoods, districts, and corridors. The allocation of separate land use designations are based on geography of places that address “form and character” of the place.

The General Plan informs the nature of intended change in different areas. The stable areas are preserved and maintained, struggling areas are programmed for regeneration, and new neighborhoods are designated for expansion on vacant parcels. This approach focuses policy, regulation, and the techniques used to implement the community vision for areas of change.

Montebello will conserve and enhance stable areas, promote contextual infill, and direct productive growth to downtown, commercial districts, and corridors.

A. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The land use recommendations have five main
focuses:

1. Preserve Natural Areas: Protect existing natural
areas such as the Rio Hondo Channel, aquiferrecharge areas, the Montebello Hills dedicated open spaces, and agricultural parcels.

2. Preserve and Enhance Stable Residential Districts: Existing residential subdivisions in stable condition may need minor attention and continued support through appropriate regulations and provisions that recognize their particular features
and characteristics.The level of change ranges
from reinvestment in existing buildings and
minor improvements to utility infrastructure and
the public realm, to the occasional infill development that completes the prevalent development pattern.

3. Revitalize Industrial Areas: Support existing
productive industrial areas while being flexible to
take advantage new opportunities presented by
emerging technology and transit station along
Washington Boulevard.

4. Revitalize Downtown, Corridor, and Neighborhoods: Direct new growth to downtown, corridor, and neighborhoods in need of reinvestment
where viable infrastructure is already in place.

5. Invest in Underserved Areas: Reinvest in often
underserved neighborhoods and corridors in
South Montebello. This area sends more revenues
to the City compared to other neighborhoods yet
have historically failed to get their fair share of
investments.

86 Montebello General Plan
B. PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT
5,498
21,735
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000 2010 2019
8,016
32,097
42,807
52,929
59,564
62,150 62,500 61,954
Before 1930
1930- 1959
1960 -2019
Majority of Montebello’s building stock
was constructed between the 1940’s and
1970’s. The pattern of development was
walkable and mixed use neighborhoods,
supported by transit services along the
corridors.

Like most of Southern California cities,
development of residential subdivisions,
shopping centers, and suburban office
parks in the past few decades has been
been mostly designed to be accessed by the
automobile. To fuel this demand, zoned
parcels along the corridors and larger
parcels along the highway have been zoned
for commercial uses.

Montebello is now built out. However,
built out does not mean complete or no
room for change. The recent escalating
destabilization of large-format retail
comes at a time of not only shifts in online
shopping, demographics and associated
consumer preferences, but also growing
concerns about inefficient use of natural
resources and the costs and environmental impacts of sprawling development patterns.

Online purchasing and changing
preferences have shifted to shopping from
the comfort of our home,leaving much of
the brick-and-mortar shopping centers
and strips in decline.

Montebello is transitioning from expansion and development to maintenance, preservation, and restorative infill activities. New wealth creation opportunities are likely to be in repositioning the underperforming commercial areas — filling in, fleshing out, and maturing with productive
growth.

Besides productive physical growth, the
City can become more resilient, healthier,
cultured, accessible, nourishable, and
serviceable, with lovable distinctive place
to live and work.

Like all of Southern California, Montebello is suffering from a massive affordable housing crisis. Faced with a shortage of
new construction, exploding costs, and
very little choice, the rational direction
is infilling, repairing, and enhancing our
existing commercial centers and corridors
— and accelerating the shift from cars to
walking, biking and transit. These commercial corridors are served by frequent transit, and provide the opportunity for
improvements that could also make them
safe for walking and biking, and enhancements including trees and urban greening to make them climate-safe and attractive.

The compact and walkable urban development approach can reduce infrastructure costs and ongoing expenses for Montebello while also boosting tax revenues.

The General Plan seeks to maintain
and enhance the stable residential and
industrial districts, and preserve and
restore the natural habitat. Within the
downtown, corridor, and large struggling
shopping centers, the General Plan seeks
to promote and enhance the walkable,
compact, and diverse neighborhoods that
provide economic, environmental, social,
and health benefits.

The shift from automobile to people
based development patterns will require
reform in land subdivision and block size;
street design; land use; and building form.

Walkable places require all four design
characteristics to work in concert. For
example: addressing building form by
replacing a commercial strip center with
sidewalk adjacent buildings but neglecting
to address the design of the high-speed
arterial street will not induce people to
walk.

Figure C3.1. Historic growth pattern.

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 87
C. URBAN FORM
Neighborhoods are the basic building
block of Montebello. The General Plan
identifies a range of neighborhoods with
a balanced mix of human activity with
uses including homes, workplaces, shops,
civic buildings, and parks. The vision of the
General Plan is to protect, enhance and
create complete, compact and connected
neighborhoods that provide a high quality
of life for residents. Montebello neighborhoods will mix a variety of residential types within a walkable network of green
streets and parks, schools and neighborhood centers to serve daily shopping needs.

Corridors are natural or urban, often
forming boundaries, as well as connections, between neighborhoods and/or districts. Natural corridors are the Rio
Hondo drainage channels or green streets
and easements. Urban corridors are transportation thoroughfares that frequently encompass major access routes, especially
ones with commercial destinations,
including transit routes.

Districts are areas emphasizing specific
types of activities and exhibiting distinct
characteristics. Districts are areas of
the city that are dominated by a single
activity that is functionally specialized
with supportive uses and are somewhat
more automobile-oriented. Districts play
an important role in a city since they are
the primary commerce (industrial, office,
retail) areas that provide jobs and economic development opportunities.

The core of the city consists of diverse
and walkable neighborhoods. Within the
neighborhoods, new growth will largely be
directed to Downtown, corridors, and new
planned neighborhoods along SR-60. The
more recent development to the north and
west is largely stable single-family residential districts accessible by the automobile.

Industrial areas are located along the
western and southern edges of the City.

The Green Infrastructure Plan weaves
together the existing and proposed parks
and open spaces with green streets. Different flowering trees define and reinforce the distinctive neighborhood characteristics in
keeping with Montebello’s historic “City
of Flowers” moniker.
6 pt 6 pt
Figure C3.2. Areas of stability and reinvestment. Figure C3.3. Green Infrastructure weaves together the various community assets.

Figure C3.4. Reivestment focused in the downtown area, the corridors, and large tracts along the highway.

88 Montebello General Plan
Figure C3.5. Illustrative Master Plan.

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 89
Residential
Park
Open space
Districts
Agriculture
Industrial
Neighborhood
Corridor
Downtown
Civic
Parks & Open Spaces
5 60
Lincoln Ave
Beverly Blvd
Montebello Blvd
Greenwood Ave
Gareld Ave
Washington Blvd
Whittier Blvd
Olympic Blvd
Rio Hondo Bike Path
Figure C3.6. Land Use Map.

D. LAND USE CATEGORIES

0.5%

15.7% 19.6%

2.9%

6.9%

2.1%
5%

16.2%

31.1%
Agriculture
Open Space
Parks
Civic
Downtown
Corridor
Industrial
Residential
Neighborhood

90 Montebello General Plan
a) Agriculture
The agriculture district preserves the historic use of the area for horse ranch and racing stables next to the Rio Hondo Channel. The horse ranches are located on the east side of Bluff Road at a lower elevation closer to the Rio Hondo Channel. In some instances, single-family residences are located along Bluff Road frontage. The properties have direct frontages on the Rio Hondo Channel which allows equestrian activities along the Rio Hondo channel. A public bike path at Roosevelt Avenue provides access to the Rio Hondo Channel. The Ranch properties include horse barns and multiple sheds supporting equestrian activities with indoor and outdoor areas for horses to roam.

Scale: House-scale with barns.

Intensity: Typically larger lots with a range of intensity from 1 unit per acre to 4 units per acre.

Height: 1-2 stories.

1. Districts

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 91
b) Residential
Preservation and enhancement of stable residential subdivisions. Within the Residential District, commercial, residential, and civic uses are separated from each other. Daily needs are accessible only by car. Roads are arranged in discontinuous pattern that reduces the choice of route and mode of transport. Primarily detached, single-family residences are designed as separate pods containing similar building types, sizes, and dispositions, leading to a limited range of environments, experiences, functions, uses, prices, and populations.

Scale: House-scale.

Intensity: Typical intensity range from larger 1 acre per unit to 20 units per acre. Recent legislation allowing accessory dwelling units has the potential to increase the number of units per lot.

Height: 1-2 stories.

92 Montebello General Plan
c) Industrial
Suitable for light manufacturing, service, light industrial makes this land versatile for development and employment. The lower intensity manufacturing, usually at the scale of one to three stories, can be located next to residential neighborhoods due to their low emissions of sound, light and air pollution.

Scale: Block-scale buildings
Height: 1-3 stories
Intensity: Based on context and use, the FAR varies between 0.3 to 1 for larger parcels at key locations.

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 93
The physical size of the neighborhood is defined by a five-minute walk from its geographic center to its edge, covering approximately a quarter of a square mile. Primarily residential with mixed use encouraged along avenues, boulevards and parkways. The basic needs of daily life are available in close proximity. The neighborhood offers transit, employment, and shopping, plus civic and leisure activities. Streets from a connected network, providing alternate routes that help to disperse traffic, and are equitable for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Diversity in the type, size, and disposition of buildings, streets, and open spaces creates many options in environments, experiences, functions, uses, prices, and populations.

Scale: House-scale and some block-scale buildings. Attached, semi-detached, and detached buildings.

Height: 1-3 stories
Intensity: 15 to 40 units per acre

2. Neighborhood

94 Montebello General Plan
Montebello’s corridors are distinctive with varying context and diverse building types.

Outside the downtown area, Whittier Avenue is characterize by one- and two-story mixed use buildings. These buildings offer affordable commercial space for local entrepreneurs to nurture and grow small-scale manufacturing and retail in Montebello.

On the east side, the Beverly Avenue Corridor is anchored by Beverly Hospital campus and supporting medical uses. Besides meeting the community’s health needs, the hospital provides high-wage high-value jobs. Beverly Avenue has the potential to become a dynamic corridor with growth opportunities for research, medical, and bioscience interests. A Master Plan should be developed to provide a unifying vision and precise and clear standards that accommodates hospital growth in a contextual manner respectful of the adjacent residential areas.

The proposed light rail line along Washington Boulevard provides a unique opportunity to coordinate land use changes to maximize the corridor’s potential for economic growth and physical transformation into a mixed-use pedestrian-scale environment.

Some commercial corridors are lined mostly with low-rise single-use commercial strip centers and surface parking area provide opportunities for new transit, affordable housing, and economic centers. The linear tracts of land present unique opportunities to coordinate building development, transportation, and greenway connection. Intensification of the corridors will increase housing supply and reduce displacement by permitting housing on underperforming commercial corridor sites -- redeveloping strip malls entails no direct displacement as no one lives there yet.

3. Corridor
Scale: Block scale buildings
with human scale details at
street level.

Height: 1-4 stories
Intensity: Varies based on
context. Generally, 40 to 60
unit per acre. Commercial
development varies from Floor
Area Ratio (FAR) of 2.0 for
the Beverly Hospital area to
modest FAR of 0.3 street level
commercial storefronts at key
intersections.

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 95
Downtown is a Citywide destination where people work, live, shop, and play. It is accessible from across the City by multiple modes of transportation. Downtown is characterized by low and mid-rise mixed-use buildings placed close to the sidewalk to create a thriving pedestrian environment which is supported by high quality streetscapes and public spaces. Range of open spaces and walkable streets weave together the various downtown assets.

The downtown area supports continued reinvestment and
context sensitive intensification that enhance housing choices and promotes local businesses. The larger Downtown area spans three distinctive neighborhoods along Whittier Boulevard:

1. The Downtown Core: The City owns many parcels in the core and can leverage them for higher intensity urban
mixed-used development with a significant place-maker in the downtown area.

2. Montebello City Park: On the western edge, the Montebello City Park is the center for a variety of recreation activities, cultural events, and festivals throughout the year.

The frontage along Whittier Boulevard, particularly the parcels facing the park and the large Superior Grocers
parking lot offer future redevelopment opportunities.

3. Rio Hondo Channel: On the eastern edge, the Rio Hondo Channel connects many neighborhoods in Montebello and
is part of the larger regional 17-mile Emerald Necklace greenway. A new stepped sculpture park will link the
downtown to the Rio Hondo Channel. Redevelopment of
key parcels along Whittier Boulevard and unique streetscape improvements will create a signature entry to the Downtown and the City.

4. Downtown
Scale: Block scale buildings
with human scale details at
street level.

Height: 1-5 stories
Intensity:Varies based on
context. Generally, 40 to 80
unit per acre. Commercial
development varies from
FAR:2 for the downtown core
to modest FAR of 0.3 for
street level commercial at key
intersections.

96 Montebello General Plan
Public or quasi-public in operation, civic buildings and spaces are the cornerstone of neighborhoods and a symbolic reflection of Montebello’s values and aspirations. The civic buildings may operate in the fields of the arts, culture, education, recreation, government, transit, security, health, and safety. Since public buildings represent a collective identity, their design should set them apart from more conventional private buildings. Civic building sites should be located within or adjacent to a civic space, or at the terminated vista of a significant thoroughfare. These places are easily accessible by foot or automobile and have formal access points that address the street.

5. Civic

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 97
Parks and recreational facilities are designated public spaces that are meant to be walkable with forms of active and passive recreation.

These areas usually contain formal access points from the street and can be any size up to a regional park.

6. Parks

98 Montebello General Plan
Open Spaces such as wetlands, basins, or waterways are mainly natural features with a focus on preservation and sometimes allow for passive recreation. These lands mainly perform environmental functions that allow for natural wildlife and ecological interactions to occur, therefore, necessitating conservation practices when applicable. Open spaces should be analyzed to understand how uses like wind farms, solar farms, stormwater facilities, community gardens/community supported agriculture, apiaries, or other similar uses are integrated into the open space category.

7. Open Spaces

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 99
E. PROJECTED GROWTH
While there is relatively strong demand for a variety of land uses within Montebello, the actual amount and scale of development that can occur is limited by the amount of available land, financial feasibility of new development, fiscal priorities, and the level of acceptable density aligned with community character and vision. The location and amount of projected growth for the next 20 years in this General Plan is a result of market study; careful block-block assessment of catalytic sites; design, fiscal, and financial feasibility; and community preference.

Table C3.1. General Plan Capacity Table
Table C3.2. Projected Growth by land use categories (Place Types) Planning Designation Floor Area
Ratio units/acre Acres Square Footage of Commerce Units Agriculture 0 to 1 21.11 0 21
Industrial 0.51 728.19 15,856,276 0
Residential 1 to 20 751.69 0 15,034
Neighborhood 0.25 15 to 40 1445.45 787,129 54,927
Corridor 0.52 40 to 60 233.894 238,807 12,500
Downtown 0.53 40 to 80 97.69 106,287 7,425
Civic 319.82 0 0
Parks 134.57 0 0
Open Space 910.61 0 0
Total 4,643.02 16,988,499 89,907

1.Industrial FAR varies between 0.3 to 1 for larger parcels at key locations, with most parcels being developed at 0.5 FAR.

2.Corridor FAR varies between 0.3 to 2 for parcels at key locations, with most parcels being developed at 0.5 FAR.

3.Downtown FAR varies between 0.3 to 2 for larger parcels in the Downtown Core, with most parcels being developed at 0.5 FAR.

4.The Corridor Designation includes a 14.6 acre hospital site along the Beverly Boulevard Corridor. The hospital use will continue for the foreseeable future therefore no residential units or additional square footage for commerce are analyzed for impacts on the 14.6 acre site.

Any future residential or additional commerce use on this site would require a master plan and the impacts of the land use change would need to be analyzed accordingly.

Place Type
Residential
(units)
Non-residential
Commerce
(square feet) Hotel Rooms
A Downtown 3,536 101,059
B Corridors
1 Whittier Boulevard 356 53,579
2 Beverly Boulevard 2,600 87,556
3 Washington Boulevard 3,177 49,223
4 Montebello/Greenwood Boulevard 2,257 16,553
C Neighborhoods
1 The Shops at Montebello 1,868 20,038 104
2 Metro Heights 851 25,700
3 Montebello Town Center 350 4,792
4 Garfield Ave (golf course) 800 6,970
5 Along Olympic Boulevard 738 3,485
6 De Paul Center 360 0
Total 16,893 units 368,955 square feet 104 rooms

100 Montebello General Plan
Figure C3.7. Projected growth location and amount.
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Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 101
Montebello is a desirable place to live and continues
to attract new housing development. The continuing
high cost of housing in Southern California amplifies
the need for providing affordable housing at all
income levels. The provision of adequate affordable
housing continues to be a high priority for Montebello.

Montebello is committed on course toward making
decent and affordable housing both a community
benefit and a human right. The purpose of the 2021-
2029 Housing Element update is finding community support for building substantial new housing, especially affordable housing, among their residents.

Success will require patient dialogue, coalition-building, visionary thinking, and political will to put policies into action. The Housing Element identifies
and analyzes the current and future housing needs
of residents within Montebello and establishes goals,
policies, and programs to meet Montebello’s housing
needs. The City seeks to conserve and rehabilitate
existing housing as well as provide opportunities for
new development. The Housing Element has enlisted Montebello’s diverse constituencies to develop workable solutions.

The Housing Element policies and programs are
focused around three main goals:
• Conservation and Preservation of existing supply.
• Increase housing production to improve affordability for the City’s current and future residents. • Ensure fair and equal housing opportunity.

See Montebello Housing Element (2021-2029)
for comprehensive discussion on housing needs,
constraints, resources, opportunities, vision, policies, and programs.

F. HOUSING
Figure C3.8. Housing Element Update Process.

PROJECT INITIATION

DISCOVERY

VISIONING WORKSHOP
DRAFT

HOUSING ELEMENT

MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF
HCD REVIEW (200 DAYS)
FINAL

HOUSING ELEMENT

ADOPTION
7/2020
7/2020-6/2021
6/21/2021-6/24/2021
7/2021-9/2021
5/2022
10/2021-5/2022
6/2022-7/2022
Needs
Assessment
Council
Mtg
Focus
Group Mtgs1st HETF/PC
MTG
Public
Engagement
Planning
Commission
City
Council
Edit Draft Housing Element
&
Complete CEQA Review
2nd

HETF/PC
MTG
3rd

HETF/PC
MTG
30-day public review of Draft Hsg Element
30-day public review of Final Draft Hsg Element
Montebello
Housing
Element
Needs
Assessment Constraints
Progress
Implementing 5th Cycle
Resources
&
Sites Inventory

102 Montebello General Plan
Conservation &
preservation
of existing supply
Increase
produ
Code Enforcement
In the next 4 years, the City
will review the feasibility of a
proactive Rental Housing
Inspection program & report
ndings to the City Council
Home Rehab &
Preservation
The City o
er loans of up to
$50,000 to eligible
Montebello homeowners to
rehabilitate their home
Section 8
Rental Subsidies
Maintain the current level of Section 8
rental assistance, & direct eligible
households to the program
Accessory
Dwelling Units
Create incentives by o
ering homeowners
comprehensive assistance for
available funding, designing, permitting, &
constructing a new a
ordable rental
unit on their property.

Preservation of
At-Risk Housing
The City will annually monitor the status
of the 372 a
ordable units that are at
risk of converting to market-rate
& if any become at risk, work with
property owners to develop a
strategy to maintain any at-risk
as a
ordable
Homeless
Prevention
Avoid or exit homelessness quickly
by either retaining their housing or
using other housing strategies to ensure
people move into permanent &
stable accommodations that are
a
ordable, safe, & appropriate with
the support they need to thrive
Adequate
Devlopment Sites
Total of 21 sites & citywide ADUs are
projected to accommodate 5,778 units.

A total of 1,523 units are proposed on
sites zoned appropriately. A total of
3,062 units proposed on opportunity
sites & 312 pipeline units will be zoned
for residential uses within
one year of the adoption
of the Housing Element
Inclusiona
& Densi
Revise the Zoning
one year of ad
Housing Element to
development of a

Cityw
3 Goals,15 Programs

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 103
e housing
uction
Ensure fair &
equal housing
opportunity
Reasonable
Accomodation
Adopt the Reasonable
Accommodation Ordinance (ROA)
within one year of adoption
of the Housing Element.

The ROA will streamline
permitting process for making
homes more accessible to
persons with disabilities
Design Standards
& By-right Approvals
Adopt objective design standards &
make the entitlement process more
predictable & less expensive
within two years of adoption of the
Housing Element
Streamline Approval
Process
Review & eliminate development
review steps that add no value
or marginal value.

The Town Architect Services will be
instituted by February 2023.

Community
Assistance
Use the 911 dispatch/mobile crisis
response team to support
individuals with the proper resources to
address chronic homelessness.

Energy
Conservation
Provide incentives to promote walkable
urban housing along transit corridors,
encourage passive or active energy saving
features, promote energy audits &
participation in utility conservation
programs, & facilitate energy
conserving retrots
A€rmatively
Furthering
Fair Housing
ary Zoning
ty Bonus
g Ordinance within
doption of the
require & encourage

ordable housing
wide
Zoning
Amendments
Allow smaller homes such as Single-Room
Occupancy (SROs) & Tiny Homes. Tailor
regulations to meet both housing needs &
community interest in neighborhood
serving commercial uses & amenities
needed such as parks & corner
grocery stores with healthy
food options.

To discourage discriminatory housing practices,
the City will contract with the Housing
Rights Center to respond to housing discrimination
complaints, landlord-tenant relations, & housing
information counseling.

104 Montebello General Plan
G. SCHOOLS
Montebello Unified School District provides public education from Kindergarten through 12th Grade in the City of Montebello. The District includes 7 elementary schools, 2 intermediate schools, and 4 traditional high schools.

About 10,381 students attend Montebello public schools.

MUSD Enrollment
Elementary Schools 3,014
Intermediate Schools 2,286
High Schools 5,081
Table 3C.3 School and Enrollment, Montebello Unified School District.

Source: MUSD.

Projected Enrollment
Buildout of the General Plan will result in the addition of 16,985 housing units. Assuming most of this growth is multi-family housing the estimated number of students resulting from the additional housing units could be approximately 2,872 students.

The Montebello Unified School District forecasts indicate an overall decrease in enrollment over the next 10 years within the elementary, intermediate, and high school grade levels. Additionally, majority of the projected growth is all in multi-family units in the downtown area and along the corridors. Multi-family units typically have fewer school age children.

The District’s existing facilities are sufficient to accommodate the large number of students projected to be generated by the proposed Project.

Figure C3.9. Montebello Schools.

Figure C3.10. The Montebello-Commerce YMCA’s Youth and Government program has provided high school students an experiential learning program by modeling California’s legislature and courts. The goal of this initiative is to nurture the next generation of civically engaged citizens so that they recognize the importance of civic knowledge, awareness, and action.

Bella Vista ES
Cantwell-Sacred Heart
of Mary HS
Greenwood ES
Wilcox ES La Merced ES
Potrero Heights ES
Fremont ES
Washington ES
Easmont IS
Montebello IS
Montebello HS
Applied Technology
Center
Schurr HS
Montebello
Community
Adult School
Vail HS

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 105
H. INFRASTRUCTURE ADEQUACY

1. Hydrology
a) Watershed Setting and Regional Drainage Facilities
The City of Montebello is located within the Los Angeles River Watershed which includes 824 square miles and a river length of 55 miles. One of the major tributaries to the LA River incudes the Rio Hondo River and its associated watershed that the City of Montebello is located within. The LA River is hydraulically connected to the San Gabriel River Watershed by the Rio Hondo through the Whittier Narrows Reservoir. Flows from the San Gabriel River and Rio Hondo merge at this reservoir during larger flood events and flows from the SGR Watershed may impact the LA River. Most of the water in the Rio Hondo is used for groundwater recharge during the dry season.

In addition to the City’s storm drain system and the Rio Hondo Channel, the Montebello Forebay Spreading Grounds (MFSGs) are a vital component of the existing drainage facilities in the area. The MFSGs are owned and operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW).

They are located south of the Whittier Narrows between the Rio Hondo Channel and the San Gabriel River. The MFSGs
are unconfined aquifers that replenish deeper potable aquifers by capturing and infiltrating surface water from the Rio Hondo Channel and the San Gabriel River.

The MFSGs include two facilities, the Rio Hondo Coastal Spreading Grounds, and the San Gabriel Coastal Spreading Grounds, which are connected by an interconnection pipeline located in Mines Ave. To ensure the MFSGs have the capacity to infiltrate stormwater from the direct surrounding areas, inflow from the upstream areas is controlled by the Whittier Narrows Dam controls.

Ultimately, all flows from the City that are not intercepted and routed to the MFSGs converge with the channelized Los Angeles River and continues south to Long Beach prior to discharging into the Pacific Ocean.
b) City of Montebello Existing Storm Drain Facilities
Storm drain lines throughout the GPU area include both City and LACFCD lines to convey stormwater runoff to regional drainage systems. Each of these entities inspect and maintain the storm lines within their individual jurisdictions. The City-owned storm drains are typically a combination of smaller drain pipes and box drains, whereas the LACFCD lines consist of both small drain pipes and major box drain structures.

Stormwater runoff generated from the City is conveyed via numerous storm drain lines that ultimately discharge into the Rio Hondo Channel along the eastern boundary of the City. In some cases, the City-owned storm drain system discharges directly to the Rio Hondo Channel. There are also instances where the City-owned drains discharge to the LACFCD system prior to reaching the channel. Lastly, the channel also accepts a controlled flow from the Whittier Narrows Dam to the north of the City.

The DSP area primarily drains via city catch basins and laterals to the BI 9901 Montebello storm drain system (132” RCP) which is owned and maintained by the LA County Flood Control
District.

The Rio Hondo Channel, as well as the connections listed in Table C3.4, is owned by LACFCD. The Rio Hondo Channel also accepts a controlled flow from the Whittier Narrows Dam to the north of the City.

Existing Pipe ID Location Existing
Pipe Size
BI 1225 – Unit 2 San Gabriel Blvd 120”
Poplink Drain – U2
Line B
South of Whittier Narrows
Recreation Area 78”
BI 0555 – Line A –
Montebello
South of Whittier Narrows
Recreation Area 108”
Poplink Drain – U1
Line A North side of Grant Rea Park 60”
BI 9901 – Montebello E Madison Ave 132”
BI 1109 – U2 Line B Rio Hondo Bike Path at W
Roosevelt Ave Not available
DDI 0023 – Montebello
Trunk W Mines Ave 48” or greater
BI 5701 – Line A –
Montebello Date St/S Bluff Road 72”
Telegraph Road Drain –
Rio Hondo Channel
Between Telegraph Rd and Santa
Ana Fwy 72”
Table C3.4. LACFCD Storm Drain Connections to the Rio Hondo Channel.

Source: Los Angeles County Storm Drain System GIS.

At the current time, neither hard copy or electronic versions of the City’s storm drain system exist. Refer to Figure X below for an exhibit depicting the existing LACSD storm drain system throughout the City.

