Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Hosts “History Alive” Author Series

The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library will host a ”History Alive” authors series from January through March 2015 featuring authors sharing real life stories highlighting the positiveness of the human spirit, courage and perseverance.

Charles “Norm” Stevens talks about his new book, “Seeking More of the Sky: Growing Up in the 1930s,” on Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m. in the Friends Room. Stevens, a WWII veteran and the author of several autobiographical accounts of his experiences as a bombardier aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress will read from his book and share his stories about growing up in Los Angeles during the Depression while the clouds of war were gathering in Europe.

Author Eddie Fung will talk about his memoir, “The Adventures of Eddie Fung: Chinatown Kid, Texas Cowboy, Prisoner of War,” on Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m. in the Friends Room. His wife, Judy Young, an editor and co-author of the book will also talk about her book, “Island: Poetry and History of Chinese Immigrants on Angel Island, 1910-1940,” which documents the hopes and despairs of Chinese immigrants in poetry written and carved on the walls at Angel Island.

Copies of the authors’ books will be available for purchase and signing at each of the “History Alive” author events. For more information about the free author programs call 626-307-1368.

The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library is the city’s public library located at 318 S. Ramona Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Library hours are Sundays 1-5 p.m.; Mondays and Tuesdays 12-9 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more City of Monterey Park news and information visit the city website at www.MontereyPark.ca.gov.

Tree Memorial Award Nomination Period Now Open

Nominations for the 2015 Tree Memorial Award are now being accepted by the Recreation and Community Services Department. The Tree Memorial Award was created to recognize individuals who have made a significant positive impact on the community. Groups or individuals who wish to nominate an individual must complete the application process. Nominations will be accepted through February. For more information or for an application, please visit the city hall recreation department or call 626-307-1388.

Code Enforcement Volunteer Program

Program Information
The City of Monterey Park is proud to introduce to you our Code Enforcement Volunteer Program. Initiated several years ago, this program allows residents to work together with City staff to help improve and preserve both residential and commercial neighborhoods; and thus, the quality of life for all in the community.   These efforts also help improve and preserve the aesthetic qualities of our community as well as ensure that our neighborhoods are a good place to live and work.

Volunteer Responsibilities
As the core and foundation of this program, volunteers assist the Code Enforcement Division personnel with various property maintenance issues.  Acting as additional “eyes and ears” in the City; these efforts allow staff additional time to better address the needs of the residents and citizens, handle more in-depth cases, and increase work productivity.   Specifically, Code Enforcement Volunteers assume tasks similar to those performed by code enforcement personnel.  As a volunteer, you will help us protect the value of homes and the quality of life in the neighborhoods through routine inspections for observations of property maintenance issues.

You will not be asked to inspect your own neighborhood, and no interior inspections will be required.  As a volunteer, you will help us maintain the high community standards the City Council has adopted in the following areas:

• Excessive Garage Sales, residents are permitted two garage sales per year
• Parked vehicles on lawn areas
• Commercial and oversized vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods
• Excessive accumulations of trash and debris in visible areas
• Auto repair and unapproved business activities in the neighborhoods
• Lack of property maintenance or landscaping
• Weeds or overgrown vegetation, which are both health and fire hazards
• Unauthorized posting of signs on street signs, utility poles, etc.

Volunteer Qualifications and Requirements
Volunteers donate four to eight hours per month.  Work schedules are flexible and based upon your availability.   Initial requirements to volunteer must be the possession of the following:

• High School diploma or equivalency
• A valid California Driver’s License

No specific job experience is required.  You will be thoroughly trained prior to assuming any duties.  Generally, you will be assigned to work out in the field (driving throughout the city) with a partner.  There are no financial expenses on your part, a marked city vehicle and necessary supplies will be provided by the city in order for you to accomplish your tasks.

Application Process
After submitting a completed application, reference checks and a screening through the Department of Motor Vehicles will be conducted. Those whose interests match needed skills and who qualify through the records checks will then be invited to a personal interview. This allows both the Division and the applicant an opportunity to become better acquainted, to gain a better understanding of the program, and to determine if interests match the expectations.

• Selected applicants may be asked to undergo a medical evaluation, at the city’s expense, to ensure that all duties and tasks can be carried out.
• Selected applicants will then undergo a training course and be issued a city identification card.
• Once this is completed, you will then become a part of the Code Enforcement Team to beautify the community.

If you’re interested in becoming a Code Enforcement Volunteer, obtain an application from the Code Enforcement Division in City Hall or call 626-307-1415 to have an application mailed to you.