Final Minutes Approved 01/20/2026
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmember/Board Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Member(s): TemNice Chair Delgado, and Mayor/Chair
Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember/Board None
Member(s):
STAFF PRESENT: Rene Salas, City Manager; Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney; Adrian Garcia, City Clerk; Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works; David De Vries, Director of Economic Development; Ariana De La Cruz, Director of Community Services; and Sabrina Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Zoom was provided for the public to participate during Public Comment via teleconference.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Pro Tem Delgado led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Robert Yrigoyen, Parish Council President, Epiphany Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Recognition of the El Monte/South El Monte Jets Football teams will be presented at the next meeting.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced a clarification on Agenda Item 10.a., that staff will be providing a presentation to the Council and to the public, Council may deliberate and ask questions, the item will not be voted on this evening, it will be recom-
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA (CONTINUED)
mended for a public hearing before the Planning Commission and then be brought back to vote upon, if need be, before the City Council.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. Robert Yrigoyen, resident, spoke on the wording in Agenda Item 10.a., and thanked the council for their support on Agenda Item 12.a.
Mayor and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Giovanni Ruiz, representative for Senator Susan Rubio, for his two years of service to the City of South EI Monte.
2. Giovanni Ruiz, former representative for Senator Susan Rubio's Office, thanked the Mayor and City Council for their generosity, introduced Alejandro Ibarra, the new representative for the Senator's office, shared that he will still be attending events with the Senator as Press Secretary, and shared that the Annual Operation Gobble event is on Sunday, November 23rd, in Pomona.
3. Alejandro Ibarra, the new representative for Senator Susan Rubio's Office, introduced himself.
4. Diana Rosas, Acting Community Librarian, South EI Monte Library, spoke on upcoming library events, the 46th Annual Bookmark Contest, the In -N - Out Cover to Cover Reading Program, upcoming closures, and wished happy holidays.
5. Tony V. spoke on the council meeting's generous public comment time limit, and expressed concerns on immigration issues occurring in the city and San Gabriel Valley, and citizens receiving more information on how the city is helping.
6. Katie Rotow spoke on immigration issues in the city and at Whittier Narrows Park, requested information on changes happening at the park, and formally requested that the City pass a resolution to protect the rights of immigrant residents.
7. Estella Pineda, resident and Breathe Clean Coalition member, thanked the Mayor and City Council for the Town HaII on Fentanyl, Nitazene, and NAS.
8. Anahy Alcantara, Community Engagement Coordinator, L.A. General Medical Center Foundation, thanked the Mayor and City Council for the Town Hall titled "Substance Use and Kids: What Every Parent/Caretaker Needs to Know" on Fentanyl, Nitazene, and NAS, and expressed thanks for their leadership and commitment.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
9. Vincent Diaz, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a.
10. Rebecca Diaz, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a.
11. Jafat expressed concerns on immigration issues at Whittier Narrows Park and requested that council take proactive steps to protect the community.
12. Richard Angel, resident, expressed concerns on the Emergency Resources Association (ERA) services and the City's donation to the ERA, and spoke on providing updates on food services for residents through the City's newsletter.
13. Raul Pardo, resident, addressed the prior speakers on immigration issues, spoke on civil rights, changes occurring at local businesses, the Levine Act with Agenda Items 7.c. through 7.e., year-round usage of the pool area, and Agenda Item 10.a.
14. Eve Ramos, resident, expressed concerns on cannabis potentially being sold in Victory Plaza at Garvey Ave. and Humbert Ave., spoke on the Town Hall on Fentanyl, Nitazene, and NAS, and expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a.
15. Kimberly Valencia, resident, addressed the prior speakers on immigration issues, spoke on the South EI Monte Neighbors for Change Alliance, the Walk for Justice event, thanked residents for showing up to speak, spoke on the Town Hall on Fentanyl, Nitazene, and NAS, and expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a.
16. Dominic Maldonado, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a.
17. Frank Villegas, resident expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a. and presented nitrous oxide tanks that he found discarded near schools.
18. Tony Ozaeta spoke on his role as a drug and alcohol counselor in South EI Monte and EI Monte, thanked the Mayor and City Council for the Town Hall on Fentanyl, Nitazene, and NAS, and express concerns on Agenda Item
10.a.
19. John Ventura, resident, spoke on disruption of council meetings, the Town Hall meetings, expressed concerns on decisions that occurred at the last council meeting, and expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a.
20. Patricia Saucedo, resident, expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a., and having a Town Hall on cannabis.
21. Mark Ramos, resident, spoke on positive changes he has seen in the city over the years, and expressed concerns on Agenda Item 10.a.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
22. Robert Yrigoyen reapproached the podium to present death statistics.
23. Eduardo Saucedo spoke on Measure CM, Agenda Item 10.a., the boxing gym, the Kruse property, the number of public comments made at the meeting, prior drug issues, and city deductibles.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
At 7:35 p.m., Mayor Olmos recessed the City Council Meeting for a break.
At 7:48 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting with all councilmembers present.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR — CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the September 16, 2025, Regular City Council and Successor Agency Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 25-100, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of October 30, 2025, through November 12, 2025, totaling $1,375,129.71.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 25-101, accepting the completion of the Systemic Safety Improvements at Signalized Intersections Project, authorized the City Clerk to send the Notice of Completion for recordation to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, to release retention accordingly.
7.d. Approved Resolution No. 25-102, providing the City Manager or designee with the authority to execute all necessary documents, agreements, and amendments related to Measure A -funded projects or programs.