106 Montebello General Plan
Figure C3.11. LA County Storm Drain Facilities within City of Montebello.

Figure C3.12. City of Montebello Flood Zones
c) General Plan Storm Drain Capacity
i) Partial Infrastructure Evaluation Report
The Partial Infrastructure Evaluation Report (PIER) was prepared for the City by AAE, Inc. in April 2009. The purpose of the report was to create an inventory of existing storm drain facilities throughout the City, identify areas where deficiencies exist or identify where additional storm drain infrastructure is needed, and to develop planning level cost options for system upgrades.

Based on the report, it was found that areas of the city are underserved due to the lack of storm drain and catch basins, therefore relying too heavily on surface flows within the streets.

In instances of large storm events, the gutters may overflow into the street or over the curb, potentially causing car accidents or damage to private property.

The PIER developed a 10-year construction plan to add additional storm drain infrastructure with the capacity to handle the minimum of a 10-year storm. Expanding the storm drain system was estimated to cost an average of $1,200,000 per year, totaling $20,502,637 over the ten years based on 2008 construction cost or $33 million in today’s dollars.
ii) Storm Drain Improvements
Improvement projects are added to the City Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) based on budget availability. The PIER identified 23 projects for the 10-year improvement plan. The projects consist of adding additional storm drain pipes and catch basins, as well as repairs, upgrades, and improvements to damaged elements of the existing system. An estimated 58,300 lineal footage of new storm drain was recommended to be added to reduce localized flooding and reduce surface flow conveyance. The PIER also indicated there were no known fund sources for the storm drain improvements outside of the City General Fund Budget. LACFCD had limited funding for high priority improvements with no plans to increase that funding. The report also identified that projects could move forward in a cooperative fashion between the City and the County but limited coordination has occurred to date.
d) City Existing Floodplain Mapping
According to FEMA, the vast majority of the City lies within Zone X which is outside the 500-year flood limits. The eastern boundary of the City adjacent to the Rio Hondo is identified as Zone A (100-year Flood Zone) and the upper northeastern portion of the City is identified as Zone D which indicates flood hazards are undetermined and flood insurance is not required but available for purchase. Refer to Figure C3.12 for the City of Montebello Flood Zones.

Zone D
Zone A
Zone AE
Zone X
36''
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36''
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24''
168''
75''
216''
48''
216''
Storm Drain Lines
Catch Basins

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 107

2. Sewer & Wastewater
a) Existing Sewer System and Facilities
The existing sanitary sewer collection system for
the City is owned by the City of Montebello. As of
the 2023/2024 Capital Improvement Program, it is
the City’s intent to enter into a Consolidated Sewer
Maintenance District with LA County Public Works
where LA County takes over maintenance operations.

According to the City of Montebello Sanitary Sewer
Master Plan, the sanitary sewer system has 19 delineated drainage basins. Refer to Figure C3.13 for the existing sewer facilities within the City of Montebello.

The City sewer system is comprised of a network of
gravity sewer pipes covering approximately 97 miles
with sizes ranging from 6” to 27”. The City collection
system includes roughly 1,995 manholes, 19 of which
are summit “legacy” manholes that have two outgoing
lines and result in more maintenance than a standard
sewer manhole. One of the City’s objectives is to
ultimately replace all summit manholes.

In 2007, AAE Inc. prepared a Sanitary Sewer
Master Plan (SSMP) to evaluate the infrastructure of
the City’s sewer system and determine any existing
or future deficiencies based on land use. For each of
the 19 drainage basins, a total sewer generation was
estimated to provide a baseline condition and to allow
for comparison against proposed land use changes.

The base flow was determined by utilizing the Los
Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD)
standard methodology for estimating wastewater
return rates based on zoning types. The Master Plan
determined the average wastewater base flow in the
study area to be 3.22 mgd.
b) City-wide Sewer Capacity Assessment
A hydraulic modelling program was utilized to
conduct a steady-state analysis of wastewater infrastructure throughout the City. Hydraulic capacity deficiencies were then evaluated using depth to
diameter (d/D) ratios under peak dry weather flows
under existing and future build out conditions based
on the General Plan.

The analysis of the City’s existing gravity sewer
system was based upon existing land uses and dry
weather peaking. Pipes should meet the City’s
established criteria as follows:
• Existing pipes, all sizes: d/D = 0.75 at peak dry
weather flow;
• New pipes ≤ 12-inches in diameter: d/D = 0.5 at
peak dry weather flow; and
• New pipes ≥ 15-inches in diameter: d/D = 0.75
Figure C3.13. Existing Sewer Facilities.
at peak dry weather flow.

As part of the SSMP, closed-circuit televising (CCTV) equipment was used to ensure the sewer system was functioning properly. Innerline Engineering televised 4.6 miles, approximately five percent, of the sewer system in 2004. The majority of the CCTV monitoring occurred in roughly the center of the City on either side of West Olympic Boulevard, with the exception of two lines to the south at Sycamore Street and South Greenwood Avenue.The CCTV monitoring noted the pipe segments were primarily deficient with cracks, fractures, or offset joints. The remainder of the deficiencies include blockage, root and grease.

Under existing conditions, 268 segments were found to be in exceedance of the City’s established d/D ratio per the established criteria. Under the wet weather full buildout scenario, approximately 535 line segments were identified as hydraulically deficient.

In total, it was found that 135,962 feet of hydraulically deficient pipe and 13,096 feet of structurally deficient pipe needed to be replaced, totaling 149,058 feet of pipe. This accounts for approximately 30% of the total system.

The report identified a 10-year water improvement program that included inspections and upgrades for a total of roughly $39 million in 2009 dollars, which is approximately $51 million in today’s dollars.
15''
VCP
18''
18'' VCP
VCP
8''
VCP
8''
VCP
12''
VCP
27'' VCP
''
15'' VCP
15'' VCP
10''
VCP
24''
RCP
18'' CIP
15''
VCP
27''
VCP
27'' VCP
18'' VCP
10''
VCP
16'' RCP
21''
VCP
16'' VCP
78'' RGRCP-PTL
15''
NRCP
17'' VCP
12''
VCP
21''
RCP
15'' NRCP
14''
NRCP
18''
FRPP
21'' VCP
27''
RCP
21'' VCP
24'' RCP
11''
STL
LA County Sewer
VCP
Cement
CI-cement-lined

108 Montebello General Plan
c) Downtown Montebello Specifc Plan (DMSP) Sewer
Capacity Assessment
The DMSP area is primarily serviced by city sewer lines made of cement which are incurring long-term maintenance, structural integrity and capacity issues. A significant number of issues identified in the city-wide sewer capacity assessment occurred within the downtown area. The area is also serviced by one LACSD trunk line that is also identified a 15” non-reinforced concrete pipe (NRCP). LACSD confirmed their agency is finalizing a cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining for the existing 15” in Whittier Boulevard in the downtown area and is anticipated to start construction within the first six months of 2024. The CIPP project will enhance hydraulics and structural integrity of the existing line. Based on the need to significantly improve the sewer system within the downtown area to support existing and future land use changes, the City recently approved a project funding request for Fiscal Year 2023 for the Montebello Sewer System Rehabilitation Project – For Consideration of Federal and State Appropriations for the downtown area. A total of $5.1M was requested from Congress and State of California.

3. Water Distribution System
a) Existing Water System
The City of Montebello is currently served by four water purveyors: San Gabriel Valley Water Company, California Water Service Company, Montebello Land and Water Company, and South
Montebello Irrigation District. Refer to Figure C3.14, which depicts the water purveyor service areas.

The various purveyors were contacted to obtain maps for the existing water system, but maps were only obtained from San Gabriel Valley Water Company. Additional research was conducted to find information on the various water systems including review of the individual Urban Water Management Plans (UWMP), but there is extremely limited information available.

The San Gabriel Valley Water Company provides water service for the northern and southern portions of the city. The CA Water Service Company provides water service for the western portion of the City. The Montebello Land and Water Company provides water services for the middle/interior area of the city. The South Montebello Irrigation District provides water services for the middle/southern portion of the city.
b) Partial Infrastructure Evaluation Report (PIER)
As part of the PIER an evaluation of the water system was conducted to identify capital improvements. The report also noted a lack available information for their analysis.

At the time of the report, there were two system areas analyzed:

The Northern System and the Southern System. The Northern System serves largely residential customers, in addition to some shopping centers and the Montebello Golf Course. The Southern System primarily serves the industrial/commercial area south of the BNSF railroad tracks and similar customers within the City of Commerce. Across both system areas, there were approximately 1,620 metered domestic and fire protection services for an estimated residential population of 4,900 people. The peak day demand in 2002 was 2,920,000 gallons per day (gpd). Under normal circumstances, peak water demand exceeds peak sewer demands. For this particular case, water demands for portions of the City were not available which resulted in a peak demand less than sewer which accounted for the entire City area.

Based on plans available in 2008, the PIER was able to
quantify the existing water infrastructure for both the Northern and Southern Systems. A summary of each system is depicted in Table C3.5.

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 109
Type Quantity/Length Size
Northern System
Connected Customer
Services 1,420 Various sizes, 3/4”-6”
Water Pipe 15.5 miles 4”-24” and Unknown
Size
Fire Hydrant 185
Generally, 6” with 4”
and 2-1/2” outlets.

Several 6” hydrants
with 3 outlets and
some 4” hydrants
Southern System
Connected Metered
and Fire Protection
Customer Services
200 Various sizes
Water Pipe 7.4 miles 4”-14” and Unknown
Size
Fire Hydrants 95 6” with 4” and 2-1/2”
outlets
Table C3.5. Water sysstem summary. Source: Partial Infrastructure Evaluation Report (2009).

Within the two City water system areas, it was found that there are a number of existing fire hydrants with pipes smaller than 6” that are inadequately spaced. As part of the water system changes, these hydrants will need to be replaced with the minimum 6” size fire hydrants with proper spacing based on land use zoning. c) Water Improvements
A 10-year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) was developed for both the Northern and Southern System. Improvements to the system generally consists of water meter and water line replacements, but the CIP also includes inspections, seismic upgrades for the reservoirs, and well improvements. Over the 10 years, the water improvements are expected to cost approximately $37 million in 2009 dollars, which equates to roughly $48 million in today’s dollars.
d) Urban Water Management Plans
As part of the existing conditions review, the following UWMP were obtained and reviewed:
• CA Water Service Company;
• Montebello Land and Water Company; and
• San Gabriel Water Valley Company.

For each of the UWMP’s, the water providers have documented sufficient water supply for the proposed demand for normal year supply, single dry year supply and multiple dry years supply as required. No deficits or insufficient supplies are identified within the 2020 UWMP’s.

Figure C3.14. Water Service Providers.

California Water Service Co.

Montebello Land & Water Co.

San Gabriel Valley Water Co.

South Montebello Irrigation District
Greenwood Ave
Gareld Ave Washington Blvd
Telegraph Rd
Whittier Blvd
Beverly Blvd
Montebello Blvd
Vail Ave
Lincoln AveLore
Mines Ave
Union St
Findlay Ave
Poplar
Ave
Rea Dr
Lincoln Ave
Blu‚ Rd
Hay Ave
5 60
5 60

110 Montebello General Plan

4. Water Quality
a) MS4 Stormwater Permit
Improvement of water quality is a critical issue for all development. Local, State and Federal laws include requirements for the treatment of storm water runoff to reduce pollutants entering the environment.

The City of Montebello and the DSP area fall under the County of Los Angeles MS4 Stormwater Permit (Order No. R4-2012- 0175-A01) which identifies stormwater runoff requirements and regulations for new development and significant redevelopment projects to be protective of water quality.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are structural or engineered devices and systems used to treat storm water runoff before it is discharged into a drainage system (storm drain or channel).

BMPs will be required to be implemented as part of the DSP following local MS4 Permit requirements as well as the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Low Impact
Development Standards Manual (February 2014).

BMPs appropriate for an urbanized setting may include the following the LID Hierarchy of items as defined in the permit and LID Development Standards Manual:
• Infiltration;
• Harvest and reuse; and
• Biofiltration.
b) Enhanced Watershed Management Program (EWMP)
The local MS4 Permit requires each regulated entity including the City of Montebello to participate in regional watershed working groups to identify regional projects within the watershed to improve water quality in the local receiving waters. The City of Montebello falls within the Upper Los Angeles River (ULAR) Watershed Group which also includes the County of Los
Angeles, Alhambra, Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Hidden Hills, La Canada Flintridge, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Gabriel, South El Monte, South Pasadena, San Marino and Temple City. The ULAR EWMP is the largest of all the EWMP’s being developed in the Los Angeles region and represents 485 square miles of watershed and 50 miles of mainstream Los Angeles River from its headquarters to just above the estuary.

As part of the City of Montebello’s requirement to support EWMP projects (that undergo significant feasibility assessments, scoring and ranking and prioritization for funding based on maximum water quality benefits,) the City approved a Partnership Agreement in February 2020 with Los Angeles County for the East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project located in unincorporated Los Angeles County adjacent to Montebello and Monterey Park. The project will involve the collection of up to 5.5 ac-ft per storm event for treatment and infiltration into the local groundwater to improve water quality and support replenishment of the regional groundwater system.

The City’s contribution for this project is approximately $5 million spread out over 6 years and the majority of the funding is anticipated to come from Measure W funds.

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 111

5. Dry Utilities
a) Electricity
The City receives all electrical service from Southern California Edison (SCE). SCE operates across the majority of southeastern California, including large portions of San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, Los Angeles, Tulare, Inyo, and Riverside Counties. Across its service area, SCE operates 12,635 miles of transmission lines, 91,375 miles of distribution lines, 720,800 distribution transformers, and 2,959 substation transformers, delivering service to over 15 million customers.

As part of statewide reporting requirements, SCE regularly prepares an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The 2020 IRP examines trends in demand and the portfolio of energy supplies that SCE can utilize across the planning period out to 2045. The IRP also discusses compliance with California legislation requiring a 50 percent renewable portfolio standard by 2030. This shift towards renewable energy sources requires potential rate adjustments and changes in infrastructure, which the IRP addresses as well. The IRP does not note any existing deficiencies in the GPU area under the demand and supply scenarios identified.
b) Natural Gas
Natural gas service to the City is provided by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). SoCalGas is the primary distributor of natural gas in Southern California, providing service to a 20,000 square-mile area. Its distribution system is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, and SoCalGas serves over 22 million customers.

SoCalGas prepares an annual California Gas Report (“CA
Gas Report”) that identifies demand forecasts as well as potential changes in supply. The CA Gas Report covers an 18-year demand and forecast period through 2035. The CA Gas Report projected potential declines in demand across the reporting period as statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction programs and public pressure to switch to emissions-free energy sources become more prevalent. There are currently no existing or projected deficiencies in supplies or infrastructure across the SoCalGas service area given the current demand scenario.

112 Montebello General Plan
I. POLICIES AND ACTIONS
P3.1 Preserve natural areas.

Natural Areas consist of lands approximating or reverting to a wilderness conditions, including those with limited development potential due to topography, hydrology, vegetation or value as an environmental resource. These resources can include water channels and wildlife corridors, as well as natural areas, many of which are identified in the generalized enduring green infrastructure. A Natural Area designation would encourage conservation and preservation, prevents degradation of these areas, and would utilize the principles of low impact development stormwater infrastructure.

A3.1a Preserve a network of habitat and open space, thereby protecting biodiversity and enhancing the City’s quality of life. VZ SE R
A3.1b Encourage parkland dedication and conservation easements for trails that support the City’s Parks Master Plan and the Green Infrastructure Plan. VZ SE R
Montebello’s Green Infrastructure includes existing and proposed trails, paths, parks and open spaces, green streets and green buildings.

A3.1c Capture the inherent value of parks, open spaces, and trails by providing more opportunities for people to live and work on properties with direct frontage on these investments. SE R A3.1d Allow and encourage historical agricultural and related uses to continue to occur as permanent land uses. SE R The agriculture district preserves the historic use of the area for horse ranch and racing stables next to the Rio Hondo Channel.

P3.2 Direct growth and redevelopment to the Downtown Area.

Montebello’s downtown is remarkably walkable, with many older buildings still standing and the traditional street grid largely in place. Montebello will reimagine this valuable asset as a regional destination. The City of Montebello places one of its highest priorities on the reinvigoration of downtown, whose strategic location, walkable blocks, and historic buildings will once again make downtown a vibrant destination and center of commerce, culture, shopping, and the arts.

A3.2a Encourage growth and density by improving underutilized downtown parcels for development. SE R Encourage intensive mixed-use development within on-quarter mile of public transit routes.

A3.2b Support streetscape projects on Whittier and Montebello Boulevards to reduce traffic speed in downtown area. VZ SE R Local businesses rely on walk-in visits by customers who stumble upon them while strolling, without any prior intention of shopping there.When drivers slow down to notice the stores and stop, people on foot feel safer walking from business to business, and the whole structure of downtown spaces generates more tax revenue per acre for the city.

A3.2c Integrate better design in public spaces to create enjoyable places to stay and contribute to the economic viability of the downtown area. SE R
Encourage civic space investments that affect economic competitiveness and quality of life.

P3.3 Revitalize established neighborhoods and corridors.

Montebello’s older neighborhoods feature walkable streets, parks, a mix of uses, and a variety of housing types. Revitalization includes improving public infrastructure and facilities, new parks, infilling empty lots as well as parking lots, and restoring valuable older buildings.

A3.3a Provide non-residential uses that are accessible for the convenience of individuals living in residential districts. VZ SE R A3.3b Protect adjoining properties from the potential adverse impacts associated with non-residential uses on corridors adjacent to residential areas with proper mitigation measures that address scale, massing, traffic, noise, appearance, lighting, and drainage. VZ SE R
A3.3c Reduce the length and number of vehicle trips generated by residential development by enhancing the accessibility to non-residential areas. VZ SE R
Walkability should be integral to the design of the street and neighborhood shopping should be within a reasonable walking distance from residential uses. Encourage developers to designate and plan for mixed-use corners at the time of approval to properly plan for accessibility to these areas.

VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

1. Land Uses: Growth, Preservation, and Reinvestment

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 113
P3.4 New development will create diverse and walkable neighborhood.

A3.4a Create diverse neighborhoods instead of a monoculture of single-housing type. SE R A3.4b Encourage a block and street layout that promotes walkable and bicycle friendly road designs with slower vehicular design speeds. VZ SE R
A3.4c Site new residential areas accessible to roadways, sidewalks, trails, transit, parklands, schools, existing utilities, and retail commercial goods and services. VZ SE R
A3.4d Encourage properties to redevelop in an urban form utilizing place-based zoning designations. SE R P3.5 Retrofit suburban development.

Suburban areas divide housing, shopping, and offices into separate districts that can only be reached by private car. This modern ideal of single-use districts is increasingly less attractive to those who are disenchanted with lengthening commutes and the lack of exercise allowed for by living in drive-only neighborhoods. The three main strategies for retrofitting are:

1. Adaptive reuse;

2. Enhancing walkability, diversity, and intensity of use; and

3. Re-greening, from small parks and plazas, to restoring wetlands ecologies.

A3.5a Reuse the existing structure. SE R
Adaptive reuse of vacant and underutilized large floor-plate buildings with minor modifications can breathe new life and make the building more pedestrian-friendly. Besides residential, office, medical, and educational uses, civic uses, light industrial, entertainment, and co-working spaces can mix with the traditional retail center.

A3.5b Integrate more housing choices in existing subdivisions. SE R Varying degrees of housing types, affordability, accessibility and incentives can attract greater diversity. For example, housing for seniors and “empty nesters” allow for people to “age in place” or to be near their families.

A3.5c Add new units to existing subdivisions. SE R
Infilling residential neighborhoods with accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can provide affordable housing choices for singles and seniors, and increase residential density without dramatically altering the established character and pattern of development.

A3.5d Invest in public realm improvements. SE R
New public spaces such as squares, plazas, parks, or walkable and vibrant streets can enhance sense of community.

P3.6 Preserve and enhance the industrial district while retaining and expanding existing businesses.

Montebello industries provide jobs and is an important source of revenues for the City. Industrially designated land is a scarce and valuable resource vital for the future economic growth of the City of Montebello. A flexible framework will facilitate the industrial districts to be competitive and take advantage of new and emerging industries and opportunities arising from future transit service along Washington Boulevard.

A3.6a Support innovative and flexible land use framework for industrial district. R To help cultivate the Industrial area as a distinct mixed-use district, the City will also need to allow for the proliferation of uses and amenities, that in turn support the branding of the industrial district.

A3.6b Encourage the use of “green” technologies to minimize noise, air, and water pollution. SE R Incentivize sustainable business practices, both passive and active, that encourage energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and encourage water and resource conservation.

VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

114 Montebello General Plan

2. Water
P3.7 Maintain high-quality reliable potable water and non-potable water services, diversify supply and maintain and create facilities that meet existing and future water demands including drought conditions.

A3.7a Regularly review and evaluate future iterations of five local Water District’s Urban Water Management Plans (UWMP) and other regional water supply assessments in order to maintain an understanding of available supply sources and update plans for expansion of supply infrastructure as necessary. These Districts include San Gabriel Valley Water Company, City of Montebello System, CA Water Service Company, Montebello Land and Water Company and South Montebello Irrigation District. SE R A3.7b Coordinate with the local Water District providers to expand recycled water infrastructure for efficient reuse throughout the City. SE R A3.7c Ensure the resiliency of local water supplies by promoting infiltration of stormwater on both small-scale and large-scale scopes, including coordination with the Los Angeles County Public Works on maximizing infiltration capacity of the Montebello Forebay Spreading Grounds. SE R
A3.7d Implement water reuse strategies where potable water, gray water, recycled water and stormwater are all viewed as viable sources and integral components to a holistic water management program. SE R A3.7e Regularly review federal, state, and local water quality standards and ensure that water distributed to all areas of the City meets these standards. SE R
P3.8 Maintain, upgrade, and expand water pipeline, storage, and pumping infrastructure to meet projected domestic, commercial, and fire flow demands for all land uses within the City.

A3.8a Regularly review updates to the local Water District providers Water Master Plans and coordinate their water capital improvement plans with the City’s capital improvement plans in order to effectively manage the water infrastructure system. SE R
A3.8b Construct, maintain, and revitalize distribution infrastructure as needed throughout the City in response to changes in demands land use patterns and aging infrastructure and incorporate fair cost-sharing policies between beneficiaries, developers, water suppliers and the City. SE R

3. Wastewater
P3.9 Ensure that wastewater in the City of Montebello is safely and efficiently conveyed and treated under all demand scenarios, including existing and future average and peak flow sewer flow scenarios.

A3.9a Prepare a City-wide Sewer Master Plan including the preparation of a city-wide sewer hydraulic model to evaluate existing and future capacities, sewer line integrity and develop a prioritized Capital Improvement Plan for sewer infrastructure. R
A3.9b Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts to ensure adequate regional treatment and conveyance capacity under future land uses. R
A3.9c Construct, maintain, and revitalize wastewater infrastructure as needed throughout the City in response to changes in demands land use patterns and aging infrastructure and incorporate fair cost-sharing policies between beneficiaries, developers, water suppliers and the City. SE R
VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

Part C, 3. Our Well Planned Community 115

4. Stormwater
P3.10 Utilize and maintain a robust stormwater conveyance system that protects the City from flooding impacts while seeking multi-benefit solutions including water quality.

A3.10a Prepare a City-wide Storm Drain Master Plan in coordination with LADPW to evaluate existing and future capacities, storm drain line integrity and develop a prioritized Capital Improvement Plan for storm drain infrastructure. SE R A3.10b Develop and refine cost-sharing policies for new developments in the City that require capacity improvements for local storm drain infrastructure so that costs are equitably split between beneficiaries, developers, and the City. SE R A3.10c Promote regional multi-benefit stormwater projects through the participation in the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed Group and Enhanced Watershed Management Plan. R P3.11 Effectively treat all urban runoff and stormwater and ensure that local groundwater supplies and downstream receiving waters are protected.

A3.11a Maintain and update City-level regulatory language that ensures that all new development complies with pertinent regional and State-level stormwater treatment requirements. SE R A3.11b Inspect all new developments during both construction and operational phases for compliance with local, regional, and state level water quality regulations. SE R
A3.11c Encourage the implementation of low impact design features for all new developments and redevelopments within the City. SE R

5. Electricity and Natural Gas
P3.12 Ensure that all City residents are safely and affordably supplied with electricity and natural gas throughout all future buildout scenarios.

A3.12a Review local and regional demand and supply planning documentation to ensure that improvements can be adequately prepared for and trends in power demand and generation are followed. SE R A3.12b Maintain City capital improvement plans to ensure that any necessary connections or upgrades are adequately funded and constructed in a time efficient manner. SE R
P3.13 Provide and maintain adequate and orderly systems for the efficient collection and disposal of solid waste for existing and future development.

A3.13a Coordinate with solid waste service provider to ensure that waste pickup, recycling, and disposal occurs in the most efficient and sustainable manner possible. R
A3.13b Conduct Citywide outreach and education to reduce solid waste generation at the household and business level to minimize landfill loading. R
VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

116 Montebello General Plan

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 117
4 Our Accessible Community
Achieving an accessible community for all users will require developing a transportation network that complements and supports the City’s land use, built environment, and urban design objectives. The City will establish new multimodal corridors that cross the city to serve as the backbone of its circulation network and provide enhanced connections to and within growth neighborhoods and areas of opportunity.

This General Plan lays out a transportation network that is developed through a Complete Streets lens, ensuring that the network is safe and accessible for all users, regardless of their preferred mode of travel and of their age or ability. A network of complete streets with multimodal facilities (such as those that accommodate transit riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians) can help encourage shorter and non-vehicular trips, which in turn can reduce citywide vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and bring about associated public and environmental health benefits. Such a network can also enhance connectivity and mobility options for existing and future areas of development.

The City’s existing transportation network provides facilities that are oriented towards automobiles. Consequently, the vast majority of residents use private vehicles for both commute and non-commute trips. As such, there is substantial potential to improve the citywide network to address the needs all users traveling to, from, or within the city. This chapter provides recommendations aimed at improving the citywide transportation network, as well as along key corridors and within the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan Area.

Montebello will provide safe and convenient multimodal travel options for residents, employees, and visitors of all ages and abilities through creative reimagining of the City’s transportation facilities.

A. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The circulation recommendations were developed
under the following guiding principles:

1. Provide safe and convenient multimodal travel
options for residents, employees, and visitors
through creative reimagining of the City’s
transportation facilities.

2. Implement policies and actions to achieve a
meaningful shift in travel characteristics from private vehicles to transit and active transportation.

3. Establish citywide mode split and vehicle-miles
traveled (VMT) targets to guide investments in
infrastructure and programs.

4. Identify circulation plans for each primary mode
of travel (e.g., driving, riding transit, bicycling,
and walking).

5. Develop approaches to proactively address future
transportation infrastructure and changes in
mobility options and technologies.

6. Balance the demand for parking for each part of
the city through programs and policies to support
and encourage taking transit, biking, walking, and
other non-vehicular modes.

7. Balance the need for regional and local goods
movement for industrial uses with reducing the
effects of trucks and heavy vehicles on other
modes and local streets.

