The City of Monterey Park unveiled a centennial monument and a time capsule plaque on November 29th at City Hall in tribute to the city’s 100th birthday that occurred in May 2016.

City Manager Ron Bow welcomed the guests to this historical event. He introduced Mayor Mitch Ing, Councilmembers Stephen Lam, Hans Liang and Peter Chan, Clerk Vince Chang and Treasurer Joseph Leon to the audience.

Police and Fire Explorers presented the colors and led the Flag Salute.

Four Trumpeters opened the ceremony and played our National Anthem.

Mayor Ing welcomed the guests to this centennial celebration. He gave a brief history of the founding of Monterey Park in 1916 when the majority of the residents voted to incorporate the city to keep it from becoming a sewer farm. He referred to Monterey Park like the Olympic event held in Brazil that featured multitude of colors. We are a mosaic of colors. We are part of the fabric of Monterey Park. The time capsule reflects the current history of our city. It will be a reminder of the people of Monterey Park.

Mr. Bow introduced former Mayors David Lau and Lily Chen and former City Clerks Theresa Amador, Pauline Lemire and Dave Barron.

Councilmember Chan said his part of the celebration was to fill the Centennial Time Capsule. He had the staff collect local newspapers, magazines, copies of the city’s budget, tickets to sports games and movies, pictures of the Play Days Parade and other local events held in 2016. They reflect the new changes to the city from 100 years ago. This time capsule captured our history in 2016. It could be opened in the next 100 years or less. We captured history so the future residents can see how we lived.

Students from the Alhambra, Garvey and Montebello School Districts each carried a sign stating the year they will graduate from high school. They represent our city motto “Pride in the Past” and “Faith in the Future”.

Councilmember Liang stated his part of the celebration was creating Centennial Monument. He wanted it done in marble to last for 100 years. The monument has the City’s Centennial Seal on the top with the list of the city’s entire elected official from 1916 to 2016 on the backside. The front side has a list of all of the local service clubs, public schools and other community partners for the last 100 years. It is a snapshot of our last 100 years. He thanked the residents and the sponsors for their support.

Elected officials surrounded the monument at the end of the outdoor ceremony.

Mayor Ing and Councilmembers Lam, Liang and Chan joined with the guests to enjoy a short slide show of the Centennial events.

Mayor Ing joked that Randy Ishino’s father was the architect on the City Hall. It is a small world. He stated the future residents could remember us in the past with the legacy of Monterey Park.

Councilmember Lam thanked the residents for the last 100 years. He hopes the city is here for the next 100 years.

Councilmember Liang thanked the residents for being here for 100 years. He hopes we can come together for the next 100 years.

Councilmember Chan said we started the celebration with several city events.  The time capsule and monument will be here for the next 100 years. They can see how we lived and worked in Monterey Park.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors Agnes Arakawa and Transtech Engineering.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors Councilmember Hans Liang and his wife, Lani Liang.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors William Wheeler.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. Boardmember Thomas Wong accepted the proclamation.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors the Monterey Park Historical Society. Jim Iwaki and Pauline Lemire accepted the proclamation.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors J & C Financial Services.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors Monterey Park Women’s Club.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors the Cinco de Mayo Committee.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors Councilmember Peter Chan and his wife, Jenny Chan.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors The Citizen’s Voice newspaper.

The Council honored centennial event sponsors Theresa Amador.

Mayor Ing thanked all of the sponsors for their generous support of the Centennial events on behalf of the City Council.  Many of the donors were not available to receive their proclamations and the staff will be sure they receive them.  He requested the residents attend the upcoming city events.