South El Monte, California

South El Monte, California is a small city of approximately 20,000 residents. The City of South El Monte is about 18 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County. South El Monte is bounded on the west by the Rio Hondo River and on the east by the San Gabriel River, which has a large watershed in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. The City of South El Monte was incorporated in 1958. South El Monte has a land area of about 2.8 square miles (about 1,792 acres).

A key area attraction for residents and visitors alike is the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area and Whittier Narrows Natural Area, which lie at the southern and southwestern boundaries of South El Monte. Whittier Narrows Natural Area offers 400 acres of riparian woodland and four lakes. Also within the complex is Whittier Narrows Golf Course. Whittier Narrows Golf Course features an 18-hole course and a 9-hole course.

South El Monte’s southern neighbors are the cities of Pico Rivera and Whittier.

South El Monte’s western neighbors are the unincorporated community of South San Gabriel, and the cities of Monterey Park and Montebello. Monterey Park created a Downtown Business Improvement District that funds holiday decorations, marketing services, sidewalk cleaning, and street furniture such as benches, planters, and bike racks.

South El Monte’s northern neighbor is the City of Rosemead. The City of Rosemead, incorporated in 1959 and covering 5.2 square miles, was a finalist on several occasions for the “Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County Award” issued annually by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. Also to the north of South El Monte is the City of El Monte. Just north of South El Monte is the City of Temple City, which is ranked as one of California’s safest cities to live in.

South El Monte’s eastern neighbors are Avocado Heights, Bassett, and West Covina. The unincorporated community of Avocado Heights features an equestrian district and many homes on half acre or larger lots. A short distance to the east of South El Monte is California Country Club, a private, investor-owned, non-equity golf club with an 18-hole golf course.

More than 70 percent of the land area of South El Monte is devoted to industrial, retail, or office/commercial use. During the 1930s and 1940’s industry transformed what had been up to that time a mainly agricultural community. Light industry continues to act as the City’s economic base. South El Monte is easily accessible from the San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 10), Pomona Freeway (State Route 60), and San Gabriel River Freeway (Interstate 605).

Greater El Monte Community Hospital serves South El Monte and surrounding communities. The 117-bed facility, which experiences about 12,000 patient days annually with approximately $48 million in inpatient revenue, offers emergency care, cardiology/pulmonary care, surgery, a birthing center, and rehabilitation.

The City of South El Monte operates under a council-manager form of government. A five-member City Council, which includes the Mayor, governs the City. The Mayor and the City Council are elected by registered voters living within the City of South El Monte. City Council members are elected to serve four-year terms. Candidates for City Council must be citizens of the United States, registered voters, and residents of the City of South El Monte. The Mayor is the presiding officer over the City Council. City Council members choose one of its members to act as Mayor Pro Tem. The City Council appoints the City Manager, who oversees the City Clerk, Finance, Community Development, Community Services, and Administration departments. Upcoming infrastructure enhancement projects include the $5.7 million Santa Anita Avenue Revitalization Project. Each year the State of California Auditor examines the finances of cities within the State and conducts a risk assessment for the potential of waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement, or concerns over efficiency or effectiveness. The Auditor has identified South El Monte as a low risk city. Cities identified as high risk are subject to formal State audits. The City of South El Monte’s public parkways, parks, and facilities have more than 2,000 trees.

The City of South El Monte contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for law enforcement services. Deputies designated to operate in South El Monte are stationed at the Sheriff’s Temple Station in nearby Temple City.

The City of South El Monte contracts with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for fire and emergency services. Los Angeles County Fire Station 90 of Division IX is in South El Monte, one of approximately 174 stations operated by the agency.

The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority provides animal care and control services for the City of South El Monte.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District provides vector control services for the City of South El Monte.

Public Safety Officers provide parking enforcement services and conduct street closures and traffic and pedestrian control for special events in the City.

City annual revenues exceed $34 million. Taxes are the largest source of revenue for the City.

El Monte is served by the following school districts: Valle Lindo, Mountain View, El Monte City, and El Monte Union High School. Established in 1863, Valle Lindo School District is the third oldest school district in California. Valle Lindo School District has a student enrollment of about 900. Mountain View School District serves approximately 5,500 students at eight schools. El Monte Union High School District employs more than 1,200 employees, who provide educational programs for over 8,000 high school students and approximately 11,000 adult education students.

South El Monte Library is part of the Los Angeles County Library system.

South El Monte hosts a Farmer’s Market on Thursdays.

Foothill Transit, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Norwalk Transit provide bus service for South El Monte.

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