118 Montebello General Plan
Improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities and conditions, the City can improve the convenience of these non-motorized modes and encourage a mode shift by people who live in, work in, or visit Montebello. For example, the City has the opportunity to address the lack of bikeways in the city, including the lack of bicycle connections to the Rio Hondo Trail and to bicycle facilities outside the City limits. And while sidewalks and crosswalks are generally provided across Montebello, the City can provide shade and sidewalk buffers along major and secondary arterial roadways to improve the comfort levels of pedestrians. Filling in missing sidewalks and improving crossing facilities can also bridge gaps in the walking network, including in downtown Montebello.

The City’s vision for accessibility includes an active transportation strategy for implementing safe and comfortable bicycle and pedestrian networks (see Figure B.10).

The bicycle aspect of the City’s active transportation strategy includes two types of bicycling facilities:
• Citywide bicycle facilities are generally located on major and secondary roadways and provide access to major destinations and to adjacent local and regional bicycle facilities.
• Local bicycle facilities are generally located on secondary and collector roadways and provide access between local destinations within the city, often providing connections between citywide facilities.

Complementing the bicycle facilities, the City’s active transportation strategy includes various types of pedestrian improvements to improve the comfort and convenience of walking throughout the city:
• Green street major corridors are major thoroughfares that offer improved amenities such as shading and accessible sidewalks to facilitate walking connections to open space, parks, schools, and other destinations. • Green street secondary connectors are secondary streets that offer improved accessible, shaded sidewalks and can serve to connect major corridors to local residential streets.
• Within the downtown pedestrian core, the pedestrian environment will include improvements such as widened sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, and the reduction of vehicle lanes.

By implementing this plan’s active transportation strategy for bicyclists and pedestrians, the City can strive to remove existing barriers to nonmotorized transportation and nurture a shift to walking and biking trips.

B. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MODES

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 119
P4.1 Support and promote walking, biking, and other nonvehicular modes as an alternative to driving within Montebello.

A4.1a Prepare and adopt an active transportation plan (ATP) with bicycle and pedestrian improvements built upon the San Gabriel Valley Council of Government (SGVCOG) recommendations. VZ SE R A4.1b Balance the provision of on-street bike lanes and regional bikeways along arterial roads with on-street bike routes/boulevards and local-serving bikeways along residential streets. VZ SE R A4.1c Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions to ensure that the City’s bikeways are connected and consistent with existing and planned bikeways at the City limits. VZ SE R
A4.1d Facilitate non-motorized connectivity to key destinations in the city through bicycle- and pedestrian-oriented wayfinding signage. VZ SE R A4.1e Improve access to the Rio Hondo River Trail by opening additional access points and positioning wayfinding between the trail and key destinations in Montebello. VZ SE R
A4.1f Require new development projects to provide adequate bicycle and pedestrian access, plus the provision of safe and secure bicycle parking. VZ SE R
A4.1g Enhance the pedestrian and bicycle experience in the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan area and other key destinations through amenities such as wide sidewalks, low-stress bikeways, landscaping, pedestrian-oriented lighting, high-visibility crosswalks, and other improvements. VZ SE R A4.1h Establish citywide mode split and VMT targets as a means to reduce traffic congestion, support healthy communities, and improve accessibility by transit-dependent populations. VZ SE R VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

1. Policies and Actions

120 Montebello General Plan
Similar to walking and bicycling, the use of public transit and rideshare in the city can be encouraged by services and facilities that reduce barriers to utilizing these modes. For example, while the majority of the city is within walking distance (0.25 miles) of an existing bus stop or train station, access can be improved for primarily residential areas in the northern and eastern portions of the city which are not within walking distance, as shown in Figure C4.1. In addition, changes can be made to improve transit access and comfort for areas that currently are within walking distance of existing transit service. In the near term, the City can install shelters at bus stops outside the downtown area, as well as improve walking and bicycling facilities to and from the Montebello/Commerce Metrolink Station. In the long term, with the planned LA Metro Gold Line station at Greenwood/Washington, attention should be paid to gaps in connectivity between the station and local destinations.

The City can accommodate access to existing and future transit service through three principal categories of measures: improving access to transit stops and service, improving facilities at transit stops, and improving transit service.

Providing transit connectivity for areas that lack access, as well as improving access and comfort for people already within walking distance of transit stops, can be achieved through following strategies listed below, which can be implemented by the City in collaboration with partner agencies:

Improve Access to Transit Stops and Service
• Study options for supplementing local bus service and improving connections to local destinations and rail stations such as local shuttles, demand responsive services, or microtransit services. • Support rideshare and shared mobility by providing sufficient curb space for passenger loading at key destinations.
• Improve access to and from existing and planned transit stations through first/last mile (FLM) techniques.
• Incorporate micromobility (e.g., bike share and scooter share) into transit and active transportation improvements.

Improve Facilities at Transit Stops
• Enhance major bus stops and transfer points through
improved bus stop amenities.
• Implement small- and large-scale mobility hubs at key multimodal transfer points.

Improve Transit Service
• Explore bus stop spacing and locations, and work with transit agencies to relocate bus stops when needed to improve user access and transit performance.
• Review and update local bus service to improve access to future rail service and areas of future growth in the city.

The regular application of these strategies by the City will ensure that connectivity between destinations and existing and future transit service is continuously maintained and improved.

C. PUBLIC TRANSIT AND RIDESHARE
Whittier
Narrows
Recreatio
n Area
Turnbull
Canyon
Arroyo
Pescader
o
Trailhead
710
110
105
105
605
5 5
10 10
164
60 60
19 42
72 101
Whittier
Downey
Norwalk
Industry
El Monte
Alhambra
Pico Rivera
South Gate
Commerce
Monterey Park
Baldwin Park
Santa Fe Springs
Rosemead
Bellower
La Habra
Heights
La
Bell Gardens
South El Monte
Cerritos
Los Angeles
Montebello
Orange
County
Transit Connections
Montebello Bus Lines
LA Metro Rail
LA Metro Bus
Metrolink
Monterey Park Spirit Bus
El Monte Transit
Bell Gardens Transit
Foothill Transit
Norwalk Transit
Rosemead Explorer
Commerce Municipal Bus Lines
Alhambra Community Transit
LA Go Bus Shuttles
Source: ESRI, US Census Bureau, City of
Montebello, Los Angeles County
Figure C4.1. Regional transit connections.

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 121
P4.2 Promote the use of public transit through high-quality local and regional transit service and facilities.

A4.2a Partner with LA Metro to improve regional bus routes that serve Montebello through modifications to headways and hours of operation, adjustments to bus stop locations, and modification of routes to serve new development areas. VZ SE R A4.2b Coordinate with Montebello Bus Lines (MBL) to improve geographic and temporal bus service coverage throughout the city. VZ SE R
A4.2c Reorient MBL routes or provide new routes to serve the future Gold Line Greenwood Station and new areas of development in the city. VZ SE R A4.2d Enhance bus stops in the city incorporating high-quality transit stop design and amenities that creating a simple, legible, and pleasant experience at the bus stop. VZ SE R
Provision of comfortable shelter and seating can significantly improve perception of wait time and rider satisfaction. Ensure the waiting passengers can be seen from outside by using glass or open design for the back wall. Include lighting in the shelter, or locate shelters in a well-lit area. Signs at bus stop must indicate critical information including the stop name, route number, stop number, direction or destination, and system logo.

A4.2e Coordinate with Metrolink to enhance the Montebello/Commerce Station’s passenger amenities, bus transfer facilities, parking facilities, and other elements to encourage rail ridership in the city. VZ SE R A4.2f Coordinate land use and transportation planning efforts to develop transit-supportive land uses near existing and future major transit hubs. VZ SE R
A4.2g Partner with LA Metro as Gold Line alignment and planned Greenwood Station alternatives are studied to ensure that the final station siting and configuration (e.g., at grade or above grade) maximizes accessibility and minimizes negative effects on other modes and safety. VZ SE R
A4.2h Improve connectivity within growth neighborhoods, areas of opportunity and for transit-dependent populations to enhance access to local and regional transit services. VZ SE R P4.3 Foster multimodal accessibility between transit services and destinations within the city.

A4.3a Improve walking and bicycling access to the existing Metrolink Montebello/Commerce Station and the future Gold Line Greenwood Station. VZ SE R
The development and implementation of first/last mile (FLM) improvements could include:
• Widened and improved sidewalks;
• Connected bikeways with safe and secure bicycle parking at key destinations; • Passenger loading/unloading zones for ridesharing services at key destinations; • Pedestrian- and bicycle-oriented wayfinding; and,
• Bikeshare and scootershare stations at key destinations.

A4.3b Explore the feasibility of establishing a microtransit or fixed-route shuttle service to provide convenient access between the future Gold Line Greenwood Station and key local destinations such as the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan area, City Hall, and the Beverly Boulevard corridor. VZ SE R A4.3c Create small-scale mobility hubs at key multimodal transfer points. VZ SE R Mobilty Hubs can serve as focal points for local micromobility and wayfinding networks, with amenities such as: transit and bike route information; bike repair stations; shade; and pedestrian-scaled lighting and wayfinding.

A4.3d Implement larger-scale mobility hubs along Montebello Boulevard and Greenwood Avenue to facilitate multimodal access to/from the future Gold Line Station. VZ SE R
VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

1. Policies and Actions

122 Montebello General Plan
The City’s management of its on-street and off-street parking supply plays a critical role in the overall transportation network and the mode choices made by residents, workers, and visitors. The availability and nature of the parking supply can affect whether people choose whether to drive or to walk, bicycle, take public transit, or take rideshare to a destination in the city. In addition, the traffic patterns exhibited by drivers looking for parking (especially if parking is limited) can negatively affect the safety and comfort of local walking and biking facilities, discouraging their use. Therefore, by optimally managing parking at key destinations, the City can balance the demands of parking with the need to foster safe and comfortable nonmotorized conditions. Currently, while the City provides parking throughout the city and at key destination, there is often an imbalance between supply and demand at key locations and during periods of peak demand.

While the City currently maintains a residential permit parking program in areas impacted by commercial parking demand spillover, additional measures can be taken in certain parts of the City to update supply and/ or management. In order to effectively address future parking supply and management of existing and future parking demand, the strategies listed below can be implemented at key locations in the city:
• Residential Permit Parking Program (RPPP): Continue the City’s current program, focusing on residential streets that can be affected by spillover commuter or retail parking. This can help reduce the negative effects of new commercial development on residential neighborhoods. • Shared Parking (SP): Encourage public and private off-street parking areas to serve multiple land uses or development sites. This can help maximize the efficiency of parking resources, especially those that serve uses with peak parking demand occurring at different times. • Parking In-Lieu Fees (PIF): Allow new development to offset costs of the provision of required on-site parking with payments to the City.

By using these funds to construct new parking facilities or develop and implement parking management program, the City can decrease the number of individual, disconnected parking facilities and improve the urban form.
• Flexible Parking Standards (FPS): Allow for flexibility of parking provided by new developments based on factors such as on-site TDM, vicinity to high-quality transit, adjacency to bicycle facilities, availability of other parking supply, and other factors. This can help improve the urban form and increase walkability.
• New Multiuse Parking Supply: Establish new off-street parking facilities to facilitate dense mixed-use development. This measure is especially applicable to downtown Montebello and the area surrounding the planned Gold Line Greenwood Station.
• Public Parking Fees (PPF): Balance short-term and long-term parking demand at key locations by modifying parking fees and time limits at key on-street parking locations, such as downtown Montebello and near the planned Gold Line Greenwood Station.

Key corridors and areas for implementing these parking strategies are illustrated in Figure C4.2 and detailed in Table C4.1.

D. PARKING RESOURCES
Location Strategies
Downtown
Montebello Specific
Plan Area
• Residential Permit Parking
Program
• Flexible Parking Standards
• Shared Parking
• Parking In-Lieu Fees
• New Multiuse Parking Facilities
Greenwood Station
Area
Montebello/Greenwood Corridor • Flexible Parking Standards Beverly Corridor • Flexible Parking Standards
• Shared Parking
Whittier Corridor • Flexible Parking Standards
• Shared Parking
Table C4.1. Parking Strategies.

Figure C4.2. Parking Strategies.

Garfield
Ave
Beverly Blvd Hay
Residential Permit Parking Program
Parking Hot Spots
Public Parking
1 2
5 4
9 8
3 7
6 Greenwood Ave
Whittier Blvd
Mines Ave
St

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 123
P4.4 Manage parking and develop curbside regulations to balance the needs for parking, passenger loading, and commercial loading while avoiding negative effects to the walking, biking, and transit experience.

A4.4a Update the City’s curb regulations to balance the needs for on-street parking, rideshare-based passenger loading, e-commerce deliveries, and other modes in areas with high demand. VZ SE R A4.4b Develop a parking management plan and/or district surrounding the future Gold Line Greenwood Station to reduce spillover parking onto residential streets and secondary negative effects on walking and bicycling. VZ SE R A4.4c Establish parking management plans for the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan area and along key corridors such as Beverly Boulevard, Whittier Boulevard and Montebello Boulevard/Greenwood Avenue to balance the parking needs of diverse land uses and the circulation needs of people walking, bicycling, and taking transit. VZ SE R A4.4d Update the City’s parking code to allow shared parking arrangements, flexible parking standards and parking in-lieu fees in mixed-use areas and/or in proximity of high-quality transit. VZ SE R VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

1. Policies and Actions

124 Montebello General Plan
While the City maintains a roadway classification map that defines roadways in the city in terms of how they accommodate vehicular traffic, it should also develop a parallel network of designated complete streets to define how streets can multiple modes, as opposed to purely vehicular throughput. The complete streets network would consist of streets that serve multiple modes, whether automobile, buses, bicycles, pedestrians, or trucks, where the City must balance multiple needs and priorities to ensure that all modes are accommodated in the city, thus facilitating a shift toward non-vehicular modes.

The City’s complete streets network is proposed to consist of the following two categories:

1. Multimodal Boulevards: These are key corridors for connecting multiple modes within and through the city, providing access to both local and regional destinations. Along multimodal boulevards, the City’s designs and strategies must balance vehicles, parking, goods movement, public transit, bicycles, and pedestrians.

2. Multimodal Connectors: These are multimodal roads that bridge gaps between local streets and corridors. Along multimodal connectors, the City has designated at least two modes which must be balanced through complete streets design.

E. MULTIMODAL COMPLETE STREETS

1. Multimodal Boulevards
Implementing the network of complete streets that serves users of all ages and abilities requires a reimagining of how streets space and rights-of-way can be utilized to provide facilities beyond vehicular lanes. The example cross sections exhibited below illustrate how this could be implemented at several locations in Montebello where multimodal facilities would be beneficial to enhancing access and travel options for nearby uses. Note, these example cross sections serve to illustrate concepts – additional study and design would be necessary to construct these or other improvements along the corridors.

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 125
Montebello Boulevard/Greenwood Avenue: Montebello Boulevard and Greenwood Avenue form a key north/south corridor through the city, and provides connections to retail destinations and the future Gold Line Greenwood Station. This is a key multimodal boulevard where the City can balance multiple modes with facilities such as shading, accessible sidewalks, bus stops and amenities, and bikeways connecting to regional destinations. Flexible parking standards along the corridor can also help manage demand and balance the needs of multiple modes.

Median/
Turn Lane
ParkingBike LaneParking
Bike LaneDrive Lane
S N
Sidewalk
Drive Llane
Sidewalk
86'
8' 3' 8' 12' 23' 12' 8' 4' 8' 7'
100' Right of Way
7' 7'
86'
100' Right of Way
25' 12' 12' 12' 25' 7'
Sidewalk
Drive Lane + Parking
Center
Turn Lane
Drive LaneDrive Lane + Parking
Sidewalk
Drive Lane
S N
136' Right of Way
4' 13' 13' 23' 12' 5'
116'
5' 6' 14' 12' 23' 6' Sidewalk Drive Lane Drive Lane Sidewalk Drive Lane + Parking Drive Lane Center Turn Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane + Parking Sidewalk S N
Bike LaneBuerDrive LaneDrive LlaneBuer
S N Sidewalk Drive Lane + Parking Sidewalk Drive Lane Median/ Turn Lane Drive Llane Bike Lane Sidewalk 5' 6' 8' 3' 12' 14' 12' 12' 3' 8'
116'
4' 26' 12'
136' Right of Way
11'
Figure C4.3. Greenwood Avenue at Washington Boulevard
Figure C4.4. Montebello Boulevard between Beverly Boulevard and Cleveland Avenue

126 Montebello General Plan
Whittier Boulevard: Whittier Boulevard is a key east/west corridor and includes the downtown area. Along the corridor, the City can balance users’ needs through improvements such as shaded and accessible sidewalks, comfortable bus stops and other transit improvements, and bikeway connecting to both local and regional destinations. Parking measures such as shared parking and flexible standards are also recommended. Within the downtown area, additional focused pedestrian and parking measures can help improve safety and comfort for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Median/
Turn Lane
W E Sidewalk Parking Drive Lane Drive Lane Parking Sidewalk 8' 10' 8' 11'
78' Right of Way
15' 15'
56'
11' 11'
56'
10' 10'
78' Right of Way
8' 10' 10' 8' 11'
Sidewalk
ParkingDrive LaneDrive Lane
Drive LaneDrive Lane
Parking
Sidewalk
W E
Bike LaneBuerDrive LaneParkingBuerBike Lane
W E Sidewalk Parking Drive Lane Sidewalk
8' 4' 18' 12' 12' 18' 4' 8'
84'
8'
100' Right of Way
8' 8'
100' Right of Way
8'
84'
23' 12' 14' 12' 23'
Sidewalk
Drive Lane + ParkingDrive LaneMedian
/Turn Lane
Drive LaneDrive Lane + Parking
Sidewalk
W E
Figure C4.5. Whittier Boulevard -- Montebello Boulevard to Bluff Road Figure C4.6. Whittier Boulevard -- Garfield Avenue to Montebello Boulevard

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 127
Washington Boulevard: Washington Boulevard is an east/west multimodal boulevard which will play a key road in local and regional connectivity with the planned Gold Line extension and Greenwood Station. To accommodate existing and future multimodal needs, the City should implement improvements such as shaded and accessible sidewalks, bikeways connecting to local destinations, bus stop amenities, and first/last mile transit access improvements. Within the station area, focused parking measures can balance the parking and active transportation needs of the station area and surrounding neighborhoods.

Figure C4.7. Washington Boulevard
Sidewalk
Drive LaneDrive LaneDrive LlaneDrive Lane
Sidewalk
12' 12' 11' 12' 12'
82'
11' 36'
106' Right of Way
N
Sidewalk
Drive LaneDrive LaneDrive Lane
Center
Turn Lane
Drive LaneDrive LaneDrive Lane
Sidewalk
S
84'
100' Right of Way
8' 12' 11' 12' 14' 12' 11' 12' 8'

128 Montebello General Plan
Beverly Boulevard: Beverly Boulevard is a key east/west corridor providing connectivity to retail and regional active transportation facilities. As a key multimodal boulevard, vehicular and non-vehicular modes can be accommodated with measures such as shaded accessible sidewalks, bus stops and amenities, and bikeways connecting to regional destinations. Parking measures such as shared parking and flexible standards are also recommended.

Drive Lane
+ Parking
Drive LaneDrive LaneDrive Lane
+ Parking
W E Sidewalk Drive Llane Drive Llane Bike Llane Sidewalk 6' 11' 11' 10' 14' 10' 11' 11' 6'
90' Right of Way
78' 78'
90' Right of Way
6' 11' 11' 10' 14' 10' 11' 11' 6' Sidewalk Drive Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane Center Turn Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane Sidewalk W E
Figure C4.8. Beverly Boulevard at Wilcox Avenue

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 129 Drive Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane W E Sidewalk Drive Lane Median/ Turn Lane Sidewalk
12' 12' 10' 12' 12'
56'
10' 12'
80' Right of Way 80' Right of Way
10' 12'
56'
12' 12' 10' 12' 6' 6' Sidewalk Drive Lane Drive Lane Center Turn Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane Sidewalk W E
Figure C4.9. Beverly Boulevard at Montebello Boulevard

130 Montebello General Plan
90'
100' Right of Way
5' 9' 20' 11' 10' 11' 20' 9' 5' Sidewalk Planting Strip Drive Lane + Parking Drive Lane Median/ Turn Llane Drive Lane Drive Lane + Parking Planting Strip Sidewalk S N
90'
100' Right of Way
5' 9' 20' 11' 10' 11' 20' 9' 5' Sidewalk Planting Strip Drive Lane + Parking Drive Lane Center Turn Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane + Parking Planting Strip Sidewalk S N
Figure C4.10. Garfield Avenue -- North of Whittier Boulevard Figure C4.11. Greenwood Avenue -- South of Washington Boulevard ParkingDrive LaneDrive LaneDrive LaneDrive LaneParking
S N Sidewalk Median/ Turn Lane Sidewalk
8' 11' 11' 11' 11' 8'
86' Right of Way
14' 6'
74'
6' 6'
74'
20' 11' 12' 11' 20' 6'
86' Right of Way
Sidewalk
Drive Lane + Parking
Drive Lane
Center
Turn Lane
Drive Lane
Drive Lane + Parking
Sidewalk
S N

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 131
Figure C4.12. Lincoln Avenue
Bu
erDrive LaneMedian/
Turn Lane
Drive LaneDrive LaneParking
W E Sidewalk Bike Lane Sidewalk
9' 10' 10' 10' 10' 10' 8' 9'
62'
4'
80' Right of Way 80' Right of Way
11' 11' 4'
62'
9' 11' 11' 18' 5' Sidewalk Drive Lane Drive Lane Center Turn Lane Drive Lane Drive Lane Sidewalk W E

132 Montebello General Plan
Achieving a complete streets network of multimodal
facilities necessitates appropriately classifying roadways in the city.

The proposed updated citywide functional classifications are shown in Figure C4.13. The updated map maintains the functional classifications in the previous General Plan, but the following roadways have been
reclassified to better complement their surrounding
land use context and provide the street space to better serve future bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. • Washington Boulevard: Along the anticipated
Gold Line extension alignment, reclassify from
Major Roadway to Secondary Roadway.
• Mines Avenue: Reclassify from Major Roadway
to Collector.
• Olympic Boulevard (west of Montebello Boulevard): Reclassify from Major Roadway and Collector to Secondary Roadway.
• Whittier Boulevard (Montebello Boulevard to 1st
Street): Within downtown Montebello, reclassify
from Major Roadway to Secondary Roadway.
• Beverly Boulevard (east of Hay Street): Reclassify
from Major Roadway to Secondary Roadway.

It should be noted the standard width for Collector
roadways is proposed to be updated from generally 60
to 70 feet wide to generally 70 feet wide or less.

2. Roadway Classifications
Figure C4.13. Roadway Classifications
Major Roadway
Secondary Roadway Greenwood Ave
Gareld
Ave Washington Blvd
Telegraph Rd
Whittier Blvd
Beverly Blvd
Montebello Blvd
Vail Ave
Major Roadway
Collector
Lincoln AveLore
Mines Ave
Union St
Findlay Ave
Poplar
Ave
Rea Dr
Lincoln Ave
Blu Rd
Hay Ave
5 60

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 133

3. Goods Movement Network
Providing safe and convenient multimodal travel
options through a network of Complete Streets
requires balancing the needs of local and regional
goods movement with the effects on other roadway
users. The City currently has a designated network of
local truck routes to accommodate goods movement
between local industrial uses, freeways, and other
freight facilities; this local truck route network should regularly be reviewed and updated to accommodate
existing and future multimodal transportation needs
and complement the local built environment. The proposed updated local truck route network is shown in Figure C4.14 and changes from the current network
are reflected in the figure and detailed below.
• Remove Whittier Boulevard east of Montebello
Boulevard from the local truck route network to
reflect area’s vision as a place to walk and bike
to retail and dining destinations. In order to
accommodate east-west freight movement, designate Montebello Boulevard between Whittier Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard as part of the
local truck route network so that heavy trucks
can connect to Beverly Boulevard from Whittier
Boulevard. This would require coordination with
the City of Pico Riviera to ensure that vehicles
traveling along Whittier Boulevard from the
east use Paramount Boulevard to continue along
Beverly Boulevard.
• Keep Washington Boulevard as part of the local
truck route network. However, the City should
monitor evolving land use and transportation
conditions along Washington Boulevard resulting
from the planned Gold Line extension. Should
it be required to improve bicycle and pedestrian
accessibility around the proposed light rail station
near Washington Boulevard/Greenwood Avenue,
or should capacity of the roadway be affected by
the configuration of the rail line, the City should
revisit Washington Boulevard’s designation
and consider other options for east-west freight
movement in that area.

Figure C4.14. Local Truck Route Network
Greenwood Ave
Gareld
Ave Washington Blvd
Telegraph Rd
Whittier Blvd
Beverly Blvd
Montebello Blvd
Vail Ave
Local Truck Routes
STAA Routes

134 Montebello General Plan
P4.5 Provide a network of complete streets that are safe and accessible for all transportation modes and users, including those with impaired mobility, with a system of multimodal and context-appropriate roadways that support a shift to alternative travel modes and a reduction in VMT.

A4.5a Develop and formally adopt a citywide Complete Streets Ordinance. VZ SE R A4.5b Utilize a Complete Streets approach that acknowledges all users when improving existing transportation facilities or designing new transportation facilities in the city. VZ SE R A4.5c Adopt and implement updated roadway classifications that reflect the various multimodal needs and land use contexts in different areas of the city including the downtown area. VZ SE R A4.5d Consider the implementation of two-way center turn lanes and raised medians along currently undivided roadways to improve traffic flow, safety, and crossing distances. VZ SE R A4.5e Implement active transportation improvements when roadways are undergoing rehabilitation, resurfacing, or other modifications. VZ SE R
Examples of active transportation improvements include high visibility crosswalks and bike lanes.

A4.5f Incorporate regional and national design guidance from LA Metro and NACTO, and other best practice guidebooks into local roadway design standards. VZ SE R
A4.5g Ensure that roadway designs safely accommodate goods movement in the City’s industrial areas. VZ SE R A4.5h Develop a citywide roadway network that ensures funds and improvements are distributed equitably among the City’s different neighborhoods. VZ SE R
A4.5i Regularly review and update the local truck route network to accommodate existing and future multimodal transportation needs and complement the local built environment. VZ SE R P4.6 Balance local and regional vehicular throughput needs, as well as their effects on other modes of travel.

A4.6a Require new development projects to assess effects on local traffic operations as part of non-CEQA analysis. VZ SE R A4.6b Partner with Caltrans and LA Metro on regional highway planning to reduce congestion on local roadway facilities. VZ SE R
A4.6c Partner with Caltrans to ensure that freeway ramp intersection signal timing plans complement signal timing at City-operated traffic signals. VZ R
A4.6d As appropriate, establish flexible vehicular operational standards along facilities that serve mixed-uses and are key to bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, such as within the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan area. VZ SE R A4.6e Monitor residential streets and implement traffic calming as needed to discourage cut-through traffic, developing strategies in conjunction with the neighborhood at large.VZ SE R A4.6f Reclassify roadways under the City’s functional classification so that they better complement their surrounding land use context and provide the street space to better serve future bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. VZ SE R VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

4. Policies and Actions

Part C, 4. Our Accessible Community 135
P4.7 Prioritize the safety of all modes and users when designing and developing the citywide transportation network.

