Final Minutes Approved 04/21/2026
CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - 6:00 PM
1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South EI Monte, California 91733 Mayor Olmos called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmember/Board Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Member(s): Tem/Vice Chair Bojorquez (via Zoom at
6:37 p.m.), and Mayor/Chair Olmos
ABSENT: Councilmember/Board None
Member(s):
STAFF PRESENT: Adrian Garcia, City Clerk; Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney; Masami Higa, Director of Finance; Gerardo Marquez, Director of Community Development and Public Works; David De Vries, Director of Economic Development (via Zoom); 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 — Councilmember Rodriguez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. INVOCATION — Robert Yrigoyen, Parish Council President, Epiphany Catholic Church, offered the invocation.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the South EI Monte High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team for their win at Mission Valley League.
4.b. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to South EI Monte High School Students Henry Liem and Ailani Rodriguez for their selection as Quest Bridge Match Scholarship winners.
4.c. Mayor and City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the Iglesia Fuente De Vida for their 40th Anniversary in the City of South EI Monte and events they have hosted for the community.
4.d. Mayor and City Council presented plaques to City of South EI Monte employees celebrating years of service to the City.
PRESENTATIONS (CONTINUED)
4.e. Mayor and City Council received a presentation on the Freewill.com Donor Program.
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez' attendance via Zoom and requested him to confirm there was no one over the age of 18 years old in the room with him.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND WAIVER OF FULL READING OF
ORDINANCES
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced walk-on items for consideration under Councilmembers' Agenda, as Agenda Items 13.c.2. and 13.d., pursuant to Government Code 54952.2(b)(2).
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
At 6:55 p.m., Mayor Olmos called for a recess.
At 7:01 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting with all councilmembers present.
PRESENTATIONS (RESUMED)
4.f. Deputy Cortes presented the Sheriff's Department Report for the months of January and February 2026.
4.g. Code Enforcement Supervisor Rodriguez presented the Code Enforcement and Parking Enforcement Report for the Months of January and February 2026.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Olmos opened Public Comment.
1. David Siegrist, Esq., on behalf of Mayor Olmos, expressed concerns on Resolution No. 26-014, passed at the March 3, 2026, City Council Meeting.
2. Kimberly Valencia, resident, expressed concerns on not being considered for appointment to any of the city commissions, and expressed concerns on topics regarding Agenda Items 13.a., 13.b.2, and 13.c.1.
PUBLIC COMMENT (CONTINUED)
3. Valerie Munoz, La Puente Mayor and San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority representative, introduced herself, the agency, and its services.
4. Patricia Sauceda, resident, expressed concerns on the March 3, 2026, City Council Meeting actions, and expressed concerns on the council's ability to represent the residents.
5. Robert Yrigoyen, resident, expressed concerns on the March 3, 2026, City Council Meeting actions, and expressed support for Agenda Item 12.b.
6. Amanda Rodarte-Contreras, Library Manager, South El Monte Library, announced upcoming teen programs celebrating Women's History Month and developing a safe place to hang out and do homework, the Fairy and the Pirate Musical Show, a child car safety class with a Los Angeles representative, and an adult tech class.
7. Brandy Cruz, resident, expressed concerns on the February 17, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting commission appointments.
8. Tony Ozaeta, community member, spoke on the March 3, 2026, City Council Meeting, expressed concerns on the private investigator, and the February 17, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting commission appointments.
9. Eduardo Sauceda shared the passing of his mother, Rosario Saucedo, extended an invitation to her viewing, expressed his concern on Closed Session conversations, and expressed support for professionalism and leadership.
10. John Ventura, resident, expressed concerns on the Code Enforcement approach for dealing with homeless people when there is the Homeless Commission, spoke in support of the Mayor's attorney comments, concerns with the council majority, upcoming election activities, past budget actions and future budget issues, and concerns with the Rustic & Chic Co. bribery allegations.
11. Gabe Hulbert, Home Run Financing, introduced their PACE program.
12. Cesar Giovanni Sanchez, resident, expressed concerns on the February 17, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting commission appointments, and the commission appointment process being used as a political tool.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Olmos closed Public Comment.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR — CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta. Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
7.a. Approved the Minutes for the February 17, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
7.b. Adopted Resolution No. 26-016, authorizing payment of City expenditures for the period of February 26, 2026, through March 11, 2026, totaling $3,023,211.59.
7.c. Adopted Resolution No. 26-017, approving the agreement with Vet Care for low-cost vaccination services for three years from March 17, 2026, through March 17, 2029, and authorized the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute the agreement.
7.d. Adopted Resolution No. 26-018, approving Amendment No. 2 to the current agreement with The Sauce Creative Services, and authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Motion by Board Member Acosta, seconded by Board Member Delgado, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Board Member(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Vice Chair Bojorquez, and Chair Olmos
NAYS: Board Member(s): None
ABSENT: Board Member(s): None
8.a. Approved the Minutes for the February 17, 2026, Successor Agency Meeting.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
10.a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
FUND (REIF) AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, provided a report.