7.e. Adopted Resolution No. 25-103, approving the first amendment to the agreement for contract services with MNS Engineers, Inc. to administer and implement the CalHome programs, authorized the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the agreement, and approved the use of CalHome Reuse Funds to immediately fund program implementation while awaiting the new grant award.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Motion by Board Member Bojorquez, seconded by Vice Chair Delgado, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Board Member(s):
NAYS: Board Member(s):
ABSENT: Board Member(s):
Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Vice Chair
Delgado, and Chair Olmos
None
None
8.a. Approved the Minutes for the September 16, 2025, Regular City Council and Successor Agency Meeting.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. CONTINUED FROM THE JUNE 3, 2025. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING - UPDATE ON CANNABIS BUFFER ZONE MAPS
Mayor Olmos introduced the item, and Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works, presented a report.
Shelley Preisler, Associate, City Attorney's Office, provided clarifications on lot availability and maximum licenses allowed, and prohibited cannabis activities per the City's Code.
Discussion topics included other cities with boundaries of 1,000 -foot buffer zones, the definition of retail commercial, how the 350 -foot jurisdiction boundary was established, buffers applying to parks even located near the city limits, the 1,000 - foot buffer zone option's compliance with Measure CM, clarification on council's potential modification for the Planning Commission, liability with 1,000 -foot restrictions, the Planning Commission's decision and a public hearing will advise the council, current options that push cannabis stores out of sensitive areas and into manufacturing areas, options being based on listening to feedback for past few months, all of the work and research done on this issue so far, vetting the businesses, some resident misinformation and attacks, gratitude for feedback, regulating a voter approved issue, ramifications of no changes, and future Closed Sessions discussions on the topic.
Staff was directed to remove the 600 -foot and 700 -foot buffer zone maps from the recommendation for the Planning Commission's consideration.
This item was received and filed.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the CIF South El Monte High School Varsity Football game, the Veterans Day Ceremony, and the Sheriffs Team Meet & Greet.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Councilmember Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the Sheriffs Team Meet & Greet, the Veterans Day Ceremony, the Harvard Leadership Academy, and a meeting with the Director of Economic Development.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado announced he attended the following: the CIF South EI Monte High School Varsity Football game, the CIF South EI Monte High School Girls Volleyball game, the Veterans Day Ceremony, and the Harvard Leadership Academy.
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the Veterans Day Ceremony, and a meeting with the Director of Economic Development.
Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Veterans Day Ceremony, the Senior Center Veterans Day Luncheon, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Governing Board Meeting, and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee with the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games Ad Hoc Committee, the Sheriffs Team Meet & Greet, the CIF South EI Monte High School Girls Volleyball game, the CIF South EI Monte High School Varsity Football game, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 15 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, and the Harvard Leadership Academy.
12. CORRESPONDENCE
12.a. LETTER FROM EPIPHANY CATHOLIC CHURCH REQUESTING A FEE
WAIVER FOR A TEMPORARY USE PERMIT AND CITY STAFF TIME
FOR THEIR ANNUAL OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PROCESSIONS
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve the fee waiver request submitted by Epiphany Catholic Church, totaling $3,776.31. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Board Member(s):
NAYS: Board Member(s):
ABSENT: Board Member(s):
Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem
Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
None
None
13. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
13.a. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. Town Hall on Suicide Prevention.
Mayor Olmos summarized her item and requested approval for hosting a Town Hall on suicide prevention among kids and adults, to reach out to them firsthand.
COUNCILMEMBERS'
Item 13.a.
AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to host a Town Hall on suicide prevention. Motion passed 5- 0 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
2. Consideration of leveling off the hilly area by the pool due to liability issues.
Mayor Olmos summarized her item, shared her experience with breaking her ankle in that location, stories she's heard of other people falling in the area, and how to make the area more family -friendly.
Other discussion topics included the cost of leveling the area, researching other options to limit the liability of the area, the number of lawsuits or complaints that have happened at that hill, the walkway options, and whether there are any recorded incidents.
Staff was directed to work with the City Attorney's Office to look at the liability issues of the hilly area, and to bring back recommendations on the costs and options to make any changes.
13.b. MAYOR PRO TEM HECTOR DELGADO
1. Manage Electioneering and campaigning practices on Public Facilities.
Mayor Pro Tem Delgado summarized his item and requested the City Attorney bring back recommendations from other cities on ordinances regarding electioneering on public property and at public events.
13.c. COUNCILMEMBER RUDY BOJORQUEZ
1. Review Facility Reservation Forms.
Councilmember Bojorquez summarized his item and presented a review of the fees section of the City Facility Reservation Regulations and Fees Policy.
Motion by Councilmember Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to have the highlighted section in the City Facility Reservation Regulations and Fees Policy stating, "These provisions shall not apply to the Montebello Brewers," removed from the fee waiver criteria. Motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
Item 13.c.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
13.d. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. Safety Measures in the Lexington -Gallatin Neighborhood Adjacent to Whittier Narrows Picnic Area.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item regarding resident concerns on placing stop signs at appropriate corners, speed bumps, early morning school traffic, and illegal dumping in this neighborhood.
Rene Salas, City Manager, provided updates on working with the County on evaluating stop signs that are in their jurisdiction, working with the fire station on speed humps, working with the traffic engineer on early morning traffic measures, working with the County on daytime parking issues to eliminate illegal dumping issues, and a street reconstruction project that will be starting in that entire neighborhood in January.
This item was received and filed.
2. EI Monte/South EI Monte Emergency Resources Association.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item regarding the council's prior vote to donate to the Emergency Resources Association, expressed his concerns with residents' recent attempts to obtain food at the site, not being able to contact the office when calling, the executive board's identity not being disclosed on their website or letterhead, the contingency items still not being cleared, and requested that staff further research the organization.
Other discussion topics included donating to other similar organizations in the City, the frequency of food availability at other food pantries, and other available resources for residents.
This item was received and filed.
14. CLOSED SESSION — None
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 9:19 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk -Cioria Olmos, Mayor