A4.7a Enhance safety at current rail at-grade crossings, including those for Metrolink and the future Gold Line alignment, through improve signage, striping, and signage to increase visibility for all roadway users. VZ SE R A47b Explore opportunities to provide grade-separated bicycle and pedestrian crossings at locations where railroad tracks serve as a barrier to direct walking and bicycling connectivity, such as residential streets cut off by railroad tracks. VZ SE R
A4.7c Regularly review multimodal crash statistics along key corridors and at major intersections to inform roadway safety improvements. VZ SE R
A4.7d As the future Gold Line routing and station plans are finalized, work with LA Metro to ensure safe pedestrian access, minimize disruptions to local circulation, and conflicts with other modes. VZ SE R A47e Encourage Caltrans to provide safe pedestrian crossings and other facilities at freeway ramps. VZ SE R A4.7f Require new developments to prepare emergency evacuation plans as appropriate. VZ R A4.7g Ensure that the City’s citywide circulation network maintains emergency response access, including along key northsouth and east-west corridors. VZ SE R A4.5h Monitor and implement improvements as needed for safe walking and bicycling access to schools. VZ SE R A4.5i Utilize educational strategies to improve awareness of safe walking, biking, and driving habits.VZ SE R P4.8 Ensure the City’s transportation network and planning efforts incorporate new transportation technologies while also preparing for the needs of potential future technologies and modes.

A4.8a Incorporate micromobility services such as bicycle- and scooter-share into first/last mile improvements. VZ SE R A4.8b Explore the feasibility of implementing microtransit service between Metrolink, the future Gold Line Greenwood Station, and key destinations and attractors in the city. VZ SE R A4.8c Incorporate shared mobility services passenger loading and ecommerce-based commercial loading into curb space planning in high-demand areas such as the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan area. VZ SE R A4.8d Design future parking structures in a flexible manner that allows conversion to other uses in the future. R A4.8e Monitor and evaluate the development of new mobility technologies. R Evaluate and monitor new technologies such as connected and autonomous vehicles, what is needed to accommodate them, effects on travel and/or parking demand, and the potential effects on all modes of travel.

VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

136 Montebello General Plan

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 137
5 Our Healthy Community
For determining health of a person, their zip code is more important than their genetic code. Where people live profoundly affects their health putting residents at a severe disadvantage in achieving their full health potential.

Majority of our time, effort, resources, and attention is spend in counseling, education, and clinical intervention at an individual level when the causes of our health issues is determined outside the four walls of hospital & doctor’s offices. More effective health outcomes can be achieved with broader population level interventions that improve factors such as income, financial stability, education, food access, and housing stability. The built environment shapes daily experiences and can impact a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. The built environment is the layout and design of a community’s buildings, streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure and includes the spaces and places where people live, learn, work, play, and recreate.

The General Plan integrates health and equity considerations to create a framework for:
• Aligning health equity policies across city departments and health agencies; and
• Incorporating equity in civic engagement and community investment.

Residents must have equitable distribution of opportunities and resources for optimal health and well being. Health inequities arise mostly from the inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities that people need to be healthy. Montebello will act affirmatively to reduce these health inequities through strategic public space investments that promote physical activity and create incentives for healthy food retail. The City will discourage tobacco and excessive alcohol use. In collaboration with the private sector, the City will create safe spaces that reduce violence and unintended injuries, and support efforts to eliminate local sources of pollution. The Housing Element Programs will expand access to safe and affordable housing, increase employment and training opportunities, and reduce exposures to environmental hazards. Working together, Montebello will foster a culture of health by promoting civic engagement and offering community programs that support healthy lifestyles and reduce social isolation, which is a major contributor to ill health.

Montebello will promote preventive health and well-being for all through inclusive approaches where healthy habits are encouraged.

A. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Prioritize Prevention: Focus on preventive health.

Chronic diseases are often preventable and associated with unhealthy and risky behaviors that are shaped by the built environment in which we live,
work, learn, and play.

2. Collaborate for Multiple Benefits: Healthy
choices require healthily systems. Health is intrinsically linked to the economy, transportation, environment, and social policy areas. Montebello
will strategically partner to carry out projects that
benefit more than one end (achieve co-benefits)
and create efficiencies across agencies (find winwins) which is essential for securing support from partners, reducing redundancies, and ensuring
more effective use of limited public resources.

3. Healthy Choices: Systems shape choices. If
we design systems differently we can make the
healthy choice the easy choice for all people. We
can make it easier for people to adopt healthy
behaviors, healthy choices, and prevent the onset
of costly chronic diseases. Health will be omnipresent and universal—in our homes, schools, and workplaces.

4. Equity: Given the strong ties between inequity
and poor health, a strategic focus of health
policies, programs, and processes is targeted
towards communities at greatest risk, and those
that require the greatest support.

138 Montebello General Plan
B. MONTEBELLO HEALTH

1. Health Profile
Newly Diagnosed Colon Cancer Cases
(per 100,000 population)
Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Cases
(per 100,000 female population)

43.9 37.9
116.6
140.5
Lung Cancer Deaths
( per 100,000 population)

22.3 27.1
Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease Deaths
( per 100,000 population)

21.7 27.9
Cardiovascular Deaths
( per 100,000 Population)
198.1 204.8
Percentage of Obese Adults Percentage of Adults
with Diagnosed Diabetes
27%
24%
10% 10%
37% 34%
Percentage of Adults
Meeting Recommended
Guidelines for Physical Activity
Available Recreational Space
(acres per 1,000 population)

1.3 8.1
Almost two-thirds (63%) of Montebello
residents not getting enough exercise and
over half (56%) the residents lack access to
sources of healthy food. Lack of physical
activity and poor diet are the leading
cause to the current obesity epidemic and
are major risk factors for heart disease,
diabetes, cancer, and many other chronic
health conditions.

While being physically active and eating
healthy are individual lifestyle choices they
are hugely reliant on the physical design
of the City. It is difficult to be active if
the city lacks safe, walkable and bikeable
streets and open spaces for recreation
across the entire City.

The General Plan vision calls for green
infrastructure that provides safe and enjoyable streets and open spaces and create incentives for healthy food retail.

Making lifestyle changes like becoming physically
active, eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fiber, and quitting smoking can reduce
the risk of colon cancer. Obesity can increase an
individual’s lifetime risk of breast cancer.

Tobacco use is a leading preventable cause of premature death and disability. Montebello can prohibit smoking in public spaces, such as parks, beaches,
outdoor dining areas, and apartment buildings to
reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. Secondhand
tobacco smoke contributes to heart disease, cancer,
and other diseases.

Youth who smoke often continue smoking into
adulthood, which increases their risk for lung cancer,
heart disease, stroke and other serious health problems. Montebello can reduce youth access to tobacco products by promoting zoning and licensing restrictions to regulate the location and density of tobacco retailers and vape shops, particularly in youth-sensitive areas and vulnerable neighborhoods.

In addition to lung cancer and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, smoking is a major risk factor for
cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease-related
deaths include deaths due to heart disease and stroke.

Figure C5.1. Physical activity, access to open space, obesity, and diabetes. Source: LA County Health Profile of Montebello.

Figure C5.2. Tobacco use. Source: LA County Health Profile of Montebello.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 139
5% 9%
Suicides
(per 100,000 population)

5.4 7.6
Deaths from Unintentional
Drug Overdose
(per 100,000 population)

4.6 6.6
Percentage of Adults
with Diagnosed Depression
Good mental health can improve people's enjoyment, coping skills, and relationships, educational achievement, employment, housing and economic potential, help reduce physical health problems, ease healthcare and social care costs, build social capital, and decrease suicides. The physical and social environments of urban life can contribute both positively and negatively to mental health and wellbeing.

Individuals who are exposed to chronic stress from poverty, unemployment, homelessness, physical and mental health problems, previous trauma, personal crises, family break up, addiction, and immigration are at a greater risk for developing mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Montebello is an urban area. The residents experience an increased stimulus level: density, crowding, noise, smells, sights, disarray, pollution and intensity of other inputs. These stimuli can increase the body's baseline levels of arousal, stress, and preparedness, and drive people to seek relief: quiet, private spaces; over time this urge may evolve into social isolation associated with depression and anxiety.

While ensuring access to timely and affordable mental health interventions and services is important for effectively treating mental health conditions, promoting well-being at the community level may help prevent these conditions from developing.

Montebello can take an active role in fostering mental health by designing places that promote good mental health, ensuring community safety, promoting employment opportunities and economic security, expanding affordable housing, creating varied opportunities for residents to engage in community issues, reducing the stigma associated with mental health, and providing support services.
52nd percentile
0 to 25 26 to 50 51 to 75 76 to 100
higher pollution burden lower pollution burden
26th percentile
fewer healthy conditions more healthy conditions
Figure C5.4. The California Healthy Places Index (HPI) is calibrated to correlate with life expectancy. In addition to environmental factors, it takes into account the diverse non-medical economic, social, and political factors that influence physical and mental function, behavior and disease. The California Healthy Places Index (HPI) Clean Environment Score is a composite measure of pollution that was developed by the Public Health Alliance of Southern California. It is based on the average levels of four common environmental pollutants used in the California Environmental Protection Agency’s CalEnviroScreen 3.0 tool.

Figure C5.3. Mental Health. Source: LA County Health Profile of Montebello.

140 Montebello General Plan

2. Community Outreach
The stakeholder interviews, community survey, and focus group meetings established baseline conditions, identify trends, constraints, and opportunities. An integrated vision and strategies for healthy living were developed during a four-day long visioning workshop. The insights from the various civic engagement efforts identified the following major health challenges in Montebello:
• Obesity, asthma, mental health issues, heart disease; • Pattern of development (auto-centric) does not support active transportation;
• Streets discourage walking and biking, intersections that cause traffic fatalities, and disempowered communities; • Poor air quality;
• Lack of opportunities for physical activities;
• Lack of access to healthy, nutritious, and affordable food.

Need regular farmers market that can provide local and
healthy food options;
• Limited health care options. Existing hospital facility needs to be upgraded to provide state of the art health care; • Need to better promote existing exercise facilities and events within the City; and
• Stores, restaurants, schools, and public facilities do not promote healthy eating.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 141
C. BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The built environment includes the physical makeup of places that promote active lifestyle and transportation options, improves access to nutritious and affordable food, brings people together, and reduces noise pollution.

The design of neighborhoods and streets can have a significant impact on the way that people behave. Built environment pollution in terms of air, water, soil, noise, vibration and debris can affect people’s health. The health benefits of walking is immense and can be easily designed into people’s everyday lives, particularly in low-income areas where stresses, preventable diseases and healthcare demands are high and money is tight.

The design of roads and transportation networks has significant impacts on health and wellbeing, from road collisions to traffic noise and the increasingly recognized effects of air pollution. There are also wider impacts on the disruption of social networks, which are in turn so important for health and wellbeing. Exposure to noise pollution from traffic and transit causes stress, annoyance, and sleep disturbance. The careful design of the built environment can mitigate the effect of noise pollution on physical and mental health.

Thoughtful planning policies and design can improve community health, which is the core of a healthy economy, environment, society, and leads to increased quality of life, greater social engagement, and longer lifespans.

1. Healthy Streets
Urban streets provide the platform for everyday activities and therefore should be designed to support human health and well-being for all people. The ease at which people move from one place to another, access services, enjoy their surroundings, and feel safe impacts their mental health and comfort. Streets provide links to critical services such as health care and education and require safe, secure, and accessible routes. Streets should provide an inclusive place for people burdened with poverty or social inclusion challenges. Streets with reduced traffic volumes and speeds extend the territory of the private spaces that line the street, increasing the opportunity for social interaction.

142 Montebello General Plan
Montebello-Commerce YMCA receives donations from local partners allowing distribution of fresh produce and other nutrition and supplies to those in need.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the YMCA has provided over a half a million free meals to food insecure families along with free diapers and baby formula, free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Simonian Family Garden at the Montebello-Commerce YMCA provides gardening lots to community members.

2. Access to Nutritious Food
While individuals make their own nutritional choices, they make these choices within the context of the built environment — the accessibility and availability of healthy food. Residents living in areas with limited access to healthy food options are often forced to shop at local convenience stores or eat at fast-food establishments if that is all that is available. The limited options result in a diet that is high in caloric content, but poor nutritionally, leading to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes. This is especially true for low-income residents without access to sufficient transportation options.

Zoning regulations when paired with economic incentives can help establish grocery stores and farmers markets in food desert areas. Expanding routes to focus on low-income neighborhoods and linking them to supermarkets and grocery stores can improve access to healthy food. Policy and regulatory interventions should be paired with educational component such as classes on health and nutrition, such as cooking, eating healthy on a budget, or learning to use farmer’s markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). City and School officials can adopt policies for healthy concession stands at extra-curricular events, fundraisers that sell food that meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snack standards and implementation of policies for healthy foods at staff meetings.

Nutrition Education at Montebello Unified School District (MUSD)
MUSD Nutrition Services provides free breakfast, lunch, and supper to all students.  Meals meet and exceed federal and state age-appropriate nutrition standards based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  The nutrition information for meals is available on the District’s website.

MUSD has made nutrition education a priority for over 20 years.  Nutrition education programs provide knowledge and practical skills to all grade levels beginning with pre-school.  The Harvest of the Month program integrates teacher materials with Common Core standards and includes classroom taste tests of seasonal fruits and vegetables.  Students’ language arts, math, science, art and social science skills strengthen while they learn nutrition principles.  The cafeterias offer a variety of fruits and vegetables to reinforce classroom learning.

This program extends to families and communities as well.

MUSD Nutrition Services offer parent nutrition education to help families create a healthful environment at home.  Nutrition awareness is promoted at community events throughout the year.

A myriad of nutrition and physical activity resources are available on the District’s website.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 143

3. Social Connectedness
The built environment has the power to integrate or segregate communities. Physical environments designed to enhance social connections enrich people’s lives on a daily basis and in moments of crisis, such as in the aftermath of manmade or natural disasters, when people’s reliance on neighbors and local friends is critical to their survival.

Built environments in neighborhoods, such as porches and tree-lined streets, can promote neighborly conversations and civic pride. The design qualities of a place— walkability, sense of place, greenness, street design, architecture—have the potential to increase social interaction, the integration of diverse people, social support, civic pride, social resilience, and social and political involvement.

Places should be designed to combat loneliness and social isolation and foster social capital and community. Following are few physical design considerations in designing places and buildings:
that increase opportunities for social interaction and cohesion:
• Creating places that are safe, inclusive and walkable; • Create programming, mix uses, offer amenities that make people linger to enjoy the place and support local businesses; • Provide options for different age related preferences, abilities, and group sizes;
• Use architectural detailing and variety at eye-level to add interest and a sense of scale;
• Bring natural light into the core of a space through windows and skylights that connect people to the outside and give the place warmth; and
• Offer spaces to linger and socialize.

144 Montebello General Plan
1 Mixed Uses
1 1
Network of
Human Scale
Streets
2 2
2 2
Active Living
3 3
3 3
3 4 Shared Streets
Access to
Nutrition Food
5 5
Green Infrastructure
Access to
Open Space
6 7 Outdoor Seating 8 Noise Control
9 Bike Infrastructure 10 Pet Friendly
Healthy City Design
4 6
6 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
10 10

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 145
1 Exercise Stairs 2 Balconies
3 Cross Ventilation 4 Social Distance
Healthy Building Design
5 Noise Control
Summer
Winter
6 Natural Lighting
Air Circulation
7 Access to
Open Space
8 9 Safety, Security 10 Touch Free Access
1 2
2 3
3 4
5 7
7 8
6 9
10

146 Montebello General Plan
D. NOISE
Sounds can be pleasant and relaxing such as sounds from birds, water, leaves rustling, or children playing at a distance. Natural sounds enhance the appreciation of a place and should be encouraged. Sounds can also become unwanted noise. Noise is part of the everyday experience for residents, workers, and visitors to the City of Montebello. It is an inevitable consequence of the urban city, the density of development, and the intensity of activity in a small area. The noise resulting from the vibrancy of the City for many is iconic, invigorating and an essential element or ‘buzz’ of the City ‘soundscape’. However for others City noise can detract from enjoyment, be an annoyance, or detrimental to health and well- being. Chronic noise from traffic, trains, commercial and entertainment uses, and noisy neighbors can adversely affect mental tranquility.

The purpose of this section is to identify noise-sensitive land uses and the most predominant sources of noise in the City, and limit the exposure to excessive noise levels.

1. Context
The predominant source of noise in Montbello is motor vehicles on roadways within the City and the Metrolink and freight trains.

The roadways with the highest traffic volumes (such as the Interstate 5, SR 60, and major arterial roadways such as Montebello Boulevard, Greenwood Avenue, Garfield Avenue, Washington Boulevard, Whittier Boulevard, and Beverly Boulevard) produce the highest noise levels. No airports are located within Montebello, and aircraft noise is also not a major noise source, although certain aircraft related noise (such as from low-flying helicopters) can be of concern.

Some large factories in Montebello, particular ones with large amount of outdoor activity could potentially be a major “point sources” of noise.

Existing noise levels in the community must be understood in the context of the fundamental physical characteristics and impacts of sound and noise and how they are measured; and applicable regulations governing noise. Existing and future noise levels, expressed as noise contours, are therefore shown in Figure C5.7 and Figure C5.8.

2. Fundamentals of Sound
Sound is technically described in terms of the loudness (amplitude) and frequency (pitch). The standard unit of measurement of the loudness of sound is decibel (dB). Since the human ear is not equally sensitive to sound at all frequencies, a special frequency-dependent rating scale has been devised to relate noise to human sensitivity. The A-weighted decibel scale (dBA) performs this compensation by discriminating against frequencies in a manner approximating the sensitivity of the human ear.

Decibels are based on the logarithmic scale. The logarithmic scale compresses the wide range in sound pressure levels to a more usable range of numbers. In terms of human response to noise, a sound 10 dBA higher than another is judged to be twice as loud; and 20 dBA higher four times as loud; and so forth.

Everyday sounds normally range from 30 dB (very quiet) to 100 dB (very loud). Examples of various sound levels are shown in Figure C5.5.

Noise levels typically drop off at a rate of 6 dBA per doubling of distance from point sources. Noise from lightly traveled roads typically attenuates at a rate of about 4.5 dBA per doubling of distance. Noise from heavily traveled roads typically attenuates at about 3 dBA per doubling of distance. Noise levels may also be reduced by intervening structures; generally, a single row of buildings between the receptor and the noise source reduces the noise level by about 5 dBA, while a solid wall or berm reduces noise levels by 5 to 10 dBA. The manner in which older homes in California (approximately 30 years old or older) were constructed generally provides a reduction of exterior-to-interior noise levels of about 20 to 25 dBA with closed windows. The exterior-to interior reduction of newer residential units and office buildings is generally 30 dBA or more (FTA, May 2006).

Figure C5.5: Typical Noise Levels.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 147

3. Definition and Impacts
Noise has been defined as unwanted sound
and it is known to have several adverse effects on people. From these known effects of noise, criteria have been established to
help protect the public health and safety
and prevent disruption of certain human
activities. These criteria are based on such
known impacts of noise on people as
hearing loss, speech interference, sleep
interference, physiological responses and
annoyance. Each of these potential noise
impacts on people are briefly discussed
below:
• Hearing loss is not a major noise
concern in outdoor environments in
Montebello because the potential for
noise induced hearing loss is commonly associated with occupational noise exposures in heavy industry or
very noisy work environments.
• Speech Interference is one of the
primary noise concerns. Normal
conversational speech is in the range
of 60 to 65 dBA, and any noise in this
range or louder may interfere with
speech.
• Sleep Interference is a major noise
concern because sleep is the most
noise sensitive human activity. Sleep
disturbance studies have identified
interior noise levels that have the
potential to cause sleep disturbance.

Sleep disturbance does not necessarily
mean awakening from sleep, but can
refer to altering the pattern and stages
of sleep.
• Physiological responses are those
measurable effects of noise on people
which are realized as changes in pulse
rate, blood pressure, etc. While such
effects can be induced and observed,
the extent to which these physiological responses cause harm or are signs of harm is not known.
• Annoyance is the most difficult of all
noise responses to describe. Annoyance is a very individual characteristic and can vary widely from person to
person. What one person considers
tolerable can be quite unbearable to
another of equal hearing capacity.

4. Noise Metrics
Community noise is generally not a steady
state, and varies with time. Under conditions of non-steady state noise, some type of statistical metric is necessary to quantify
noise exposure over a long period of time.

Several rating scales have been developed
for describing the effects of noise on
people. They are designed to account for
the known effects of noise on people.

The potential for noise to affect people
is dependent on the total acoustical energy
content of the noise. A number of noise
scales have been developed to account
for this observation. These scales are: the
Equivalent Noise Level (Leq), the Day
Night Noise Level (Ldn), and the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL).

Intermittent or occasional noise such
as that associated with many stationary
noise sources is not of sufficient volume
to exceed community noise standards that
are based on a time averaged scale such as
the Ldn scale. To account for intermittent
noise, another method to characterize
noise is the Percent Noise Level (L%). L%
is the level exceeded a certain percentage
of the time during the measurement
period. Examples of various noise environments in terms of L% are shown in Figure C5.6.

5. Statutory Authority
California has mandated that each city
prepare a Noise Element as part of its
General Plan. The Noise Element follows
guidelines in Section 65302(f ) of the State
Government Code and Section 46050.1
of the Health and Safety Code. Section
65302(f ) of the State Government Code
requires the following:
i. A noise element shall identify and
appraise noise problems in the
community. The noise element shall
recognize the guidelines established
by the Office of Noise Control and
shall analyze and quantify, to the
extent practicable, as determined
by the legislative body, current and
projected noise levels for all of the
following sources:
a. Highways and freeways.
b. Primary arterials and major local
streets.
c. Passenger and freight online
railroad operations and ground
rapid transit systems.
d. Commercial, general aviation,
heliport, helistop, and military
airport operations, aircraft
overflights, jet engine test stands,
and all other ground facilities and
maintenance functions related to
airport operation.
e. Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards.
f. Other ground stationary noise
sources including, but not limited
to, military installations, contributing to the community noise environment.
ii. Noise contours shall be shown for
all of the sources and stated in terms
of community noise equivalent level
(CNEL) or day-night average level
(Ldn). The noise contours shall be
prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or following generally accepted noise modeling techniques for the
various sources identified.
iii. The noise contours shall be used as
a guide for establishing a pattern of
land uses in the land use element that
minimizes the exposure of community
residents to excessive noise.
iv. The Noise Element shall include
implementation measures and
possible solutions that address existing
and foreseeable noise problems, if any.

The adopted noise element shall serve
as a guideline for compliance with the
State’s noise insulation standards.

The guidelines for preparation indicates
that the Noise Element should present
the noise environment in terms of noise
contours, and for those areas identified as
containing noise sensitive facilities, the
noise environment should be determined
by monitoring.

148 Montebello General Plan

6. Noise Standards and Guidelines
Land Use/Noise guidelines have been produced by a number of Federal and State agencies including the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), the American National Standards Institute, and the State of California. These guidelines, presented in the following paragraphs, are all based on cumulative noise criteria such as Leq, Ldn, or CNEL.

In 1974, the EPA published a document entitled “Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety.” Table C5.1 shows requisite noise levels for various land uses from this document.

In this table, 55 Ldn is described as the requisite level with an adequate margin of safety for areas with outdoor uses including residences and recreational areas. The EPA “levels document” does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation, but identifies safe levels of environmental noise exposure without consideration for economic cost for achieving these levels.

The FHA has adopted and published noise abatement criteria for highway construction projects. The noise abatement criteria specified by the FHA are presented in Table C5.2 in terms of the maximum one hour Leq. The FHA noise abatement criteria basically establishes an exterior noise goal for residential land uses of 67 Leq and an interior goal for residences of 52 Leq. The noise abatement criteria applies to private yard areas and assumes that typical wood frame homes with windows open provide 10 dB noise reduction (outdoor to indoor) and 20 dB noise reduction with windows closed.

Leq
Is the sound level corresponding to a steady-state sound level containing the same total energy as a time-varying signal over a given sample period. Leq is the “energy” average noise level during the time period of the sample. Leq can be measured for any time period, but is typically measures for 15 minutes, 1 hour, or 24 hours.

Ldn
Is a 24-hour, time-weighted annual average noise level. Time-weighted refers to the fact that noise occurring during certain sensitive time periods is penalized for occurring at these times. In the Ldn scale, 10 dB are added to nighttime (10 pm to 7 am) noise levels. This penalty attempts to account for increased human sensitivity to noise during the night, when most people sleep.

CNEL Is similar to the Ldn scale, except that 5 dB are also added to evening (7 pm to 10 pm) noise levels.

A 3rd oor apartment next to freeway
D Urban shopping center
C 2nd oor tenement, New York City
B 3rd oor hi-rise, Downtown Los Angeles
E Popular beach at Paci­c Ocean
H Urban residential 6 mi to airport
G Urban residential near ocean
F Urban residential near major airport
K Urban residential near small airport
J Urban residential
I Suburban residential near rail tracks
L Old residential near city center
O Small town residential main street
N Small town residential cul-de-sac
M Suburban residential at city outskirts
Sightseeing aircraft
Canyon traic
Main street traic
Aircra
overflight
Aircra
takeo
Aircra
landing
R Grand Canyon, North Rim
Q Farm valley
P Suburban residential in Hill Canyon
Location Sound Level (dBA)
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
99 90 50 10 1
80 Percent of
Data
Figure C5.6: Examples of daytime outdoor noise levels. Source: Community Noise, EPA, 1971.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 149
The State of California requires each City to adopt Noise Elements as part of their General Plans. Such Noise Elements must contain a Noise/Land Use compatibility matrix. A recommended (but not mandatory) matrix is presented in the “Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of Noise Elements of the General Plan.” This Noise Element uses the State’s recommended Noise/Land Use compatibility matrix as the basis for the City’s Noise/Land Use Compatibility Matrix, shown in Table C5.3.

Title 24 of the California Health and Safety Code (the California Building Standards Code) establishes an interior noise standard of 45 dBA CNEL for multiple residential units and hotel/motel structures. Additionally, Title 24’s energy conservation requirements for dual-pane windows also help reduce transmission of outside noise to interior living spaces.