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the Real Estate Investment Fund (REIF) Management Plan, and to establish the Real Estate Investment Fund (REIF) seeded with $5 million transferred from the General Fund balance reserves. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.b. ALLOCATION OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE CITY'S ELDERLY
NUTRITION PROGRAM
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez requested clarification on what option was being voted on Option 1 or Option 2.
Motion amended by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, on Option 1 to allocate additional funding in the amount of $75,000.00 from the General Fund to the Elderly Nutrition Program. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.c. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-019, APPROVING AMENDMENT 3 TO AGREEMENT WITH DUDEK FOR CONSULTING
SERVICES FOR THE GENERAL PLAN - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT (EIR) for ARTS DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL WEST
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, provided a presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to adopt Resolution No. 26-019, approving Amendment 3 to the agreement with Dudek for consulting services for the General Plan - EIR for Arts District Industrial West, for an amount not to exceed $165,000. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
10.d. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-020, APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH TIERRA WEST ADVISORS, INC. FOR
CONSULTING SERVICES FOR AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIES REPORT
Mayor Olmos announced the item, and David De Vries, Director of Economic Development, provided a report.
John Yonai, Principal & Chairman, Tierra West Advisors, Inc., answered questions on Agenda Items 10.d. and 10.e.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 26-020, approving a professional services agreement with Tierra West Advisors, Inc. (TWA) to prepare an Economic Development Strategies Report in an amount not to exceed $38,500. Motion passed 5-0 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.e. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-021, APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH TIERRA WEST ADVISORS, INC. FOR
CONSULTING SERVICES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
OUTREACH
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to adopt Resolution No. 26-021, approving a professional services agreement with Tierra West Advisors, Inc. (TWA) for Economic Development Outreach Services in an amount not to exceed $25,000. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
10.f. APPOINTMENT OF ONE (1) ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLS
COMMISSIONER
Mayor Olmos read the applicants' names seeking appointment to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission.
Councilmember Acosta nominated Karina Murillo for appointment. Vote failed 2- 3:
GENERAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
Item 10.f.
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
Councilmember Delgado nominated Sophia Sosa for appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Bojorquez, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Delgado, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor announced Sophia Sosa appointed to the Advancement of Women and Girls Commission.
10.g. APPOINTMENT OF ONE (1) PATRIOTIC COMMISSIONER
Mayor Olmos read the applicants' names seeking appointment to the Patriotic Commission.
Mayor Olmos nominated George Retamoza for appointment. Vote passed 5-0:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodgriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
Mayor announced George Retamoza appointed to the Patriotic Commission.
At 9:21 p.m., Mayor Olmos called for a recess.
At 9:26 p.m., Mayor Olmos reconvened the City Council Meeting with all councilmembers present.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS
Councilmember Rodriguez announced he attended the following: the 693rd Quartermaster Company Deployment Ceremony.
Councilmember Delgado announced he had nothing to report.
Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez announced he attended the following: the 693rd Quartermaster Company Deployment Ceremony, and the Senior Center Valentine Luncheon.
Councilmember Acosta announced he attended the following: the Temple Station Sheriff's Outreach Foundation Gala and Awards Ceremony.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS (CONTINUED) Mayor Olmos announced she attended the following: the Senior Center Valentine Luncheon, and the Temple Station Sheriff's Outreach Foundation Gala and Awards Ceremony.
12. CORRESPONDENCE
12.a. LETTER FROM THE MONTEBELLO BREWERS CORPORATION
REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF DEAN L.
SHIVELY PARK FIELD AND NEW TEMPLE PARK FIELDS AND
CONSIDERATION TO HOST TWO BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS IN 2026
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve the facility fee waiver request for the use of Shively and New Temple Park fields up to $64,225.00, pending an updated application with a reduced amount of three fields instead of four fields, to prioritize residents' use of the fields, and to approve the Brewers' request to host two baseball tournaments. Staff will bring back an updated application with the revised fiscal impact at the next meeting.