Measure
Indoor Outdoor
Activity
Interference
Hearing
Loss Consideration
To Protect
Against
Both
Effects (b)
Activity
Interference
Hearing
Loss Consideration
To Protect
Against
Both
Effects (b)
Residential with
outside space and
farm residences
Ldn 45 45 55 55
Leq(24) 70 70
Residential with no
outside space
Ldn 45 45
Leq(24) 70
Commercial
Leq(24) (a) 70 70(c) (a) 70 70(c)
Inside
Transportation Leq(24) (a) 70 (a)
Industrial Leq(24)
(d)
(a) 70 70(c) (a) 70 70(c)
Hospitals Ldn 45 45 55 55
Leq(24) 70 70
Educational Leq(24) 45 45 55 55
Leq(24)
(d)
70 70
Recreational areas
Leq(24) (a) 70 70(c) (a) 70 70(c)
Farm land, general
unpopulated land Leq(24) (a) 70 70(c)
a. Since different types of activities appear to be associated with different levels, identification of a maximum level for activity interference may be difficult except in those circumstances where speech communication is a critical activity.
b. Based on lowest level.
c. Based only on hearing loss.
d. An Leq(8) of 75 dB may be identified in these situations so long as the exposure over the remaining 16 hours per day is low enough to result in a negligible contribution to the 24-hour average, i.e., no greater than an Leq of 60 dB.

Note: Explanation of identified level for hearing loss: The exposure period which results in hearing loss at the identified level is a period of 40 years.
*Refers to energy rather than arithmetic averages.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Information On Levels Of Environmental Noise Requisite To Protect Public Health And Welfare Wtih An Adequate Margin Of Safety, March 1974.

Table C5.1: Environmental Protection Agency Noise Guidelines.

Activity
Category
Design
Noise Level
- LEQ
Description of Activity
Category
A 57
(Exterior)
Tracts of land in which
serenity and quiet are of
extraordinary signifance,
serve an important public
need, and where the
preservation of those
qualities is essential if
the area is to continue
to serve its intended
purpose. Such areas
could include amphitheaters, particular parks or
portions of open spaces,
or historic districts
which are dedicated or
recognized by appropriate local officials for activities requiring special qualities of serenity and
quiet.

B 67
(Exterior)
Picnic areas, recreation
areas, playgrounds, active
sports areas and parks
which are not included in
category A and residences, motels, hotels, public
meeting rooms, schools,
churches, libraries, and
hospitals.

C 72
(Exterior)
Developed lands, properties, or activities not
included in Category A or
B above.

D
For requirements of undeveloped lands see FHWA
PPM 773.

E 52
(Interior)
Residences, motels, hotels,
public meeting rooms,
schools, churches, libraries,
hospitals, and auditoriums.

Note: These sound levels are only to be used to determine impact. These are the absolute levels where abatement
must be considered. Noise abatement should be designed
to achieve a substantial noise reduction - not the noise abatement criteria.

Source: Federal Highway Administration, Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement Policy and Guidance, June 1995.

Table C5.2: Federal Highway Administration
Noise Criteria.

150 Montebello General Plan

8. Noise Impacts of Proposed Growth
The focus of the General Plan Update is to preserve the stable and established neighborhoods of the City and direct majority of the growth to the Downtown area and the Corridors. Following analysis, policies, and actions have been prepared to satisfy applicable City of Montebello noise standards and guidance provided by Appendix G of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines for significance criteria.

Off-site Traffic Noise: Traffic generated by the proposed growth will influence noise levels at adjacent land uses. To quantify the traffic noise level increases XX roadway segments were assessed based on the change in the average daily traffic (ADT) volumes. To assess the off-site noise level impacts associated with the proposed Project, noise contour boundaries were developed for Existing and Horizon Year 2040 traffic conditions (see Figure C5.7 and C5.8). The results of the analysis show that the project-related traffic noise level increases under Existing and Horizon Year 2045 scenarios will be less than significant.

On-site Transportation Noise: The primary source of noise impacts will be traffic-related noise from SR-60, I-5, and roadways, and rail-related noise from the Metrolink and Freight Lines.

Exterior Noise Levels: Future noise-sensitive land uses located near SR-60, I-5, and the Metrolink and Freight Lines will require exterior noise mitigation.

Interior Noise Levels: With typical building construction and a windows-closed condition, a minimum 25 dBA CNEL reduction is achievable for residential dwelling units. Detailed interior noise analysis based on site-specific architectural floor plans and elevations is required to satisfy Title 24, Part 2, of the California Building Code 45 dBA CNEL interior noise level standard for residential dwelling units. Future interior noise levels of residential dwelling units exceeding 45 dBA CNEL would require interior noise mitigation.

7. Montebello Code
The Montebello Municipal Code, Chapter 9.08 - Offenses Against Public Peac controls loud, raucous and excessive noise and vibration in the city. The Code
defines, loud noises as “any sound or vibration which
disturbs the peace and quiet of a reasonable person of
ordinary sensitiveness, and prevents such person from
the enjoyment or use for which the property they occupy was intended. Complaints of a noise disturbance from two or more persons shall constitute prima facie
evidence that a noise is loud and raucous.”
Following are few acts considered as excessive noise
by the Municipal Code:
• The use of any radio, stereo, or sound amplifying
equipment in such a manner as to disturb the
peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring
inhabitants between the hours of 8 pm and 7 am
on any day;
• The creation of any noise which disturbs the
peace and quiet of a reasonable person in connection with loading or unloading of any vehicle, or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates
and containers between the hours of 10 pm and
7 am;
• Noise sources associated with construction,
demolition, grading, repair or remodeling of any
real property other than between the hours of 7
am and 8 pm on weekdays, and 9 am to 6 pm on
Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays; and
• Any pile driver, pneumatic hammer, bulldozers
or other construction vehicles, or other devices
operated between the hours of 8 pm and 7 am.

Any person violating provisions of the Code is
guilty of a misdemeanor or an infraction. Repeated
noise disturbance calls to the same location within
a 24 hour period result in a service fee charge for
all personnel and equipment costs, or other damage
and expenses as set by City Council. Any repetitive
violation could be declared to be a public nuisance
and may be abated by a restraining order or injunction
issued by a court.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 151
On-site Rail Vibration Analysis: Rail activities are anticipated to generate vibration levels of up to 73 VdB at 50 feet from trains traveling at 50 mph. To reduce the on-site transportation noise and vibration levels a site-specific noise and vibration study would be required for all future development located along Metrolink and Freight Lines.

Operational Noise: Stationary-source (operational) noise are expected to include: air conditioning units, loading dock activities, outdoor restaurant dining and music activities, and parking lot vehicle movements. Special noise generators such as music (live or otherwise), sound amplification devices, and tenant-specific noise sources shall require a site-specific noise analysis prior to building permit approval.

Construction Noise: Construction activity can result in varying degrees of ground vibration, depending on the equipment and methods used, distance to the affected structures, and soil type. It is expected that ground-borne vibration from Project construction activities would cause only intermittent, localized intrusion. Pile driving, loaded trucks, large bulldozers, and jackhammers within 50 feet of nearby sensitive land uses (e.g. residential, school, etc.) shall be minimized, or alternative equipment or methods shall be used, unless the vibration levels are shown to be less than the County of Los Angele’s root-mean-square velocity (RMS) threshold of 0.01 in/sec RMS. Further, construction at the Project site will be restricted to Municipal Code daytime construction hours, unless otherwise permitted by the City, thereby reducing potential vibration impacts during the sensitive nighttime hours.

Land Use Category Community Noise Exposure Ldn or CNEL, dBA 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
Residential - Low Density Single
Family, Duplex, Mobile Homes
Residential - Multi-Family
Transient Lodging - Motels,
Hotels
Schools, Libraries,
Churches, Hospitals,
Nursing Homes
Auditoriums, Concert
Halls, Amphitheatresa
Sports Arena, Outdoor
Spectator Sports
Playgrounds,
Neighborhood Parks
Golf Courses, Riding
Stables, Water Recreation,
Cemeteries
Office Buildings, Business
Commercial And
Professional
Industrial, Manufacturing,
Utilities, Agriculture
Normally Acceptable. Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction, without any special noise insulation requirements.

Normally Unacceptable. New construction or development should generally be discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise insulation features included in the design.

Conditionally Acceptable. New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements is made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. Conventional construction, but with closed windows and fresh air supply systems or air conditioning will normally suffice.

Clearly Unacceptable. New construction or development should generally not be undertaken.

Table C5.3. Land Use/Noise Compatibility Matrix

152 Montebello General Plan
Figure C5.7. Existing Noise Contours map. Figure C5.8. Future Noise Contours map.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 153
E. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Education typically leads to better jobs, more money and many other benefits, including better health insurance, which leads to better access to quality health care. Higher earnings also allow workers to afford homes in safer neighborhoods as well as healthier diets. Educational attainment predisposes a person to experience more positive health outcomes both in their ability to navigate their own healthcare and to make positive decisions related to personal health behaviors.

Montebello Unified School District (MUSD) serves approximately 26,000 students from Headstart to grade twelve. There are seventeen elementary schools, six intermediate schools, four comprehensive high schools, an alternative high school, and community day school.

As shown in Figure C5.9, the tract north of State Route-60 received score of 0.5 to 0.75. The northwest and southern tract of the City received a lower education score of 0.25 to 0.50. The rest of the City tracts received the lowest education scores of less than 0.25. These education scores are based on math and reading proficiency, high school graduation rates, and student poverty rates.

Based on a review of performance on the state indicators and local performance indicators included in the California School Dashboard, Montebello USD has made a significant (3.2%) increase in the graduation rate. Additionally, the two student groups with the lowest graduation rates made very large increases to their graduation percentages: English Learners (12.1% increase) and Students with Disabilities (5.9% increase). Another significant student group, Foster Youth, experienced a graduation rate increase of 16.8% to 88.5%, where the rate is only 59% state-wide.

District and school personnel are specifically assigned to support our Foster and Homeless students. MUSD connects with county services to support students in transition and who have experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Personnel throughout the district have worked to understand how ACEs affect a student's ability to learn and perform in school. This emphasis will continue. Dashboard data indicate the MUSD's chronic absenteeism declined significantly and is below the state average. The MUSD homeless student group suspension rate (2.9%) made a 0.7% decline to just above the district average and is in the green performance level. This is especially significant when the state average is 5.9%.

Current Montebello programs to address access to Education and Employment include:

College Bound Today: Since its creation in 2009, College Bound Today (CBT) has demonstrated exemplary collaboration in responding to today’s educational challenges to help Montebello youth. In partnership with Montebello Unified School District (MUSD), CBT’s college guidance program was created as an elective high school activity to provide college resources at no cost to students and their families. The nonprofit college access mentoring program is dedicated to increasing the percentage Source: CA HCD

0.25 - 0.50

0.5 - 0.75
< 0.25 (Less Positive Economic Outcome)
Education Score
of high school graduates within the MUSD who apply to and attend 4-year colleges and universities. CBT provides support in navigating the college application process for youth and families who often come from low-income families with limited access to college resources. This includes organizing Saturday meetings and field trips with mentors, SAT prep and visits to universities.

Thanks to College Bound Today’s collaborative efforts with mentors, students, parents, staff, and MUSD and their Board of Education, the program has served hundreds of students.

After School Program: Montebello High School provides after school programs that include:
• Homework help and tutoring sessions;
• Extended library hours;
• SAT preparation;
• Credit Accrual/online classes/distance learning;
• Personal guidance; and
• Enrichment Activities.

Figure C5.9. Education scores.

154 Montebello General Plan
F. POVERTY
Poverty affects health by limiting access to proper nutrition and healthy foods; shelter; safe neighborhoods to learn, live, and work; clean air and water; utilities; and other elements that define an individual’s standard of living. Individuals who live in low-income or high-poverty neighborhoods are likely to experience
poor health due to a combination of these factors.

In 2019, approximately 13.9% of Montebello residents lived in poverty, and of these 22.6% are less than 18 years old. The groups with the highest percentage
living in poverty were female-headed households with
children under 18 years old at 31.1%, followed by
female-headed households at 20.8%.

Variable % of Total
Households
Population in Poverty 13.9%
— Under 18 22.6%
— 18 to 64 years 11.2%
— 65 years and over 12.4%
Married Couples in Poverty 7.7%
— With Children under 18 13.2%
Female Households w/ no Spouse Present in
Poverty

20.8%
— With Children under 18 31.1%
Table C5.6 Poverty Status in Past 12 Months. Source: ACS 2019.

Table C5.5 indicates the numerous public assistance programs available to Montebello residents.

Female adults comprise the majority of general relief
recipients. The majority of persons receiving public
assistance in Montebello consist of children and
female adults.

Montebello has three licensed care facilities to
assist residents with special needs such as the elderly or children in foster care. These facilities include two elderly care facilities and one children’s facility that provide a total of 170 beds.

CalWorks General Relief
Cash Assistance
Program for
Immigrants
Medi-Cal CalFresh In Home Supportive Services Unduplicated Cases 464 151 46 11,528 4,290 1,976 15,211
Persons 1,152 152 46 21,393 7,695 1,976 24,310
Average Benefit
Amount per Case $763.43 $215.83 $814.49 n/a $417.8 n/a
Table C5.5. Public Assistance Programs. Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, May 2021.

Source: Low to Moderate Income Population (HUD) - Tract 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
75% - 100%
Low to Moderate Income Population
Montebello Los Angeles County
Income
Category
Households Percent Households Percent
<30% AMI 4,085 20.6% 641,055 19.5%
31-50% AMI 4,050 20.4% 482,070 14.6%
51-80% AMI 4,050 20.4% 578,285 17.5%
81-100% AMI 2,345 11.8% 312,595 9.5%
>100% AMI 5,315 26.8% 1,281,185 38.9%
19,845 100% 3,295,200 100%
Table: C5.4. Income Distribution. Source: HUD CHAS Data (based on the 2013-2017 ACS, 2020.

Figure C5.10. Concentration of low to moderate income housing.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 155
G. ACCESSS TO HEALTH CARE
Regular and reliable access to health services can
prevent disease and disability, and detect and treat
illnesses or other health conditions.

The number of uninsured people in Montebello
(32%) is higher than the County (25%).The rates
in the County and Montebello are particularly high
among low income Latinos. Even among people who
have health insurance, many continue to experience
difficulty accessing needed healthcare including
essential dental services.

Montebello can play an important role in advocating for needed services and in providing information on free or low-cost services. Montebello hospitals can
also provide medical and dental services through their
community benefit programs and other community
services.

H. MENTAL HEALTH
% of
uninsured
children
6%
7%
% of
uninsured
adults
32%
25%
City and building design can help promote good mental health, help prevent mental illness, and help support people with mental health problems:
• Green space should be integrated into all designs — incorporating features such as street trees and flowers into commutes, views of nature from office windows, and gardens for lunch, in addition to larger walkable spaces where one can exercise and socialize.
• Regular exercise is as effective as anti-depressants for treating mild-moderate depression. Safe, walkable, and bikeable streets incorporates exercise into daily activities.
• Compact, walkable neighborhoods with diversity of uses provide opportunities for natural, daily, and safe social interaction.
• Urban noise and light can disrupt sleep, as can traffic restrictions. Good building insulation and street trees can absorb noise, while street lighting oriented downwards can reduce residential light pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their full potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make meaningful contribution to the community.

Individuals who are exposed to chronic stress from financial, work and family demands, unsafe living environments, social isolation, or discrimination are at a greater risk for depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Mental health condition increases the risk for other adverse outcomes such as substance abuse or death from suicide or drug overdose. The COVID-19 control measures have further increased social isolation, loneliness, and generated feelings of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and hopelessness.

Mental health is a complex problem and requires an integrated systems approach that engages all partners collaboratively. This includes availability of good mental health care, fighting crime, poverty, discrimination, and inequity, improving education, and connecting people with chronic mental conditions to different types of community support, including social events, fitness classes, and social services. The built environment is vital in reframing the mental health agenda. Safe and healthy housing that reduces exposure to environmental pollution, walkable neighborhoods with access to parks and open space that increase physical activity and social interaction can reduce rates of depression.

Current Montebello programs to address access to healthcare and mental health include:
• To assist schools and parents in helping students cope with violence, loss, and grief, Montebello Unified School District provides some helpful resources that are applicable for coping with any tragedy. Counseling and student support specialists (school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and school nurses) and local mental health specialists work with individual students and staff.
• The Montebello Senior Center has programs and events throughout the year that promote mental health.

Figure C5.11. Health care access. Source: LA County Health Profile of Montebello, 2018.

156 Montebello General Plan
Montebello Unified School District
Mental Health Services & Socio-Emotional Learning Program:

Montebello USD addresses the socio-emotional and mental health needs of the school community through a tiered support framework. • Tier 1 (Universal) Supports involve practices supporting the behavioral and social-emotional wellbeing of all students in an inclusive and equitable learning environment. These practices include implementation of school-wide social-emotional learning through preventive classroom lessons utilizing universal screening data to inform SEL instruction.

School support personnel engage students in classroom presentations promoting mental health awareness and de-stigmatization, student social-emotional skill-building and anxiety-reduction strategies. In addition, schools participate in year-round, school-wide activities supporting the implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) framework, Kindness/Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, and character development initiatives (Character Counts!).
• Tier 2 (Targeted) interventions focus on services for identified students who need additional behavioral and social-emotional supports. These interventions include 1:1 response to student’s non-crisis, social-emotional and substance abuse needs as well as school-based support groups addressing behavioral concerns impacting students’ classroom performance and non-clinical socio-emotional and/or substance abuse needs including anxiety-reduction strategies, depression, and the impact of loss and trauma.
• Tier 3 (Intensive) interventions focus on individualized interventions for students with high needs requiring intensive/chronic behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health services. These include school-based response to students needing individualized support plans, students in crisis and linkages to community based-mental health supports.

Delivery of this tiered support framework is achieved through the coordination of services by the school’s student response team (Administrators, School Counselors, School Psychologists), and partnership with nine community mental health agencies, Substance Abuse Counselors and the Student & Family Wellness Program Therapists providing school-based mental health and related services to the school community.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 157
I. POLICIES AND ACTIONS

1. Built Environment
P5.1 Create and enhance equitable access to spaces that will foster positive interactions and encourage healthy lifestyles.

A5.1a Create public spaces with seating, art, and play features near shopping and business areas of the City (partner with restaurants to create sidewalk outdoor seating areas to activate the sidewalk). SE R A5.1b Ensure that parks, recreation facilities, and other community services are equitably distributed and accessible throughout the community. SE R
A5.1c Partner with the Montebello School District to provide joint-use facilities and/or seek agreements and joint ventures with private entities to increase physical activity. SE R Prioritize lower-income, higher density areas, specifically in South Montebello, where park and recreation facility deficits exist.

Mitigate issues associated with joint-use facilities, such as vandalism, wear and tear, and maintenance.

P5.2 Create a multimodal transportation system that encourages active living and healthy lifestyles in all areas of the City across a broad spectrum of ages, interests, and abilities.

A5.2a Use recreation programming and community health education to encourage and promote physical activity, healthy eating, and other healthy lifestyle habits. SE R
A5.2b Use the City’s website, newsletter, and social media accounts to promote walking and bicycling including promoting active transportation to events and maintaining a public user-friendly map-based inventory of bike routes and parking facilities. SE R

2. Access to Healthy Food
P5.3 Improve the neighborhood retail environment.

Develop a healthy and equitable food system that will allow the Montebello community to have access to a range of affordable foods. Replacing alcohol outlets with healthy food stores can increase neighborhood safety, reduce violence, and reduce exposure to poor-quality food.

A5.3a Adopt land use regulations to limit unhealthy food outlet density (such as fast food, liquor, and convenience stores). SE R A5.3b Identify and utilize incentives, grants, and/or programs to encourage: SE R • Restaurants to create a healthier dining experience for customers (ex. highlighting healthy options, offering smaller portions); and
• Existing convenience/corner stores to sell fresh foods.

A5.3c Promote healthy lifestyles, activities, and food choices at City facilities and City-organized events by requiring healthy food/beverage options (when food is present) and adopting a healthy food procurement policy including increasing the availability of water. SE R

3. Noise
P5.4 Minimize noise impacts to ensure that noise does not detract from Montebello’s quality of life.

A5.4a Manage relationship between homes and major noise sources through zoning and environmental review and design measures. SE R
A5.4b Require development projects to implement mitigation measures, where necessary, to reduce exterior and interior noise levels to meet adopted standards and criteria. Require mixed-use structures to minimize the transfer of noise from commercial uses to residential uses. SE R
A5.4c Discourage through traffic in neighborhoods through noise-attenuating roadway materials, and modifications to street design. VZ SE R
A5.4d Minimize stationary noise impacts on sensitive receptors, and require control of noise from construction activities, private developments/ residences, landscaping activities, and special events. SE R P5.5 Minimize excessive construction-related noise and vibrations.

A5.5a Adopt and implement measures that reduce construction noise and vibrations. SE R A5.5b Construction plans submitted to the City shall include construction noise analysis (and vibration analysis where applicable) and identify measures to mitigate excessive noise and vibrations associated with demolition, grading, and construction plans. SE R
The noise and vibration analysis shall be conducted by a qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or engineer. The vibration levels shall not exceed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) architectural damage thresholds.

158 Montebello General Plan
Senior Health Fair at the Montebello-Commerce YMCA.

Vail High School students tend an amazing garden at the YMCA's Simonian Family Gardens at the Montebello-Commerce YMCA.

Healthy Kids Day at the Montebello-Commerce YMCA, 2016.

Part C, 5. Our Healthy Community 159

4. Mental Health
P5.6 Promote opportunities for people to build connections with their peers, neighbors, and the greater community supporting inter-generational and inter‐cultural programs, activities, and events.

A5.6 Engage residents in community conversations and volunteer opportunities so they can find fulfillment in ways that benefit themselves and the community. SE R
P5.7 Facilitate contact with nature through network of public and private green space.

A5.7a Prioritize new parks in areas underserved by parks and open space. SE R
A5.7b Remove barriers and enhance access to existing parks. SE R A5.7c Amend development regulations to require new development to provide a range of public and private open spaces. SE R P5.8 Harnesses naturally occurring power of the sun, direction of wind and other climatic effects to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and occupant comfort.

A5.8a Encourage correct orientation of buildings with appropriate fenestration that bring natural light into buildings. SE R A5.8b Increase access to the Rio Hondo Channel. SE R
People that are closer to nature are less stressed, and their mood and general mental health improves.

A5.8c Support range of transportation options for seniors that allow them to maintain their independence to get around town and stay connected. VZ SE R
The Montebello Transit Department offers Dial-A-Tax services for Montebello residents, disabled individuals at least (18) years of age & senior citizens, age 62 and older only. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

160 Montebello General Plan

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 161
6 Our Safe Community
Providing for the public’s safety is ultimately the responsibility of the City of Montebello and one of its highest priorities. “Public safety” means not only putting an end to the levels of crime and violence that impact the everyday lives of our residents, but just as importantly, delivering lifesaving rescue services, preventing fires, and preparing for and responding effectively to acts of terror, natural and manmade disasters, and pandemic events.

Montebello will focus on holistic, equitable, and preventive public safety measures, increase awareness, and be prepared for natural or human-caused hazards.

A. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Holistic Community Safety: Enforcement alone
is not the only response to crime reduction. A renewed focus should be on preventative measures.

A quality education, good paying jobs, stable
housing and less crime are all closely linked. The
City will actively pursue restorative Justice and
healing — repairing the harm to people, relationships, and the community caused by crime.

A new Public Safety Commission will be created
to provide oversight and implement the actions
recommended in the General Plan.

2. Prevention: Identify and create upstream mechanisms that prevent the need for policing, fire fighting, and emergency services, and invest in
impacted communities to address long standing
inequities.

3. Collaboration and Mutual Respect: Safeguard
civil liberties and privacy of its citizens while
ensuring public safety.

4. Equity: Given the strong ties between inequity
and safety, a strategic focus of safety policies,
programs, and processes is targeted towards communities at greatest risk, and those that require the greatest support.

5. Resilience: Sustainability of resources and
programs to keep the community safe.

162 Montebello General Plan
B. POLICE The Montebello Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency, which includes patrol, investigations, support services, and community outreach programs. The Chief of Police is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating public safety and law enforcement activities in the City. There are four divisions in the Police Department:

The Administration Division’s primary responsibility is to provide general management direction and control. The Uniform Services Division is commanded by a Captain, whose primary responsibility is to provide general management direction and control for the Uniform Services Division. The Uniform Services Division consists of Uniformed Patrol, Traffic, K-9 Services, Special Response Team, Explorers, Reserves, Jail Facility, Transit Security, Mental Health Evaluation Team, Police Cadet program, and the Chaplain program.

A Captain commands the Investigation and Support Services Division. It consists of the Detective Bureau, Narcotic Unit, Personnel and Training, Communications, Records, Crime Analysis, Property and Evidence, Grant Administration, Community Relations and Computer Services.

The general fund primarily funds the Police Department.

Other funding sources, when available, include asset forfeiture, supplemental law enforcement fund, and various state and federal grants. The police department is also responsible for the Montebello Bus Lines security and receives Prop C funding for transit security operations.

Figure C6.2. 2022 YTD Crime Stats. Source:

Montebello Police Department
Figure C6.1. Police Department Organization Chart

1. Major Public Safety Challenges
The following challenges were identified by the community in surveys, interviews, and various community workshops:
• Streets are unsafe for walking and
biking — need to slow down traffic
on city streets;
• Lack of lighting in residential areas,
shopping centers, southern Montebello, crosswalks, and alleys; • Feel unsafe in parks;
• Unpleasant confrontation with
homeless individuals — homeless
people are at railroad tracks, the Rio
Hondo corridor, supermarkets, city
parks, Metrolink Station, and South
Montebello;
• Need to address local civil rights, hate
crimes, programs/events of diversity
other than just ethnic culture, and
bullying of young students;
• Perception of gang presence;
• Perception of theft activities;
• Future growth will warrant a corresponding increase in personnel; and • Need Citizens on Patrol to assist the
officers during the normal course
of operation, and during times of
disasters or emergencies. However
they cannot supplant regular officers
or minimum deployment levels.

Murder &
Nonnegligent
Manslaughter
Rape
(Forcible)
Arson
Assault
Robbery
13 19
9 55
288
271
392
320
1 Burglary
Breaking
& Entering
Grand eft
$950 &Over
eft-motor
Vehicle Part
eft-motor
Vehicle Part
Part 1 Crimes
Total YTD in 2022: 1,369
All Other
Oenses
1,040
242
23 6
2 Counterfeiting
Forgery
Stolen
Property
O
ences
Vandalism,
Destruction,
Damage of Property
Sexual Assault
with Object
Part 2 Crimes
Total YTD in 2022: 1,313
Captain
(Uniform Services)
Lieutenant - Patrol
& Transit Bureaus
(5)
Sergeant - Patrol, Tra
c
& Transit Bureaus (7)
Captain
(Investigations & Support
Services)
Lieutenant -
Detectives (1)
Sergeant -
Investigations &
Narcotics Bureaus (2)
Court Liaison
Property &
Evidence
Technician (2)
Sergeant -
Professional
Standards (1)
Police Records
Supervsisor
Police Records Technician
(9)
Dispatch Supervisor
Police Dispatcher I/II (10)
Sr. Management Analyst Grants and Project
Administrator
Sr. Administrative
Assistant Crime Analyst
Police
Chief

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 163

2. Existing Programs
Uniform Patrol: The patrol division is the
largest division within the police department and provides around-the-clock law enforcement services. Patrol is the
backbone of the police department and
primarily focuses on patrolling city streets,
answering calls for service, and identifying
potential crime problems. The Montebello Police Department is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service to
our community. Staffing consists of patrol
officers, field supervisors and is often
augmented by community service officers,
traffic officers, and police cadets.

Traffic: The Montebello Police Department Traffic Unit is responsible for investigating traffic collisions, all traffic
related crimes, and strives to reduce traffic
related deaths, injuries, and property damage through enforcement. The majority of complaints the traffic bureau receives are
related to parents behaving poorly while
picking up and dropping off their children
at school.

K9 Services: The Montebello Police K9
Services Unit was the "Flagship" of all K9
units in the San Gabriel Valley and southeast Los Angeles area, with many agencies attempting to replicate the program. This
unit is currently supervised by a sergeant
who is an experienced former K9 handler.

Currently, there are two police service dogs
assigned to patrol. The K9’s are trained
to protect the handler and other officers.

The dogs often search buildings, buildings,
fields, backyards, etc. for fleeing or hiding
suspects who are often armed and dangerous. The dogs are also cross-trained in narcotics detection and article searches.

Jail Facility: The jail facility has a 20-bed
capacity. The G4S, a private correctional
firm which operates the jail facility under
the oversight of a lieutenant. The facility is
staffed by trained custody personnel and
supervised by a G4S Jail Commander. The
jail meets every requirement set forth by
the board of corrections. The Montebello
City Jail offers several programs to the
community. The Self-Pay Inmate Program
is an alternative to serving a sentence in
county jail. With the permission of the
sentencing court, people may select to
serve their sentence in the Montebello
City Jail in two ways; to serve on consecutive days or weekends. The Montebello City Jail also offers Live-Scan fingerprint
services.

3. Volunteer Programs
Police Reserves: The Montebello Police
Department’s Reserve Corps includes
sworn volunteers from throughout
Southern California. The members come
from a wide variety of backgrounds and
professions. Their common bond is their
commitment to volunteerism and their
love for law enforcement. Coordinated
by a Lieutenant and a Sergeant, Reserve
Officers serve in Patrol, Traffic, the
Detective Bureau, the Narcotics Bureau,
and Personnel & Training. In addition,
Reserve Officers assist with tactical alert
situations, National Night Out, and the
Department’s numerous holiday functions.

Reserve Officers also volunteer their time
in planning and staffing numerous other
city events including the Department’s
DUI/CDL checkpoints. Over the years
the Reserve Corps has also been instrumental in preparing men and women to become full time police officers. Many
of the full time police officers currently
working for the department were once
members of the Reserve Corps.

164 Montebello General Plan
Police Explorers: This programs is for
youth in the community and provides
them training and mentoring. Once they
are trained and attend a police explorer
academy, they can assists in community
events.

Montebello Mental Health Team: This
unit is comprised of a sworn police officer
and a Mental Health Clinician from
the Los Angeles County Department of
mental health.

Chaplains: The Chaplain program is designed to offer a professional religious and Police Department Initiatives
• Montebello Police Department will
continue to support and expand
third-party policing (neighborhood
watch/business watch).
• In light of recent mass shooting
events nationwide, the Montebello
Police Department has conducted
active shooter training at local
schools and community groups. The
Police Department is also currently
reviewing various technologies
that could improve efficiency while
reducing response time to calls.

School Resource Officers were
assigned at two Montebello High
Schools at the beginning of the
school year.
• To improve accountability the Police
Department has implemented Body
Worn Cameras. Police officers will
receive annual Cultural Diversity/
Racial Profiling training in partnership with the Museum of Tolerance. social ministry to department personnel
and citizens of the Montebello. Chaplains
are on-call 24 hours a day. They voluntarily
provide counseling for a variety of issues,
many of which are common to the law
enforcement profession.

Citizens on Patrol: Citizens patrol is
dedicated to supporting the Montebello
Police Department and enhancing
the quality of life for the residents of
Montebello. Citizens patrol supports our
community by providing our department
with the following assistance:
• Traffic control;
• Crime watch;
• DUI checkpoint assistance;
• Community events; and
• Crime scene assistance.

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 165

4. Policies and Actions
P6.1 Promote crime prevention strategies.

A6.1a Continue to support crime prevention and neighborhood watch programs throughout the city. SE R A6.1b Follow principles for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to reduce neighborhood crime and violence. SE R
CPTED design strategies reduce fear and incidence of crime and improve quality of life via the built environment through territoriality, natural surveillance, access control, activity support, and maintenance.  Pedestrian-scale lighting in targeted areas decreases the likelihood of theft and violence and increase the feeling of safety and security.

A6.1c Reduce opportunities for criminal activity through physical design standards, recreation opportunities, educational programs, and counseling services. SE R
A6.1d Incorporate natural surveillance principles and best practices into development codes and review processes. SE R Promote “eyes on the street”.
• The way that buildings, sidewalks and parking lots are designed and sited can make it easier for neighbors and passers-by to keep potentially unsafe areas in view, thereby discouraging crime. • Joint use agreements and partnerships increase access to parks and recreations spaces while also increasing neighborhood safety by fostering “eyes on the street” and creating a sense of community safety and security P6.2 Encourage efforts to improve the image of safety in neighborhoods.

A6.2a Build social relationships within neighborhoods to reduce crime by facilitating community action. SE R • Develop partnerships among neighborhood residents, police and local government agencies to solve problems as they arise, prevent crime, and reduce violence.
• Leverage resources within partnerships to support efforts to improve the image of safety in neighborhoods through public education and by eliminating visual factors indicating crime (boarded-up houses, graffiti, and litter). • Enforce code violations and encourage code compliance with delinquent or absent landowners.

A6.2b Strongly supports community policing efforts. SE R The practice of community policing is an important part of crime prevention and has helped to return a sense of unity between local law enforcement and the community.

P6.3 Prevent bicycle and pedestrian accidents.

A6.3a Design local streets to minimize traffic volumes and/or speed, as appropriate, without compromising connectivity for emergency first responders, bicycles, and pedestrians. VZ SE R This could be accomplished through management and implementation of complete street strategies, short block lengths, narrow streets, and/or traffic calming measures.

A6.3b Use traffic calming tools to assist in implementing complete street principles. Possible tools include roundabouts, curb extensions, high visibility crosswalks, and separated bicycle infrastructure. VZ SE R Traffic calming measures such as bike lanes, speed bumps, speed humps, speed tables, raised crossings, undulations, traffic circles and roundabouts, curb extensions, and median or pedestrian refuge islands can prevent bike and pedestrian injuries.

VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience

166 Montebello General Plan
C. FIRE
The Fire Department is an “all–risk” organization, Montebello Fire & Rescue responds to the needs of the community regardless of the nature of the incident. The Department currently has five (5) Divisions: Fire Operations (Suppression and Emergency Medical Services-EMS), Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction, Communications, Fire Community & Outreach Services and
Fire Administration. Our Divisions are compromised by innovated strategic approaches and non-traditional models to provide higher standards of service to our community. The Department has a total of 76 Full-Time Employees (FTEs) and 4 Part-Time Employees (PTEs).

The Department has six apparatus: three type 1 engines, one tractor drawn aerial truck, one brush engine, and one CalOES fire engine. Call volume runs approximately 8,000 annually, and has been trending upward with a 17% increase from 2013 to 2018, and a 9% projected increase in 2021. MFD follows a firefighter/paramedic model, and thus the Department is the first responder for all emergency medical service (EMS) needs; the City contracts with an ambulance service for EMS transport.

Dispatch services are provided by Verdugo Fire Communications Services (VFCC) which answers calls for 13 local agencies.

The Operations Division (Suppression and Emergency
Medical Services) operational mission and objective is to save lives, conserve property, and minimize environmental impact with efficient and effective response to fires, floods, medical emergencies, hazardous materials releases, extrication incidents and other rescue calls while also providing non-emergency public assistance.

To support this objective, the fire department participates in automatic and mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire jurisdictions, as well as State agencies. Our Firefighter/Paramedics provide emergency medical services, providing pre-hospital emergency medical care and patient stabilization while assisting with transportation (CARE Ambulance) to medical facilities as necessary. Medical services provided to patients who are injured or ill are provided by advanced life support (ALS) by State certified Paramedics. The Firefighter/Paramedics are managed by a team of emergency medical professionals, including the EMS Battalion Chief, Medical Director (MD), a paramedic coordinator (Fire Captain), and a registered nurse educator, they are responsible for paramedic training, certification, equipment, quality improvement, and legal aspects for all basic and advanced emergency medical services. The registered nurse directs EMS continuing education, to ensure quality assurance of care and advanced use of medical equipment and technology support.

The Shift Battalion Chief is responsible for the day to day activities performed by the line personnel, the division is staffed by 56 all sworn fire personnel assigned to three shifts (Shift A, Shift B and Shift C), currently staffed by Fire Battalion Chief (3), Fire Captains (12), Fire Engineers (13), Firefighter/Paramedics (24), and Paramedic Trainees (4). This Division provides firefighting capability, emergency medical response, and other emergency services, including wildland services. On a daily basis the division staffs 3 fire engines, and 1 ladder truck, at 3 fire stations that are strategically located. Montebello is the fourth busiest fire department of the sixteen agencies (fourteen public and two industrial) served by the Verdugo Fire Communications Center.

The Division also oversees the Firefighter Auxiliary (18+) and the Youth Fire Explorer (Ages 12-17) Programs. Currently, the Division responds to nearly 8,000 calls for service each year, with 75% of the Montebello service incidents are medical in nature.

The Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction (FPRR) Division
main responsibility is to educate the community about the benefits of proper safety practices and to identify and eliminate all types of hazardous conditions that pose a threat to life, property, and the environment. The Division is comprised of a mix of civilian and sworn personnel, such personnel are the Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Captain(s), Senior Fire Inspector, and two Fire Inspectors. The FPRR Division completes a wide variety of inspections. These include land entitlement, new construction, commercial and industrial facilities, schools and institutions, and specialized inspections related to film permits. Additional specialized functions are: Land development services, Inspection of schools, institutions, high-rise buildings, and Arson investigations.

The Communications Division primary objective is to ensure the life safety of first responders (Fire, Police, Transportation, and other emergency professionals) that participate in the City of Montebello’s communication radio system and that all radio users can operate safely in these extreme dynamic communication environments. The Fire Department is a committee member of the Interagency Communications Interoperability (ICI) as a Governance Member due to owing our own radio system infrastructure, and also supports active subscriber members (Public Safety Agencies) through access agreements. The Division is currently staffed by full-time Communications Supervisor and Figure C6.3. Fire Department Organization Chart.

Fire Chief
Deputy Fire
Chief
Deputy
Director
Grants and
Project
Administrator
Administrative
Security
Senior
Management
Analyst (2)
Social Worker
Field Response
Coordinator
Telecommunication
& Supervisor
Fire Marshal Battalion Chief
A Shift
Battalion Chief
B Shift
Battalion Chief
C Shift
Telecommunications
Technician Deputy Fire
Marshal
Comm. Rkk
Rediction/Ed.

Coordinator
Sr. Fire Inspector
Fire Inspector I
(2)
Fire Station 55
Personnel
Fire Station 56
Personnel
Fire Station 57
Personnel
Fire Station 55
Personnel
Fire Station 56
Personnel
Fire Station 57
Personnel
Fire Station 55
Personnel
Fire Station 56
Personnel
Fire Station 57
Personnel

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 167
Figure C6.4. Calls for services has increased over the past decade with most of the calls being for medical assistance. Source: Montebello Fire Department.

Figure C6.5. Montebello Fire Stations. A fourth fire station is proposed in the northern part of Montebello.
a Communications Technician. The primary responsibility is to provide an uninterrupted operational radio system for all Montebello personnel, including police, fire, transit, public works, code enforcement, parks, etc. In addition to the City personnel, Montebello provides access to the radio system for the following Police Departments: Downey, Vernon, Whittier, and Montebello Unified School District. The Fire Department has a total of seven (7) radio sites, located within and outside the City of Montebello.

The Fire Community & Outreach Services Division is a unique Fire Division as it has an emphasis in community health and wellness through the implementation of innovated approaches to address health and safety conditions that impact vulnerable populations, that decrease the use of the 911 Dispatch System and Emergency Rooms of non-emergency issues, and improve the quality-of-life for those at-risk through a field-based paramedic service and educational outreach and engagement. Current populations being served are seniors, home-bound, unhoused, behavioral health (mental health and substance use), and medically compromised individuals.

The current programs are:
• Montebello Community Assistance Program (MCAP), is
a field-based outreach program that serves a wide-range of individuals with multiple medical complexities, facing multiple conditions that impact their quality of life, such as compromised health conditions, homelessness and behavioral health conditions. The program is staffed by a Firefighter/ Paramedic, Social Work Coordinator, Field Based Case
Manager and Housing Navigator.
• Operation Stay Safe (Tiny Homes) oversight of 30 tiny homes to serve individuals who are unhoused, as a bridge to permanent housing and/or long-term housing. Those being served will be receive wrap-around supportive services, such as case management, transportation, housing services, and emotional supportive services.
• Geriatric Case Management- Currently being developed.

This program is intended to serve the senior population with case management and supportive services that need additional support to improve their quality-of-life and addressing their complex health, mental, emotional and social conditions. The Field Based Case Manager will provide wellness checks, home-visits and other services.
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Calls for Service
Incident Calls for Service in 2021 Incidents
Fire 217
Overpressure, rapture, explosion, overheat (no fire) 2
Rescue & EMS 4,774
Hazardous Condition (no fire) 104
Service Call 262
Good Intent Call 410
False Alarm 504
Natural Disaster 2
Special Incident 10

168 Montebello General Plan

1. Major Public Safety Challenges
• Future growth will warrant a corresponding increase in personnel in Fire Department;
• The call volume for service at the Fire Department has gone up dramatically (75% of the calls are medical calls for paramedics — and 25% percentage of all calls are fire related calls) — training needs are higher: need a medical director and support staff with various accreditations;
• Need for facilities upgrades for Fire Station #57 built in 1947 and has limited structural space, and some of the apparatus will not fit. The Fire Headquarter was built in 1964 to last about 30 years;
• Fire Department trains in empty warehouses or on streets on weekends — a new training center is needed. The Fire Department is operating at a 90% efficiency rate. A fourth Fire Station is needed in the community. Potential future funding sources are grants and impact fees; and
• The area dams are vulnerable to failure and could pose a flooding threat in the Montebello area.
• There are several target hazards in the City, increasing the need for specialized equipment and training, including ability to respond adequately to situations that include violence. • City needs to mitigate risk, so it can adequately respond and recover from natural and manmade disaster.
• There are several residential neighborhoods with single exit routes in the City, as seen in Figure C6.6. They include:
• Merek Drive, Peacock Lane, and 4th Street- Single
egress via 4th street. Approximately 20 residential units affected.
• Maiden Lane (200 E. Block) – Singular egress via
Maiden Lane. Approximately 20 affected single-family
homes and apartment complexes.
• Fremont Square (200 E. Block) – Singular egress via
Fremont Square to Poplar Ave. Approximately 20 affected single-family dwellings and apartment complexes. • Cleveland Avenue (200 E. Block) – Singular egress via Cleveland Ave. to Poplar Ave. Approximately 20 affected single-family dwellings and apartment complexes.
• Natasha Lane (100 S. Block) – Single egress via Natasha Lane to Whittier Blvd. Approximately 20 affected
single-family dwellings.

The Fire Administration Division is responsible for planning, organizing and directing all activities within the fire department including fire suppression, emergency medical services, communications, community and outreach services and prevention activities. Supervision of department staff, coordination of activities with other departments, completion of highly complex assignments and staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council is included. Of importance is budget management, personnel, human resources and payroll administration and organizational development. The administration division supports each division of the department to provide the most effective service level within available resources.

The Fire Department receives its primary funding from
General Fund, Fee-for-Service and project-specific funding from Grants, such as FEMA Federal Emergency Management
Agency, CalWater, San Gabriel Valley Council of City Governments (SGVCOG), San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust (SGVRHT), Gateway Cities Council of Governments (Gateway COG), and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

Montebello Blvd
Avenida de la
Whittier Blvd
Poplar Ave
Merced
Bluff Rd
5 60
Residential Lots with
Singular Exit Route
Figure C6.6. Residential lots with single exit route.

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 169
Evacuation Routes: There is a greater percentage of population in the central area of the city, as well as pockets of vulnerability with dense multi-family dwellings and assisted living complexes that may require a greater level of assistance during evacuation proceedings. Therefore, emergency responders must be flexible in emergency scenarios, considering the location and extent of a hazard may disrupt established evacuation routes. Given the potential for congestion when certain evacuation routes are closed, emergency responders should consider contraflow lane reversal as one strategy to efficiently evacuate residents. All but four outbound evacuation routes rely on a bridge (Figure C6.7).

These bridges should be inspected prior and post hazard events to ensure the evacuation routes remain viable. Social vulnerability indicators, including age, disability, and other mobility factors should be further examined to determine other potential barriers to evacuation besides distance to and capacity of evacuation routes. These recommended strategies require advanced coordination across departments to ensure an efficient and well communicated process for evacuation in response to various hazard scenarios.

Figure C6.7. Evacuation routes.

Major Roadway Greenwood Ave
Gareld
Ave Washington Blvd
Telegraph Rd
Whittier Blvd
Beverly Blvd
Montebello Blvd
Vail Ave
Lincoln AveLore
Mines Ave
Union St
Findlay Ave
Poplar
Ave
Rea Dr
Lincoln Ave
Blu Rd
Hay Ave
5 60
East-West Evacuation Route
North-South Evacuation Route
Overpass/Underpass Locations
Wildre Risk Area
Flood Risk Area
Residential Lots with
Singular Exit Route

170 Montebello General Plan

2. Existing Programs
Inspection and Plan Review: The Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction (FPRR) Division is responsible for the completion of thousands of inspections throughout the year. These inspections include construction related inspections, complaint follow-up inspections, weed abatement inspections, as well as annual business inspections-which are also performed in conjunction with the Engine Company Inspection Program. The Bureau is also responsible for the completion of approximately 1000 plans reviews every year. These plan reviews involve the review of both commercial and residential, in new construction and tenant improvements, throughout the City of Montebello.

Investigations: The Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction (FPRR) Division performs fire investigations in an attempt to determine the origin and cause of fires, to prevent fires in the future.

Although most fires are accidental, some fires are found to be criminal in nature, needing further investigation by an Arson Investigator. These investigators are specially trained fire investigators, cross-trained in a law enforcement capacity. This training allows for fire personnel to work closely or autonomously from the Montebello Police Department or other law enforcement agencies. Investigators respond to both fire and environmental incidents for investigations. During a year, investigators respond to about 100 calls for service. In addition to these calls for service, Montebello Arson Investigators annually participate in the local enforcement of the use of illegal fireworks.

Chaplains: The Chaplain program is designed to offer a professional religious and social ministry to department personnel and citizens of the Montebello. Chaplains are on-call 24 hours a day. They voluntarily provide counseling for a variety of issues, many of which are common to the law enforcement profession.

Montebello Community Assistance Program (MCAP): The
MCAP is a first responder and behavioral para-medicine model approach launched by the City of Montebello Fire Department.

The program establishes collaborations with various community-based organizations, local healthcare providers, and work with surrounding cities. Working in a field-based outreach and services model, MCAP is staffed by a Firefighter/Paramedic, Social Worker/EMT, Field-Based Case Manager, and Housing Navigator. This team works in partnership with people experiencing homelessness to address complex medical conditions, mental health, and/or substance abuse disorders. The MCAP team

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 171
determines the evidence-based treatments and impactful system navigation services through the data collection and evaluation.

MCAP also provides intensive care management services,
behavioral health support, assist with linkages to housing needs, and raise awareness among local leaders and community residents to decrease social stigma as it relates to behavioral issues and homelessness. MCAP connects clients with the following services in the community:
• Food/Showers Assistance
• Substance Use Disorder Assistance
• Medical Assistance
• Mental Health Assistance
• Dental Assistance
• Linkages to Housing Services (Interim and Long-Term
Housing)
• Social Service Assistance
Operation Stay Safe is the first to be managed by a municipal fire department in the entire state. 30 homes, measuring 64 square feet provide shelter for unhoused residents on a parking lot at Montebello-Commerce Metrolink Station.

Public Education: The Montebello Fire Department- Fire
Prevention and Risk Reduction (FPRR) Division heads up the Public Fire Education that takes place in Montebello. These programs include events such as Fire Service Day, held in May; and Fire Prevention Week, held in October-which commemorates The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, both of which allow the community to visit and tour the local fire stations. In addition, the Fire Department provides specialized fire education programs to schools, day cares, and senior citizens. These programs provide information about the proper installation and use of smoke detectors, establishment of emergency evacuation plans, Stop The Bleed Community Training, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Community Training, Firework Awareness and Education, and the "STOP, DROP, and ROLL" program.

Disaster Preparedness: The City takes a pro-active role in disaster preparedness and mitigation — (specifically) address preparedness, training, exercise, public education; mitigation efforts before and after disaster; response actions to save lives and property from effects of an emergency or disaster; and recovery.

Emergency Operation Plan: The City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) establishes an Emergency Management Organization (EMO) and assigns functions and tasks consistent with California’s Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). It
provides for the integration and coordination of planning efforts through a whole community approach and authorizes the City’s personnel to perform their duties and tasks before, during, and after an emergency. The Emergency Operations Plan follows The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101, November 2020, Version

3.0. The Emergency Operations Plan’s content is based upon guidance approved and provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standard on EOP organization for a local jurisdiction and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The intent of the EOP is to provide direction on how to respond to an emergency from the onset, through an extended response and into the recovery process. It promotes a common understanding of the fundamentals of community-based,
risk-informed planning and decision making to help planners examine a threat or hazard and produce integrated, coordinated and synchronized plans. The goal of the EOP is to simplify the planning process across all areas of 1) Prevention, 2) Protection, 3) Mitigation, 4) Response and 5) Recovery. It assist the City to develop and maintain viable all-hazards, all-threats.

Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP): Under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP)
from local governments and certain special districts, counties, and states within the country that wish to receive federal mitigation funds if they should become available.

The City is in the process of conducting a Risk Assessment Plan for the Department and seeking funding to conduct an update Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).

172 Montebello General Plan
Hazardous Materials and Human Caused Hazards: Manufacturing, transporting, and storing hazardous materials in an urban environment can pose threats to the safety of workers, and to the safety of businesses and residences located near these materials.

The City recognizes the importance of identifying and regulating the use, production, and transportation of hazardous materials and making planning decisions to minimize exposure to hazards.

Hazardous materials such as cleaning products, paints, solvents, and fuels are commonly used and found in small quantities throughout Montebello. Types of hazardous materials regularly transported into, out of, and through the city consist of flammable liquids, corrosive materials, compressed and/or poisonous gases, explosives, flammable solids, and irritating materials. Accidents on major roadways could result in releases of hazardous materials.

The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the transport of hazardous materials on city streets, and I‐5 freeway. When acutely toxic hazardous materials are transported, the California Highway Patrol must be notified. If city streets are used, the Montebello Police Department must be notified. The City does not designate specific haul routes for hazardous materials, because the handlers and users of hazardous materials are dispersed throughout the city.

Seismic Hazard: Dam inundation describes flooding that could result from the structural failure of a dam, generally caused by seismic activity. Seismic activity may also cause inundation by a seismically induced wave, called a seiche that overtops the dam without also causing dam failure. Landslides flowing into a reservoir could also cause dam failure or overtopping.

There are some portions of the City of Montebello within the potential inundation boundaries of the Whittier Narrows Dam.

This area may be affected in the event of a seismically-induced seiche or potential failure of the dam. The City of Montebello’s Local Hazard Mitigation plan identifies approximately 150 single-family buildings that will suffer varying degrees of damage (slight, moderate, extensive or complete). These buildings are located along the eastern border of the city, as seen in the figure below. An estimated 335 households would be displaced due to the flood, and roughly 950 people will seek temporary shelter.

The estimated total economic loss for the Whittier Narrows Dam failure scenario is $39.19 million dollars. Due to the distance of this area of Montebello from the ocean, it would not be considered subject to inundation by tsunamis.

Figure C6.8. Whittier Narrows Dam Failure Inundation Map (HAZUS).

Source : Emergency Planning Consultants.

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 173

3. Policies and Actions
P6.4 Provide a high level of fire protection service in the community.

A6.4a Maintain an average fire department response time of less than 3 minutes to emergency calls for service. SE A6.4b Continue to secure adequate equipment and attract and retain personnel while collaborating with neighboring jurisdiction and partner agencies to adequately respond to emergencies and incidents in all parts of the City. VZ SE R P6.5 Maintain a current Emergency Operations Plan.

A6.5 Regularly review and update the City’s safety plan every two years. SE R P6.6 Minimize damage and maximize resilience from emergencies.

A6.6a Consult and collaborate with federal, state, and regional agencies to identify and regulate the disposal and storage of hazardous materials, and prevent the illegal transportation and disposal of hazardous waste. SE R A6.6b Collaborate with appropriate agencies to identify and inventory all users and handlers of hazardous materials to proactively mitigate potential impacts. SE R A6.6c Determine the presence of hazardous materials and/or waste contamination prior to approval of new uses and require that appropriate measures be taken to protect the health and safety of site users and the community. SE R A6.6d Improve public awareness of best practices for and participation in household hazardous waste management and disposal. SE R
A6.6e Partner and collaborate with property owners, businesses, and community groups to develop strategies to protect and minimize risks from existing hazardous material sites to existing nearby sensitive uses. SE R VZ Vision Zero SE Social Equity R Resilience
5 Slauson Ave
S. Blu Rd
Chapin Rd
Union St
Maynard Rd
Montebello Brownfield Overlay District (MBOD): The
Montebello Brownfield Overlay District (the “Brownfield Area”) is comprised of an approximately 55-acre area. From 1940 through 1955, a portion of the Brownfield Area was used as a landfill identified as the Chapin Road Landfill. Prior to 1940, the Brownfield Area was used for agriculture purposes. Subsequent to its closure, the Brownfield Area was used for industrial chemical blending and mixing from 1960 to 1987 (Source: Department of Toxic Substance Control, https://dtsc.ca.gov/your-envirostor/). The Chapin Road Landfill is currently recognized as a pre-regulation closed Landfill and given its date of closure and documented measurements of hazardous material, any required remediation/mitigation is unknown without further analysis.

To better understand the current condition of the Brownfield Area, the City has engaged an environmental engineer to research and establish an informed analysis that would allow staff to assess the subject area, and determine if there is any risk of contamination exposure and suggest additional investigation, mitigation, and/or remediation activities, if any are warranted. In addition, the City will explore the viability of repairing the road network and developing a storm water masterplan to ensure run-off water from the area is being appropriately controlled using adequate infrastructure and/or best management practices.

These efforts are intended to ensure public safety, including the safety of residents, visitors, employees, and businesses occupying the Brownfield Area as well as the surrounding areas. In the long term, the City plans to explore opportunities that would promote a green industrial economy by encouraging land use decisions that enhance the quality of life and place for residents, visitors, and businesses resulting in positive results for the region.