At 10:00 p.m., by consensus, Mayor and City Council extended the meeting.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to continue the item until the application can be revised for the organization's smaller size to better reflect actual costs and to clarify prioritizing residents' use of the fields. Motion failed 2-3, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Rodriguez, and Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez NAYS: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, and Mayor Olmos ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
Main motion passed 4-1, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
12.b. LETTER FROM EPIPHANY CATHOLIC CHURCH REQUESTING A FEE
WAIVER FOR A TEMPORARY USE PERMIT AND CITY STAFF TIME
FOR THEIR 2026 SILENT MARCH
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to approve the fee waiver request submitted by Epiphany Catholic Church, totaling $1,441.68. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
CORRESPONDENCE (CONTINUED)
12.c. LETTER FROM SOUTH EL MONTE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS
BASKETBALL PROGRAM REQUESTING A FACILITY FEE WAIVER
FOR THE USE OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER AMPHITHEATER AND
ALL THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESERVATION
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez, to approve the requested facility fee waiver for the use of the Community Center Amphitheater in the amount of $375.00, and to approve the request to waive the non -waived fees associated with the reservation in the amount of $927.50. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
13. COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA
Susie A. Altamirano, City Attorney, announced pursuant to the Councilmembers' Agenda Items, a reminder that they are limited to discuss and take action on items that are properly agendized, there is a reference to investigate on public comment and she respectfully request and advise that Council limit their comments to the subject matter, that they provide direction as to what may be looked into but not to speculate or opine out lout because that may compromise the investigation, and to hold comments for the investigator or District Attorney if there is direction to engage the DA's office.
13.a. MAYOR GLORIA OLMOS
1. Follow up on last year's and this year's financials for ERA with a request stating that if they cannot produce financials, they will pay back the City $55,000 that was gifted to them. As a non-profit, it should be a public record; there is no record of it.
Mayor Olmos summarized her item and requested that the organization produce its financial numbers instead of only the email summarizing the number of residents served.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Councilmember Acosta, to accept receiving ERA's financial statements. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
13.b. COUNCILMEMBER MANUEL ACOSTA
1. Usage of the Pylon Sign Adjacent to Santa Anita Avenue and 60 Fwy Discussion/Action: The old Ramada hotel was built in 1991 that included a Pylon Sign adjacent to the 60 fwy. Was the Pylon Sign built independently with its own CUP (Conditional -Use Permit)? If so, can this sign be used as an alternative to the pylon sign being planned for the new shopping plaza being built on Santa Anita Avenue?
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item and shared his research on the Ramada pylon's property versus Caltrans' property.
Discussion topics included moving forward since the idea should have been discussed before the project started, the age and technology of the Ramada sign, agreements with the retailers, sign ownership issues, the qualifications of reusability of the sign, the sign's current requirements and freeway regulations, and permit fees.
This item was received and filed.
2. Investigation Into Alleged Misconduct by City Councilmembers Discussion/Action: In the Public Comment session of the March 3rd meeting, several speakers mentioned incidents regarding councilmember misconduct. The City Council should consider investigating these allegations.
Councilmember Acosta summarized his item on public comments made regarding misconduct with the business Rustic and Chic Co. being extorted, and former Code Enforcement observations during a Sheriffs investigation of a gambling operation with a councilmember's potential abuse of authority.
On Rustic and Chic Co., discussion topics included agreement on investigating the allegations, the court record, the Planning Commission's actions on the business, accepting the investigation results even if uncomfortable, referring the matter over to the District Attorney's Public Integrity Division, bringing back the findings to open session, and investigation options with the DA's Office.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez to open an investigation to find out if there is any truth in taking bribes.
Substitute Motion by Mayor Olmos, by consensus, to pen an investigation and simultaneously notify the District Attorney's Public Integrity Division. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
COUNCILMEMBERS' AGENDA (CONTINUED)
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
On the Sheriff's gambling operation, the City Attorney advised that the subject can be brought to the attention of the City Council and direction can be given to staff to bring the item back, but no action can be taken on this item to afford members of the community an opportunity to speak on the matter.
Received and filed.
13.c. MAYOR PRO TEM RUDY BOJORQUEZ
1. Discussion/Action to open an investigation on public comments made at the last City Council meeting that Rustic and Chic was bribing council members since 2023 to extend their CUP
This item was skipped due to being heard at the same time as Agenda Item 13.b.2.
2. WALK-ON ITEM: Request to use Senior Center on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 11 am to 8pm, for a Celebration of Life event for Rosario Almeida Sauceda.
Motion by Councilmember Delgado, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, to approve. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
13.d. WALK-ON ITEM: COUNCILMEMBER HECTOR DELGADO
1. Request to use the Senior Center on Thursday, April 2nd from 6pm- 8pm for our South El Monte High School Girls Wrestling Team to host their banquet.
Motion by Councilmember Acosta, seconded by Councilmember Delgado, to approve. Motion passed 5-0, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember(s): Acosta, Delgado, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Bojorquez, and Mayor Olmos
NAYS: Councilmember(s): None
ABSENT: Councilmember(s): None
14. CLOSED SESSION — None
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business coming before this body, at 10:41 p.m., Mayor Olmos adjourned the meeting in Memory of Rosario Saucedo, resident, and Armando "Mando" Santa Anna, South El Monte resident and El Monte Senior Detective, to a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Sabrina A. Muhne, Deputy City Clerk.
Adrian Garcia, MMC, City Clerk