Figure C6.9. Montebello Brownfield Overlay District.

174 Montebello General Plan
Climate change is driven by the human contribution of certain gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These gases, commonly known as greenhouse gases (GHGs) absorb and re-emit heat that has been discharged from the Earth’s surface.

This works to trap heat near the Earth’s surface, increasing the natural greenhouse effect. GHGs from human activities have been collecting in the atmosphere since the 1800’s and are raising global average temperatures. This rise in average temperatures across the globe affects precipitation patterns, temperature, and ocean water levels, temperatures, and chemistry. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations subgroup responsible with global advancement and communication of climate change understandings, has concluded that global climate change will impart adverse effects on the Earth’s natural and built systems, resources, and populations.

Montebello is, and will continue to be, affected by the impacts of climate change in the form of increased extreme heat days, increased average temperature, stronger storms, more severe floods, deeper and longer droughts, and more frequent and expansive wildfires. Specific impacts on the community of Montebello will vary based on social, economic, and physical characteristics of the City’s populations and assets. This section of the Safety Element assesses the projected impacts climate change will have on the city.

1. Relevant Legislation
Senate Bill (SB) 1035 (2018) requires Montebello and all California cities and counties to update their safety element with new information on flood hazards, fire hazards, and climate adaptation and resilience, in conjunction with the housing element or local hazard mitigation plan update cycle, which occur every 8 years and 5 years, respectively. The following climate vulnerability assessment was prepared in accordance with California Government Code Section 65302(g) (as updated by SB 379), to satisfy the requirement that Montebello include a climate vulnerability assessment in conjunction with the update to its Safety Element.

2. Climate Drivers and Hazards
The IPCC has established several scenarios used to describe possible future GHG emissions and associated warming. Two of these are commonly used to compare possible futures and have been selected for this assessment.
• The Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5
represents a “medium emissions” scenario in which emissions peak around 2040 and then decline through the end of the century. This scenario assumes global agreement and implementation of GHG reduction strategies. • The RCP 8.5 represents a “high emissions” scenario in which emissions continue to rise throughout the 21st century.

D. CLIMATE VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE a) Climate Drivers i) Temperature: Observations over the past century indicate that temperature has increased in Montebello. Warming is expected to increase in Montebello in the coming decades as evidenced under the two GHG emission scenarios:
• Under RCP 4.5, future model-average temperature values in Montebello are projected to increase by 4.1°F by mid-century (2035-2064) and 5.2°F by end of century (2070-2099).
• Under RCP 8.5, future model-average temperature values are projected to increase by 4.9°F by mid-century and 8.2°F by end of century.
ii) Precipitation: Historically, precipitation in Montebello is highly variable from year to year. In Montebello, and in most of California, large, discrete storms generate a significant portion of the City’s total precipitation. According to California's Fourth Climate Change Assessment Los Angeles Regional Report
(2018), climate model projections suggest that potential changes in average precipitation in the coming decades will be trivial in comparison to the City’s historic natural variability. However, both wet and dry periods are expected to become more extreme and frequent, leading to overall increased variability in the City, LA region, and in California. Climate models project that by the end of the century, the largest precipitation events in the Montebello will increase in volume (inches of rain per day) between 0.16 and 0.30 in RCP 8.5.
b). Climate Hazards
i) Extreme Heat: The intensity and frequency of extreme heat days is expected to increase. In Montebello an extreme heat day is when the maximum temperature exceeds 100.5°F. Historically, between 1961-1990, the city experienced three extreme heat days per year on average.
• Under RCP 4.5, by the end of the century, extreme heat days are expected to increase to 17 days per year.
• Under RCP 8.5, extreme heat days are expected to increase to 34 days per year.
ii) Drought: Drought conditions tend to occur on a large scale, so this analysis considers the Southern California region looking at the future of drought in Montebello. Southern California is prone to periods of extreme drought conditions, with the most recent occurrence taking place between 2011 to 2015. Climate projections suggest that with overall temperatures increasing through the century, irrespective of whether average precipitation increases or decreases, there will likely be longer and more extreme droughts in the region. In Montebello, the historical average length of dry spell is 161 days. This average is projected to increase by the end of century by 8 days (RCP 4.5) to 17 days (RCP 8.5).
iii) Wildfire: Climate change is projected to exacerbate wildfire risk by creating hotter and dryer landscapes, notably, due to increased variability in precipitation. In the Los Angeles Region,

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 175
wildfire risk is influenced by a multitude of compounding factors that include its mostly warm and dry Mediterranean-type climate, continuing expansion of the wildland urban interface, drought events, periodic episodes of Santa Ana winds, historical fire suppression, human activities, topographical factors, and the type and spatial distribution of vegetation.

There have been several small fires in the City of Montebello in the last decade. In 2015, a fire burned almost 400 acres near Lincoln Boulevard in the Whittier Narrows recreation area. In 2018, a brush fire burned less than 50 acres near Lincoln Ave. and San Gabriel Blvd. Although Montebello is not designated as a very high fire hazard severity zone (VHFHSZ), neighboring jurisdictions including the City of Whittier and the unincorporated community of Hacienda Heights, to the east of the City, have high fire risk. Additionally, the northeastern portion of the city is in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Land and developments in the WUI are particularly susceptible to property damage during wildfire event.

Findings from modeling studies suggest that overall, there will be increased fire probability in the Los Angeles region, due to variable and decreasing precipitation and increasing temperatures.

However, over time, urban areas such as Montebello and the surrounding cities may see reduced fire risk as high-density human development increases and vegetation land decreases.
iv) Riverine and Stormwater Flooding: Climate driven increases of heavy precipitation events can pose particular risk to Montebello’s low-lying residential areas along the Rio Hondo River, which are prone to flooding. Additionally, the city has a high concentration of impermeable surfaces that can cause urban flooding during significant precipitation events.

According to the City’s HMP the overall risk of disastrous flooding in Montebello is low, however, the Plan identifies four areas in the city that are at higher risk of flooding.
• West side of Grant Rea Park along the Rio Hondo Channel • Garfield Avenue between Via Paseo and Beverly Boulevard • East side of Rio Hondo Channel from Beverly Terrace to Mines Avenue
• Mines Avenue from Maple Avenue to Greenwood Avenue
Additional low-lying portions of the city are susceptible to urban flooding, due to a combination of factors including debris accumulating in storm drains, aged drainage systems, and high concentrations of surface impermeability.
v) Air Quality: Worsening air quality due to climate change can create respiratory issues for sensitive populations and have impacts in indoor environments that do not have adequate air filtration systems. There are several notable causes of air quality decline, found below:
• Dust. Increased temperature leads to dry, dusty conditions also associated with drought. Increases in dust conditions Figure C6.10. Montebello Wildland-Urban Interface. Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

176 Montebello General Plan

3. Climate Vulnerability
a) Vulnerable Populations
While all people in a community will experience climate change, some may be more affected than others. For example, older adults and young children may be more at-risk to heat illness during an extreme heat event. Sensitivity to climate hazards can be influenced by several factors, including differences in individual health, age, and ability; institutional bias or exclusion from political and decision-making power; inequities in infrastructure and access to health care, economic opportunity, education, and other services; and inequities in environmental and living conditions. Vulnerabilities within a community can inhibit that community’s adaptive capacity or their ability to cope with climate change impacts.

Development and implementation of programs and projects that improve the community’s adaptive capacity, including addressing some of the underlying contributing factors, will reduce the negative impacts that climate change could have on vulnerable populations.

Climate change will disproportionately impact certain populations in the City of Montebello. The following vulnerable populations have been identified in the city based on the Healthy Places Index (HPI) mapping tool. There are often numerous interacting factors that impact a population’s vulnerability to climate hazards; however, for the purpose of this assessment, they were grouped based on the sensitivity that increases their risk the most. Priority populations are grouped as outlined below:
• Individuals With High Outdoor Exposure. People experiencing homelessness. • Under-Resourced Individuals. Low income, unemployed,
renters, individuals with no health insurance, isolated individuals, individuals with no health insurance, individuals with educational attainment of less than 4 years of college. • Individuals Facing Societal Barriers. Communities of color, linguistically isolated individuals, students.
• Individuals With Chronic Health Conditions. Seniors.
i) Potential Impacts: Individuals With High Outdoor Exposure.

In the City of Montebello, people experiencing homelessness face high exposure to outdoor conditions and are at high risk from various climate hazards including extreme heat, drought, wildfire, flooding, and air quality. Unhoused individuals experience higher rates of respiratory conditions, mental illness and other chronic health conditions that increase sensitivity to climate hazards and may limit access to resources to support in response. People experiencing homelessness are disproportionally impacted by poor air quality during extreme heat or wildfire conditions because they are typically living outdoors and are therefore exposed to air pollutants at higher rates. People experiencing homelessness are exposed to health-related impacts associated extreme heat because they have limited access to shelter and air conditioning.

During flooding or wildfire events, people experiencing homelessness are disproportionately at risk because they may not have increases exposure to particulate matter, including PM10 (particulates less than 10 microns in diameter). PM10 can cause increased respiratory disease, lung damage, cancer, premature death, reduced visibility, surface soiling.
• Smog. Higher temperatures are positively correlated with air pollution concentrations and increases in ambient
temperature leads to higher rates of smog, also referred to as ozone. The Los Angeles basin is the smoggiest region in the nation, despite implemented reductions that have improved air quality over time. Groups most sensitive to ozone include children, the elderly, people with respiratory disorders, and people who exercise strenuously outdoors. Ground-level
ozone has also been shown to have particularly disproportionate adverse impacts on populations experiencing homelessness and lower median income. • Fewer Natural Filtrations. Precipitation variability and long periods of dry spells lead to less reliable air quality for the entire region. Moisture in the air can filter pollutants and provide for overall improved conditions. Urban vegetation can directly affect air quality, and trees remove gaseous air pollution. Rising temperatures could increase mortality for large healthy trees which would reduce the ability for urban vegetation to reduce air pollutants, therefore increasing pollutant exposure to sensitive populations.
• Wildfire Smoke. Temperature, severe wildfire conditions, and the area burned by wildfires have all increased throughout the Los Angeles region and are expected to continue to increase.

Higher temperatures accompanied by an increase in the
incidence and extent of large wildfires will lead to increased wildfire smoke and associated toxins and air pollution.

Zone D
Zone A
Zone AE
Zone X
Figure C6.11. Floodzones. Source: FEMA.

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 177
the ability to evacuate safely.

Under-Resourced Individuals. Under-resourced individuals often do not have access or the ability to afford resources needed to prepare for, cope with, and recover from climate change impacts, such as air conditioning or air filtration. When evacuation is necessary due to climate hazards such as wildfire or flooding, under-resourced individuals may lack the financial resources to evacuate and/or find an affordable alternative place to stay when evacuated. Individuals in these groups often live in homes that are less protected against climate hazards. Individuals without health insurance are more likely to have undiagnosed pre-existing health conditions which may make them more susceptible to health impacts from climate hazards. Isolated individuals lacking access to transportation may not be able to evacuate during climate hazards and may face greater barriers to accessing resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate hazards.

Individuals Facing Societal Barriers. Individuals facing societal barriers are directly impacted by social and economic challenges that are ubiquitous in our modern society. These challenges create educational, resource, economic, and health disparities that leave communities of color, linguistically isolated individuals, and students at greater risk to climate change impacts. Individuals that are linguistically isolated have no to limited English proficiency.

Linguistically isolated households may not understand important safety, public health, or evacuation orders and communications when conducted exclusively in English during a hazard event, which may compromise the ability of residents to remain safe and healthy. In California, individuals of color are more likely to live in high hazard risk areas and less likely to be homeowners, which leaves them more susceptible to climate hazards. Students may experience educational disruption and setbacks including reduced rates of graduation and college attendance as result of climate hazards that cause school closures, loss of personal property, and/ or psychological distress, particularly students with additional characteristics that increase sensitivity to climate hazards.

Individuals With Chronic Health Conditions. Individuals in these groups are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions or chronic illnesses that may exacerbate the risk of illnesses and medical problems from climate hazards. Climate hazards often generate secondary hazards that can greatly impact public health and community safety. For example, Wildfire smoke can significantly impact air quality, and cause health impacts, from mild eye burning to irritated air ways, heat stroke and even cardiac issues.
b) Natural Resources
Natural and recreational resources within Montebello as detailed in the Parks Master Plan include approximately 125 acres of parkland. This includes 40 acres of mini and neighborhood parks, 39 acres of community parks and centers, and 46 acres of special use and regional park facilities.

At the northwest corner of the city is the Montebello Country Club, a 120-acre golf course that is situated at the western foot of the Montebello Hills. There are 480 acres of privately owned land in the Montebello Hills, constituting the City’s largest swath of remaining undeveloped space. Within Montebello’s residential neighborhoods, the primary amenity is street landscaping. Neighborhood parks like Ashiya Park and Acuna Park are accessible to pedestrians.
i) Potential Impacts: Increased temperatures can cause vegetation stress in parks, landscaping, and open spaces in the city. Indirect impacts could include reduced carbon storage and increased tree and vegetation mortality, as well as increased irrigation and related costs. Extreme temperatures can also impact summer recreation and community programing, resulting in economic losses for the city. Drought will likely increase irrigation requirements for maintaining landscaping, park facilities, and street trees, while water use restrictions would potentially prevent asset managers from meeting this increased watering demand, resulting in water-stressed vegetation, increased vegetation mortality, and potentially reducing the quality of and benefits provided by recreational resources such as open spaces and parks. Climate hazards such as wildfire and flooding can impact natural resources in the city by damaging or destroying vegetation, trees, and infrastructure in City parks and open spaces. c) Buildings and Facilities
A jurisdiction’s vulnerability increases when buildings and facilities are not designed, operated, and/or maintained to function effectively under extreme weather conditions or can be damaged by extreme weather conditions. Due to the roles they play in supporting general community functioning and hazard response, the following City buildings and facilities are particularly important to assess for climate change impacts: municipal buildings, educational facilities, hospitals, residential and commercial development, roadways and transportation facilities, active transportation routes, fire stations, and police stations. Several critical buildings and facilities in Montebello, as identified by the City’s HMP, include:
• City Hall: 1600 W. Beverly Boulevard
• Fire Stations:
• Montebello Fire Department (Station No. 56): 600 N.

Montebello Boulevard
• Montebello Fire Station No. 56: 1166 S. Greenwood
Avenue
• Montebello Fire Station No. 57: 2950 Via Costa Street • Montebello Police Station: 1600 W. Beverly Boulevard
• Beverly Hospital: 309 W. Beverly Boulevard
• Whittier Narrows Dam: 909 N. Lincoln Avenue
• 21 educational facilities identified throughout the city • 18 hazardous material sites identified throughout the city

178 Montebello General Plan
services, impacting the services they are designed to provide.

Additionally, stormwater flooding can reduce overall water quality through transport of pollutants including potentially hazardous materials via runoff into the water drainage system and wherever floodwaters accumulate as well as algae blooms from increased nutrients.

4. Existing Plans and Programs
Adaptive capacity is the ability to adjust to the consequences of climate change. This section summarizes the ways in which the City currently manages for the negative impacts of climate change. Types of adaptive capacity include adjustments in behavior, resources, and technologies. The City of Montebello has actively taken steps to increase the city’s adaptive capacity.

Existing policies, plans, programs, and institutions that increase the city’s resilience to climate change impacts are organized by climate hazard and listed below:
• City of Montebello General Plan Safety Element This Safety Element is a strategic and long-term document identifying goals and polices that guide and direct the City in terms of implementing policies, programs, and resources. The Safety Element is one of seven General Plan elements required by the State of California that provides the City with information on hazards and public safety services, and establishes goals, policy direction, and implementation measures intended to limit the community’s exposure to a range of hazards. • City of Montebello Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
(2005)- The City’s EOP describes the City’s emergency
response and recovery operations including identifying
evacuation routes and communication protocols in the City. • Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) (2017)- The City’s HMP
contains documentation of the City’s mitigation planning process, and identify hazards, potential losses, mitigation needs, goals, and strategies.
• City of Montebello Parks Master Plan (2021)- The parks master plan serves as a planning and asset management tool for the City’s parks and open spaces, and aids in providing an understanding of the recreational and open space assets the City owns and operates, as well as the financial investment required to maintain, repair, and/or improve these assets. • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)- CERT
members assist citizens and police, fire, and medical professionals during major disasters. • Emergency Network of Los Angeles- This network, made up of nonprofit community-based organizations in Los Angeles County provides assistant to individuals, families, and organizations following emergencies and disasters.
i) Potential Impacts
Increased temperatures, drought, and air quality are likely to result in minimal impact to physical structures. As a result, strain on HVAC and air filtration systems may occur, along with increases in cooling costs and other negative impacts on occupants of buildings that are not adequately weatherized. Wildfires and flooding are climate hazards that pose direct risk to buildings and facilities in Montebello. Table6.1 was retrieved from the City’s HMP and shows the impacts of hazards including earthquakes, wildfire, flooding, dam failure, and drought, on various City facilities and infrastructure.

EarthquakeWildfireFloodingDam failureDrought
Essential Facilities
City Hall
1600 W. Beverly Boulevard
X X
Montebello Fire Station No. 55
600 N. Montebello Boulevard X X
Montebello Fire Station No. 56
1166 S. Greenwood Avenue
X X
Montebello Fire Station No. 57
1600 W. Beverly Boulevard
X X
Beverly Hospital
309 W. Beverly Boulevard
X X
Transportation Systems
Roads and Bridges X X X X X
Lifeline Utility Systems
Water, Electricity, Natural Gas, Oil, and Fuel X X X X X High Potential Loss Facilities
Whittier Narrows Dam
909 N. Lincoln Avenue

X X X X
Hazardous Materials Facilities
This information is maintained bu the City of Montebello Fire Department and is available upon request.

Table C6.1. Critical Facilities Vulnerable to Hazards, Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2017.
d) Critical Infrastructure and Services
There are variety of services and critical infrastructure that are vulnerable to climate change in Montebello. Assets and services in this category include water services, wastewater, storm drainage and flood protection, solid and hazardous waste and recycling, fire services, emergency services, medical services, utilities and major utility corridors, public transportation, roadways, and active transportation routes.
i) Potential Impacts: Climate hazards including extreme heat, drought, flooding, wildfires, and poor air quality can lead to strain on infrastructure and services group. This can affect the City’s ability to provide critical services and resources to residents; and the infrastructure in place may not be adequately prepared to sustain increasing and compounding hazards. In addition, heavy precipitation or wildfire events could damage infrastructure and

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 179

5. Policies and Actions
P6.7 Identify and appraise the geologic and seismic hazards within the community. Reduce the loss of life, damage to property, and the economic and social dislocations resulting from future earthquakes.

A6.7a Continue to update land use standards and development regulations related to the level of seismic hazards as new data and regulations become available. R
A6.7b Require all aspects of the earthquake, fault rupture, liquefaction, and related seismic hazard evaluation process (planning, investigation, analysis, reporting, review, construction, and operations) for new development and redevelopment to be conducted and independently reviewed by qualified professionals. R A6.7c Require new or substantially remodeled development located within areas of liquefaction potential to be properly designed and constructed for to earthquake safety, and require all development (including City-owned facilities) to comply with established seismic safety standards. R
A6.7d In the northern portion of the City above the projected location of the Puente Hills Blind Thrust Fault Zone, consider the development of potential Co-Seismic Hazard Management Zones (CSHMZs) for new construction and redevelopment to evaluate the potential impacts of surface movements such as uplift and ground tilting. R R Resilience
Certain human activities, natural conditions, and climate change impacts, as discussed in the Safety Element, create hazards in Montebello. These hazards pose risks to individuals and properties and affect how property is developed and used. Risk from such hazards can be reduced or avoided by recognizing the hazards and adopting and implementing land use and emergency response policies that provide ample community protection. Underlying all policies and actions is the precept that all buildings and structures in the City of Montebello should conform to the appropriate building standards in order to protect every citizen to the degree practical. Additional concerns, such as air and water quality are addressed in the Our Natural Community chapter of the City’s General Plan.

1. Earthquake (Seismic) and Fault Hazards
P6.8 Provide protection from wild and urban fire hazards to persons, property, and city assets.

A6.8a Develop a “City of Montebello Water Master Plan” and upgrade water lines throughout the city to ensure that they provide adequate fire flows necessary for firefighting. R Regular maintenance and long-term integrity of water supply locations for firefighting purposes should be identified.

A6.8b Provide adequate staffing, equipment, technology, training and funding for the Montebello Fire Department to ensure that the department is continually equipped and trained to meet existing and projected service demands and response times. R
A6.8c Continue to use the development review process to project plans to the Fire Department and other reviewing agencies for fire safety review, including building materials, access, and circulation. R A6.8d Inspect all fire hydrants for operational readiness on an annual basis, and repair and/or replace all defective hydrants. R A6.8e Use public funding, where available and practical, to assist private landowners in implementing defensible space and building retrofits to achieve a low-risk condition. R
A6.8f Ensure that all existing and new residential development located in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and any other future designated wildfire hazard zones have at least two emergency evacuation routes as well as adequate evacuation access (ingress and egress). R A6.8g Sponsor and support public education programs, such as neighborhood events, the Montebello Fire Department website, social media content, and printed educational materials to promote defensible space standards and emergency evacuation protocols. R
Prioritize outreach and public education programs for the city’s vulnerable populations, as identified by the Healthy Places Index.

A6.8h Maintain a maximum response time of 5 minutes for fire suppression services. Require new development to ensure that fire response times and service standards are maintained. R A6.8i Implement fire prevention and suppression programs in areas of high fire hazard areas, including both urban and wildland areas. R A6.8j Maintain adequate fire breaks in areas within and adjacent to areas of high wildfire hazard. R

2. Fire Safety

180 Montebello General Plan
A6.8k Coordinate firefighting efforts with local, state, and federal agencies. R A6.8l Increase the resilience of existing development in high-hazard areas built prior to modern fire safety codes or wildfire hazard mitigation guidance. R
A6.8m Maintain adequate fire suppression capability in areas of intensifying urban development, as well as areas where urban uses and open spaces mix. R
A6.8n Continue annual brush inspections and enforce clearance requirements on public and private property within the Wildland Urban Interface and any other future designated wildfire hazard zones, as dictated by CAL FIRE, in accordance with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Safe Regulations, California Building Standards Code, and Montebello Municipal Code related to ongoing maintenance of vegetation clearance on public and private roads, roadside fuel reduction plan, and defensible space clearances. R A6.8o Increase the resilience of new development in the Wildland Urban Interface and any other future designated wildfire hazard zones in compliance with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Safe Regulations, California Building Standards Code, and Montebello Municipal Code. Require all new development to be served by a water system that meets applicable fire flow requirements. R
A6.8p Increase the resilience of existing development in the Wildland Urban Interface and any other future designated wildfire hazard zones built prior to modern fire safety codes or wildfire hazard mitigation guidance in compliance with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Safe Regulations, California Building Standards Code, and Montebello Municipal Code. R
A6.8q Require development of new public facilities, when feasible, to be located outside of and any other future designated wildfire hazard zones to ensure critical infrastructure is fire resilient. R A6.8r Maintain a maximum response time of 5 minutes for fire suppression services. Require new development to ensure that fire response times and service standards are maintained. R A6.8s Ensure that re-development after a large fire complies with the requirements for construction in the Wildland Urban Interface and any other future designated wildfire hazard zones. R A6.8t Ensure that the planning and design of development in and any other future designated wildfire hazard zones minimizes wildfire hazards and includes adequate provisions for vegetation management, emergency vehicle access, and firefighting while also complying with current fire codes. R A6.8u Require fire protection plans for new development in and any other future designated wildfire hazard zones. R A6.8v Require visible home and street addressing, and signage across the city. R A6.8x The Montebello Police and Fire Departments should routinely assess and project future emergency service needs associated with wildland and urban fire hazards. R

2. Fire Safety (continued)
R Resilience

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 181
P6.9 Minimize the risks from flooding and related hazards to persons, property, and city assets.

A6.9a Cooperate with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other local, state, and federal agencies involved in preparing and implementing flood standards and regulations. R
A6.9b Support public education programs on flood protection and emergency preparedness and procedures. Prioritize language appropriate outreach and public education programs for the city’s vulnerable populations as identified by the Healthy Places Index. R
A6.9c Maintain storm drains to prevent local and stormwater flooding and encourage residents to assist in maintaining those drains that are the responsibility of the homeowner. R
A6.9d Whenever feasible, locate new essential public facilities, including health care facilities, emergency shelters, fire stations, emergency command centers, and emergency communications facilities, outside flood hazard and dam inundation zones. R A6.9e Continue to maintain and upgrade the city-operated flood control system to ensure it can protect existing and planned development. Include evaluations of the system under projected changes in storm frequency and intensity. R A6.9f Require that all aspects of the dam failure flood/inundation evaluation process (planning, investigation, analysis, reporting, review, construction, and operations) for new development and redevelopment be conducted and independently reviewed by qualified professionals. R A6.9g Request that the Los Angeles County Flood Control District regularly assess all dams upstream from Montebello for earthquake soundness. R
P6.10 Minimize potential threats to public health and safety from extreme heat events.

A6.10a Promote and expand the use of drought-tolerant green infrastructure, street trees, and landscaped areas, as part of cooling strategies in public and private spaces and promote the addition of shade structures in public spaces. R A6.10b Continue to provide access to cooling centers during extreme heat events, prioritizing outreach to vulnerable populations such as seniors and under-resourced individuals who do not have air conditioning. R A6.10c Expand public outreach and warning systems to increase preparedness for extreme heat events. R A6.10d Explore opportunities to incorporate cool pavement practices into new streetscape or urban design. R A6.10e Promote the use of cool roofs to reduce the urban heat island effect. R

3. Flood Safety

4. Extreme Heat Resilience

182 Montebello General Plan
P6.11 Minimize the risks of geotechnical hazards to persons, property, and city assets.

A6.11a Encourage development in low hazards areas and implement actions that minimize changes to the natural topography and drainages. Protect public safety and reduce potential property damage due to geologic and soil hazards by using proper design and construction techniques. R
A6.11b Require that all aspects of the geotechnical and engineering geology evaluation process (planning, investigation, analysis, reporting, review, construction, and operations) for new development and redevelopment be conducted and independently reviewed by qualified professionals. R
A6.11c Regulate development in Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones consistent with levels of acceptable risk. R Require the submission of geologic and seismic reports, as well as soils engineering reports, in relation to applications for land development permits whenever seismic or geologic problems are suspected.

A6.11d Prioritize that siting of new critical use facilities be based on comprehensive geotechnical evaluation and consideration of seismic and other geotechnical hazards. R

5. Geology and Soil Hazards
R Resilience

Part C, 6. Our Safe Community 183
P6.12 Take necessary steps to establish and maintain the City’s capability to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies.

A6.12a Review service levels regularly and adjust service accordingly to meet the demands of continued growth in population, development, tourism, and other factors which could change the needs for emergency services. R A6.12b Establish designated emergency response and evacuation routes throughout the city, for each climate hazard (e.g., flooding, fire, etc.), focusing on the most vulnerable populations including seniors and geographically isolated individuals. R
A6.12c Regularly update and maintain emergency preparedness and evacuation plans; create public information/education programs to enable coordinated response, recovery, and mitigation efforts by the city and other governmental agencies. R A6.12d Foster cooperation with neighboring cities and agencies to enhance mutual aid opportunities following natural hazard events. R
A6.12e Ensure operational readiness of the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). R A6.12f Adopt, monitor, and maintain service delivery objectives based on national time standards for all fire, rescue and emergency response services. R A6.12g Coordinate with other area jurisdictions and local community groups and businesses to execute a variety of exercises to test operational and emergency plans and identify potential deficiencies in services that may occur during a disaster. R A6.12h Address any deficiencies identified during emergency operations testing exercises by amending the City’s Emergency Operations Plan accordingly. Continue to update the City’s Emergency Operations Plan every five years. R A6.12i Update the Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years and evaluate the mitigation plan annually to determine the effectiveness of programs and to reflect changes in land development or programs that may affect mitigation priorities. R A6.12j Develop and support a network of resilience hubs to facilitate health, food, medical, and emergency services, especially to vulnerable populations during climate hazards such as extreme heat events, flooding, and poor air quality events. R A6.12k Evaluate critical facilities to assess the feasibility of retrofitting to increase long-term resilience to climate change hazards including extreme heat, extreme precipitation events, and wildfire. R P6.13 Plan for efficient and rapid recovery from disasters.

A6.13a Develop and implement plans based off emergency operations testing exercises to conduct orderly and efficient reconstruction of Montebello following a major disaster. R A6.13b Ensure that disaster recovery efforts involving the disposal of materials adhere to federal, state and city regulations. R A6.13c To the extent possible, ensure that appropriate and effective action is taken to safeguard life and property during and immediately after emergencies, and assist in returning their lives and businesses to normal following a major event. R A6.13d Ensure transparency and access to language appropriate public information throughout the disaster recovery process. R

6. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response

7. Disaster Recovery
R Resilience

184 Montebello General Plan

Part C, 7. Our Active Community 185
7 Our Active Community
The focus of this chapter is to guide spatial design and programming to enhance Montebello’s active living. Physical activity simply means movement of the body that uses energy. Following are three areas that can promote and enhance Montebello as an active community:

1. Active Living: Active living is an approach to life that values and includes physical activity in everyday living. This includes simple everyday activity at school, home, or work such as walking, climbing stairs, cleaning, or gardening.

2. Active Travel: Active travel means getting around in a way that involves physical activity, like walking or cycling. It usually means short journeys, like walking to the shops or local school, cycling to work or to see friends and family, or cycling to the bus station. Many journeys people make using cars are under half mile, so there’s real potential to swap the car for walking and cycling. Encouraging more active travel brings lots of benefits – in terms of improved public health and air quality, increased road safety, better street life, and reduced carbon emissions.

3. Active Recreation: Physical activity through recreation brings pleasure, stress relief, and social and health benefits. A playful city provides for the diverse play needs for all age groups, while being a source of imagination and joy.

The planning process conducted an assessment of the condition and quality of current parks to provide a baseline; engaged the community to define a new vision that is both inspirational and achievable; create a long-term plan for how and where to invest to ensure the parks and recreation system supports residents, employees, and visitors as Montebello continues to grow and change; and provide citywide strategies and priorities that will inform development of the Capital Improvement Program and implementation of the Park Master Plan.

Montebello will create environments that incorporate physical activity into daily activity that support health, wellness, and social connections, and provide children and adults a range of high-quality recreational opportunities.

A. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Montebello will create a seamless, sustainable system
of parks, recreation and open spaces that offers multiple social, environmental, and economic benefits. This vision will be guided by the following principles:

1. Multiple Benefits: Every single public action
should generate multiple public benefits to
maximize taxpayer dollars.

2. Seamless: Every element of the City, including
neighborhoods, parks, natural areas, streets,
civic centers and commercial areas, should be
connected.

3. Equity: Every resident should be able to enjoy
the same quality of public facilities and services
regardless of income, age, race, ability or geographic location

4. Access: Every resident should be able to safely
and comfortably walk, bicycle, drive and/or ride
transit to parks and community facilities. Reduce
spatial and economic barriers tied to park access.

Parks should bridge the gap in supporting great
places for everyone.

5. Placemaking: Placemaking creates lasting value.

The design of a park or open space, or the buildings and landscape design that define that space should all contribute to the physical and cultural
fabric of the place.

186 Montebello General Plan
Parks, open spaces, and recreation systems are valuable community resources that can generate multiple resiliency benefits if thoughtfully planned, designed, and managed as part of a broader public realm that includes mobility, stormwater, and utility systems, at the same time play a crucial role in shaping urban form.

Parks provides visual delight, recreational opportunities while providing health, ecological, social, and economic benefits.

B. BENEFIT OF PARKS AND RECREATION SYSTEMS
Economic Benefits
People exercise more when
they have access to parks.

Regular physical activity can
improve health and reduce
the risk of diseases while
improving mental health,
and alleviating symptoms of
depression and anxiety.

Parks enhance property
values, increase municipal
revenue, bring in homebuyers
and workers, and attract
retirees. Parks provide sites
for special events and festivals
that can attract tourists.

Health Benefits

Part C, 7. Our Active Community 187
Environmental
Benefits
Social & Equity
Benefits
Parks facilities conserve natural resources and wildlife habitat, protect air and water
quality, and preserve open
space for current and future
generations. Parks cool and
clean the air, improve and
modify local wind circulations, and better regulate
precipitation patterns.

Public parks provide equal
access, regardless of age,
gender, socioeconomic status,
ethnicity, or ability. Parks and
recreation facilities can foster
community pride, bring people together to express their identities, create destinations,
and connect people to each
other and nature.

188 Montebello General Plan
Wilderness
Square
Neighborhood
Park
Greenway
Plaza
Pocket Park
Courtyard
Terrace
Roof Garden
Community
Garden
Yard
Patio
Figure C7.1. Range of public and private park and open space types.

Part C, 7. Our Active Community 189
C. PARKS AND OPEN SPACE TYPOLOGY
Montebello neighborhoods shall have access to a range of open space types of varying character and function. Public open spaces are provided at the regional, city, neighborhood, and block level; and private open spaces are provided on the lot or within the building.

The different open spaces may be combined. For example, a playground may be within a greenway. A regional trail system should connect the neighborhoods to community and regional level amenities.

Montebello parks, open spaces, and recreation systems will not be regarded as isolated facilities, but as elements of an integrated public realm. Each space will be designed to generate multiple community benefits.

Scale Open Space Typology Character and Function
Public
Regional Wilderness/Nature Natural environments rich in wildlife that are left in the natural state.

Greenway A network of spaces that includes pathways for walking and biking while also allowing wildlife to move through urban areas. Typically found along creek corridors.

City Community Park A large area for active recreation that includes sports fields and community facilities such as swimming pool.

Neighborhood
Neighborhood Park A mid-sized informal public space, often the focal point of the neighborhood. The green is enclosed by buildings, used for unstructured recreation, and planted with grass and trees.

Square A formal public space, no larger than a block, located at the focal point of civic significance, enclosed by key buildings, typically paved and allows passive recreation.

Plaza A public space circumscribed by civic or commercial frontages, with formal landscaping.

Community Garden A semi-private grouping of garden plots available for small-scale cultivation by residents of apartments and other dwelling types without private gardens. Community gardens strengthen community bonds, provide food, create recreational and therapeutic opportunities and promote environmental awareness and education.

On the Block
Quadrangle A private/public open space enclosed by buildings accessible by a small opening to the street.

Pocket Park A fenced area for child’s play within walking distance to nearby homes, closely overlooked by residents. The play areas contain soft and hard surfaces, play equipment, and benches with ample shade provided by tree cover.

Parklet A parklet is an expansion of the sidewalk into one or more on-street parking spaces to provide new streetscape features such as seating, planting, bicycle parking, or elements of play.

Private
On the Lot Courtyard A public or private open space surrounded by walls or buildings. The court is paved or landscaped.

Within the
Building
Terrace A private outdoor extension of a building above ground level that is used for gardening, entertaining, outdoor cooking, or relaxation.

Yard A private landscaped area of a lot. Typically, the area is free of buildings and structures. Exceptions include permitted encroachments such as porches, patios, and terraces. Portions of the private yard may be used as a kitchen-garden for small-scale cultivation of food.

Within the
Building
Patio A private outdoor space that adjoins a residence and is typically paved.

Roof Garden Roof gardens are useful in urban situations where yards may not be available. Roofs are also useful for small-scale cultivation.

Table C7.1. Range of public and private park and open space types.

190 Montebello General Plan

1. Parks
While Montebello is surrounded by natural features to the northeast and east, the city itself is largely built-out with little undeveloped land.
• Montebello’s parks and open space network are comprised of the following elements: Formally programmed public
parks and gardens operated and maintained by the City of Montebello;
• Undeveloped open spaces;
• Trails and streetscapes; and
• Semi-recreation areas, such as school yards and playgrounds.

Montebello is largely built-out with few vacant parcels available to develop into future parkland. The city’s current stock of parks are small neighborhood parks as opposed to larger, regional parks capable of serving a larger population. The Edison Easement (EE) in the northwest portion of the City is a fantastic opportunity for a trail. Montebello does not have existing city-wide plans that require street trees, which has resulted in many city streets that have few or no street trees. Without the shade provided by canopy trees, it can feel hot and uncomfortable to walk and bike and discourages using active modes to access open space.

Along the existing Rio Hondo Channel there is an existing regional bike and pedestrian trail with connections to the nearby parks, schools, and neighborhoods. Existing stormwater detention basins along the Rio Hondo channel have potential to be designed to incorporate recreational uses and increase the city’s access to parkland. Establishing bike and pedestrian-oriented design recommendations and standards for the public right-of-way, such as planting shade street trees, green infrastructure, pocket parks, and other pedestrian oriented amenities will help the city’s streets to function as extensions of the open space network.

Montebello currently has approximately 125 acres of parkland.

This includes 40 acres of mini and neighborhood parks, 39 acres of community parks and centers, and 46 acres of special use and regional park facilities.

The community survey and feedback from community focus
group meetings found 65% of respondents are satisfied with the quality of the City’s parks. Community members feel there’s room for improvement to parks in terms of perceived safety at parks, park maintenance, adding amenities, and increasing the number of parks. Montebello’s parks are well loved, with some room for improvement. For example, many of Montebello’s parks are separated from the surrounding neighborhoods with walls and have limited ingress/egress points. This condition can create a sense of isolation and a lack of perceived safety for park users.

Developing welcoming entry points and limiting the use of walls can improve the sense of safety. Tree cover in Montebello’s parks vary, some have ample mature tree canopies that provide shade D. EXISTING PROFILE and others have more limited tree canopy coverage. Program amenities at parks include ball fields, basketball courts, a skate park, and playgrounds. Several of the city’s parks have no hard programming and simply provide open green space.

There is an opportunity to improve connectivity to parks through the development of a local bike network to connect these recreational destinations to other activity nodes in Montebello, such as schools, employment hubs, retail areas, transit stops, and neighborhood centers, as well as to the existing regional bike and pedestrian trail along the Rio Hondo Channel. Exploring opportunities to acquire land in conjunction with development, such as the recently dedicated 5.5 acre public park and 314.6 acres of open space property in Montebello Hills, improving access to the Rio Hondo and associated detention basins, and the Edison Easement represent major opportunities to expand the city’s parks and open space network.

Redevelopment of the 12 acre DePaul Center provides unique opportunity for a 6 acre park infill along the Rio Hondo Channel.

2. Open Spaces
Montebello Hills: The Montebello Hills Specific Plan Area (Montebello Hills) is a planned infill residential development on approximately 488 acres.Within the 314.6 acres Open Space area at Montebello Hills, approximately 260.6 acre Reserve will be set aside in perpetuity to provide habitat for the California gnatcatcher, a federally designated-threatened bird species. These areas are hilly, containing generally north/south trending minor canyons comprised of native (e.g., coastal sage scrub, chaparral, etc.) and non-native plant communities. It should be noted that due to the threatened status of the California gnatcatcher, most of the Open Space area will be fenced and closed to public access.

Rio Hondo Area: The Rio Hondo Area includes the County
Flood basins and open space. The primary function of these detention basins is stormwater management. The basins present opportunities for passive recreation as they are empty most of the year. The flood basins offers great opportunities to mitigate park demand in some of the most park deficient areas of the City.

With safety precautions in place, the City and County could explore use agreement for passive recreation.

Montebello Golf Course: At 45.6 acres, the Montebello Golf Course is the largest City owned facility that offers a unique golfing experience in an urban area. Recent studies show a declining trend in the popularity and demand for golfing. Golf is not a universally accessible recreational activity — a specific user group enjoys it more than the broader population. Operational and maintenance costs are high. Furthermore, the golf course has not been a fiscally sustainable use. The redesign of the golf course will replace the 18-hole city-owned course with a nine-hole course, including a putting green area, and a new 6-hole/10-hole, par 3 short course with lights.

The City has carved out a 15.15 acre frontage parcel on a Cityowned property located along North Garfield Avenue to facilitate affordable housing development. The Garfield Avenue frontage

Part C, 7. Our Active Community 191
5 60
Whittier
Narrows
Recreation
Area
Whittier
Narrows
Golf Course
LA Clays
Shooting
Sports Park
Legg
Lake
Edison Trail Hike
La Loma
Park
Rio Hondo
Park
Smith
Park
Rio Vista
Park
Veterans
Memorial Park
Pico
Park
Saybrook
Park
Edison Trail
Park
Garvey Ranch
Park
George E Elder
Memorial Park
Barnes
Park
Lincoln Ave
Beverly Blvd
Montebello Blvd
Greenwood Ave
Washington Blvd
Montebello
Whittier Blvd
City Park
Grant Rea
Park
Acuna
Park
Reggie
Rodriguez
Park
Chet
Holield
Park
Taylor
Ranch
Park
Ashiya
Park
Montebello Golf
Course
Potrero
Height
Park
Bicknell
Park
Northridge
Mini Park
Dutcher
Tot Lot
Figure C7.2. Map shows existing parks and open spaces in and around Montebello.

192 Montebello General Plan
of the parcel could be developed with neighborhood serving commercial development. The site is large enough to accommodate a 3 acre public park and series of smaller public and private open spaces for the residents consistent with the park like setting. The public park would not only serve the residents within the development but would be a welcome amenity for the existing neighborhood across the street.

3. Trails
Rio Hondo Trails: This multi-use trail runs parallel to Rio Hondo through the San Gabriel Valley. The northern end starts along the reservoir at the Peck Road Water Conservation Park and follows along the channel to Whittier Narrows Recreation Area into Montebello. The Rio Hondo River Trail is a popular hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and bicycle route that defines the City’s eastern edge.

Montebello Hills Trails: The Montebello Hills site is a Specific Plan area with up to 1,200 planned residential dwelling units. The development features 8.1 acres of publicly-accessible trails. Specifically, the 8.1 acres are split between recreational trails (at 4.2 acres) and a scenic promenade (at 3.9 acres).

Bluff Top Trail: The General Plan proposes a bluff top linear trail park with intermittent parallel parking on bluff side from Sycamore Street to De Paul Center. Parallel parking to remain in front of residences.

4. Semi-public Recreation Areas
Several public schools in Montebello have school yards and playgrounds.

While they are not open to the public, they are accessible by students.

5. Nearby Parks and Open Spaces
Parks, open spaces, and facilities outside, but adjacent to Montebello include Whittier Narrows, Bosque Del Rio Hondo, Legg Lake, Rio Hondo Park, and Veterans Memorial Park. These facilities are within half-mile or 10 minute walk from the City border, and also available to Montebello residents.

Part C, 7. Our Active Community 193
Size
(acres) Facilities Description
A Parks
1 Acuna Park 6.23
A neighborhood park located on Victoria Avenue. The
park includes amenities such as playgrounds, multi-purpose fields, a restroom, and 36 parking spaces.

Acuna Park is named after Montebello police officer Henry Acuna, who was killed in the line of duty.
2 Ashiya Park 7.93
A neighborhood park on Edison property that is under a
lease agreement with the City. Amenities include sports fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, a restroom, and 2 parking spaces.

Ashiya Park is named after Montebello’s sister city: Ashiya, Japan. The Montebello-Ashiya Sister City Agreement is
part of the “people-to-people program” started by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.
3 Bicknell Park 5.88
A neighborhood park located within the Montebello Golf
Course/ Country Club area. Amenities include a Monument, Scout House, and 65 parking spaces.

This park is home to the Armenian Genocide Martyrs
Monument commemorating Armenian Genocide victims.
4 Chet Holifield
Park 6.23
As Montebello’s southernmost park, this neighborhood
park hosts basketball courts, baseball fields, and playgrounds, a restroom, and 50 parking spaces.

Park is named after Congressman Chet Holifield who
attended public schools in Montebello in the 1920s. This park is also home to the Chet Holifield Library.
5 Dutcher Tot Lot 0.04 Currently, the lot is closed and has been overtaken by plants. There are no amenities at the Dutcher Tot Lot.

This mini-park attached to the Montebello Golf course is named after one of Montebello’s mayors, John Dutcher.

This open space could provide a small playground area with seating.
6 Grant Rea Park 21.8
Amenities at this park include baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, a recreational center, 3 restrooms, and 215 parking spaces. Grant Rea Park is also home to the Montebello Barnyard Zoo and miniature water park.

Grant Rea Park is the largest park in Montebello and is named after World War II hero, Lt. Grant Martel Rea.
7 Montebello City
Park 16.53
The community park is home to a skatepark, amphitheater, senior center, gym, pool, playgrounds, a restroom, 97
parking spaces, along with many more amenities.

Montebello City Park is the oldest park in Montebello
located off Whittier Boulevard.
8 Northridge Mini
Park 0.26 Amenities at this park include picnic tables and open green space.

Mini Park is located on the corner of Arroyo Drive and
Lawrence Avenue in Northern Montebello.
9 Potrero Heights
Park 1.62
This park contains the Potrero Heights Community and
Senior Center which provides social, recreational, and educational activities. Additional amenities at the park include playgrounds, picnic areas, and 21 parking spaces.

Potrero Heights Park is a 1.6 acre mini park located on Arroyo Drive. The Senior Center located at the park is
owned and operated by Los Angeles County.
10 Reggie Rodriguez
Park 7.60
This neighborhood park located on the eastern side of
Montebello contains sports fields, playgrounds, community center, a restroom, and 30 parking spaces.

Reggie Rodriguez Park is named after a Vietnam War hero and Montebello resident, Reggie Rodriguez.
11 Sanchez Adobe
Park 1.14
This park is on an open field surrounding the Sanchez
Adobe Museum. Sanchez Adobe Park is a mini park
located on Adobe Avenue.

Establish a presence for Sanchez Adobe along Lincoln
Avenue. Possible new programming of historical site and Lincoln Avenue parking area to reduce neighborhood
traffic, add an environmental center which transcends access up slope, or trail heads to Rio Hondo + skyline, and possibly equestrian parking at dam area.
12 Taylor Ranch
Park 3.59 This park hosts sports fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, a restroom, and 80 parking spaces.

Taylor Ranch Park is a neighborhood park in north
Montebello off Montebello Boulevard that was completed
in 2020.

194 Montebello General Plan
Size
(acres) Facilities Description
B Open Space
1 Montebello Hills 314
The Montebello Hills Specific Plan Area is a planned
infill residential development on approximately 488 acres.

Within the 314.6 acres Open Space area at Montebello
Hills, approximately 260.6 acre Reserve will be set aside in perpetuity to provide habitat for the California gnatcatcher, a federally designated-threatened bird species.

The Reserve area is hilly, containing generally north/
south trending minor canyons comprised of native (e.g., coastal sage scrub, chaparral, etc.) and non-native plant communities. Due to the threatened status of the California gnatcatcher, most of the Open Space area will be fenced and closed to public access.
2 Montebello Golf
Course 45.61
The Montebello Golf Course includes greens, fairways,
driving range, club house and parking lots, and 77.07 acres of natural open space which includes the roughs, hazards, water features, other non-playable areas.

The Golf Course was started in 1928 and is owned by the City.
3 Rio Hondo
Channel 100
The Rio Hondo Area includes the County Flood basins and open space. The primary function of these detention basins is stormwater management. The spaces within the City’s
boundary account for approximately 100 acres of land. The basins present opportunities for passive recreation as they are empty most of the year.

The flood basins offers great opportunities to mitigate park demand in some of the most park deficient areas of the City. With safety precautions in place, the City and County could explore use agreement for passive recreation.

C Montebello School Open Spaces
1 Montebello High
School 28.2
Montebello High School offers a unique opportunity for
a joint use agreement ( JUA) with the City of Montebello because its site is being redone. Through this remodeling process, the school presents the opportunity to consider the reuse of spaces and JUA in its design.
2 La Merced
Intermediate
and Elementary
School

27.2 La Merced Intermediate and Elementary School has a large, underutilized portion of land on its property. This open space provides the opportunity for a large JUA
recreation space.
3 Greenwood Elementary School 8.73
Greenwood Elementary School has playing fields,
playground, and basketball court. This open space provides the opportunity for JUA recreation space on the City’s
southside.

Table C7.2. Existing Montebello park and open space.

Part C, 7. Our Active Community 195

6. Recreation
Catherine Hensel Youth Center: The Center is home to a number of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Basketball and badminton courts, and public swimming pool are available throughout the year.

George Hensel Aquatic Center: The George Hensel Aquatic Center is a swimming facility that offers aquatics programs, lap swimming, free swim, and swimming lessons.

It hosts swim teams, schedules swim times, and offers special programming. The Swimming Pool also provides changing rooms and other amenities.

Grant Rea Recreation Building: Community building utilized to host recreation programs, classes, and activities for the City. The facility is available for rental by Civic Groups, Montebello Based Non-Profits, Co-Sponsored Sport Organizations, businesses, and for private individuals for family events. The facility is directly adjacent to Grant Rea Park that includes sports fields, a splash pad, batting cages, a barnyard zoo, picnic areas, and open space. Includes connected outdoor restrooms.

Chet Holfield Community Center: The facility hosts recreation programs, classes, and activities for the City. The facility is also available for rental by Civic Groups, Montebello Based Non- Profits, Co-Sponsored Sport Organizations, businesses, and for private individuals for family events. The facility is directly adjacent to the Chet Holified Los Angeles County Library and Chet Holifield Park playground, sports fields, pool, and open space. Includes indoor snack bar area with sink & indoor restrooms.

Potrero Heights Community Center: The Potrero Heights Community and Senior Center is located on the northern edge of the City at the entrance to Potrero Heights Park. The Center was recently constructed in 2012 and is approximately 4,000 square feet. The building features multiple large glass roll-up doors which allow the building to be opened to the park on both sides of the building with additional outdoor plaza space for programmed events. The Center is owned and operated by Los Angeles County. The City owns and operates a small community center on the City-owned portion of the park and hosts after school programs at this location.

Reggie Rodriguez Community Center: This park’s new community center provides a 6,300 square foot space including a two-story multi-purpose room, a snack bar which serves both the building and the park, storage areas, an elevator, two rooftop decks and space for four non-profit agencies (including a child care facility, a clinic and a computer laboratory) providing services for the at-risk youth of the neighborhood. There is also a neighborhood police drop-in station for the Montebello police.

Sanchez Adobe Museum: The Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe is the oldest standing building in Montebello. Its history dates back to the late 1800s making this museum a historic site as well. The museum is managed by the Montebello Historical Society who also put on battle re-enactments in the surrounding Sanchez Adobe Park.

Montebello Unified School District’s Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) provides after-school and/ or before-school and summer programs. ELO works with Community Based Organizations to provide homework help, health & fitness, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, academic enrichment and visual and performing arts. There is no cost to participate.

Other Private Facilities: Private recreational facilities include places like MontebelloCommerce YMCA which provides recreational activities that serve the community. The Montebello-Commerce YMCA provides State of the art exercise equipment, fitness classes, instructors/personal trainers to achieve healthy lifestyle. Private recreational facilities may also include homeowners association (HOA) parks and amenities which may serve the residents within the HOA neighborhood.

196 Montebello General Plan
E. STANDARDS
The 1999 General Plan recommended four acres of park
and recreational facilities per
1,000 people. Montebello has
no requirement for providing
public open space. Typically,
when parcels are subdivided,
park fees are collected for
open spaces. Since Montebello
is built out there is seldom
subdivision activity resulting in
park fees.

Private open space is presently required in the form of minimum yards in front, side,
and rear of the building and
a limitation on the percent
of lot that can be covered by
a building. Limitations of
existing standards: Public open
spaces are required either as
a percentage of land area or
a prescribed ratio of acreage
based on total population. The
process is largely a numerical
exercise that seldom address
the spatial and artistic quality
of open space. The open space
often ends up being remnant
parcels of leftover land after
development that is difficult
to access, use, and secure. The
open spaces are banal and
boiled down to minimum
regulations that produce
similar places with no regard to
local character.

Form-Based Codes: The
Downtown Montebello
Specific Plan will be regulated
by a form-based code. In
the form-based approach,
the open space requirements
are carefully integrated with
block, street, building, and
frontage standards to work
in consort to create a specific
urban place desired by a
community. Form-based codes
are applied through a specific
regulating plan. The function
and location of all small and
large open spaces and their
relationships with the streets
and buildings are called out on
the regulating plan. Depending
on the scope and context, the
open spaces include a diverse
range of integrated public and
private spaces at the building,
lot, block, neighborhood,
community or regional level.

The individual building types
specify private open spaces
required at the lot and building
level. This approach allows
neighborhoods access to a
range of public and private
open spaces.

Future Opportunities:

Montebello is built out and
large open spaces are difficult
to come by. Besides quantity,
Montebello must also address
access to open space in several
neighborhoods and explore
unconventional solutions. The
city should assess how existing
public spaces are performing
or under-preforming and
re-imagine some of the underperforming assets particularly the street space. A new plaza
at the transit stop, carving
out community gardens and
parklets within excess street
space are few examples of
a repurposed public realm.

Another option is to partner
with the schools for more
effective use of schoolyards.

This public space agenda can
be tied to a coordinated range
of open spaces provided by
private development projects.

Montebello can take advantage of its robust real estate market by creating incentives
for developers to enhance the
public environments.

Part C, 7. Our Active Community 197
Figure C7.3. Park Shed: Access to parks within 15 minute walk. 0 5 10 15 25
Park Acres within 10min Walk
Whittier
Narrows
Recreation
Area
Whittier
Narrows
Golf Course
LA Clays
Shooting
Sports Park
Legg
Lake
Edison Trail Hike
La Loma
Park
Rio Hondo
Park
Smith
Park
Rio Vista
Park
Veterans
Memorial Park
Pico
Park
Saybrook
Park
Edison Trail
Park
Garvey Ranch
Park
George E Elder
Memorial Park
Barnes
Park
Lincoln Ave
Beverly Blvd
Montebello Blvd
Greenwood Ave
Washington Blvd
Whittier Blvd