Year of the Golden Ox

Monterey Park Councilmembers Frank Venti, Mitch Ing, Anthony Wong, David Lau, Sharon Martinez; City Clerk Dave Barron; City Manager June Yotsuya; Congressmember Adam Schiff, Cindy Chen represented Congressmember Hilda Solis; Henry Lo represented State Senator Gloria Romero; Assemblymember Mike Eng; Bob Bruesch from the Garvey School Board; Bob Gin from the Alhambra School Board; State Board of Equalization Member Judy Chu, Rosemead Councilmember Polly Low; Stephen Lam and Members of the BIDAC; Miss Taiwan World; Miss Teen Taiwan; Members of the People’s Republic of China; Members of the Taipei Cultural Office and many other honored guests welcomed the residents and their guests to Monterey Park’s Lunar New Year celebration on January 31 and February 1 on Garvey Avenue.

Stephen Lam welcome all to the Year of the Ox. It’s a New Year! He thanked the City Council, City staff, BIDAC members and the City Manager of this successful event.

Mayor Venti welcomed all to Monterey Park. He expressed surprise that he was born in the Year of the Ox (1937).  He asked God’s blessing on America and all present.

Mr. Ing welcomed all to this event. He hoped that everyone would enjoy all the action.

Mr. Wong wished everyone a Happy New Year! You make these events successful. Enjoy yourself!

Mr. Lau welcomed all to our annual Lunar New Year celebration. It’s a community event for all the families to enjoy. Happy New Year!

Ms. Martinez wished everyone a Happy New Year and a Happy Chinese New Year! It’s a great event.

Mr. Barron welcome all to this event. This is his 20th year attending the celebrations. He remembered the earlier celebrations that were not so grand.

Ms. Yotsuya wished everyone a Happy New Year! This is her first event. It’s wonderful and exciting. She thanked everyone for joining us.

Mr. Lam introduced the BIDAC members and thanked them for all their hard work.

Mr. Schiff welcome all to the celebration of the Year of the Ox. He made a presentation to the city and wished everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Ms. Chu wished everyone a Happy New Year! It’s a great day. She stated that the celebration has grown since she sat on the Council 13 years ago. It’s a great to celebrate the diversity of our community. She presented proclamations of appreciation.

Mr. Eng wished everyone a Happy New Year in several languages and presented proclamations of appreciation.

Mrs. Low wished everyone a Happy New Year! She presented proclamations of appreciation.

Ms. Chen wished everyone a Happy New Year! She made presentations on behalf of Ms. Solis for bring cultural awareness to Monterey Park.

Mr. Lo wished everyone a Happy New Year of the Golden Ox! He made presentations on behalf of Ms. Romero. He thanked all for this wonderful event.

Mr. Bruesch wished everyone a Happy New Year! He stated that we need oxen to improve our economy. This is the year of change. We will all work together.

All the speakers wished everyone a Happy New Year!

The Lion Dancers and the Dragon danced in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

The God Of Wealth (Money) walked through the crowds at the street fair and presented calendars to everyone he met. The street fair had several booths featuring information on city services, medical services, education, music and DVDs, clothing, leather goods, pets (goldfish, birds and turtles), art work, gifts and much more.

Live entertainment included Kung Fu, acrobats, Singing and Talent Contest, Chinese folk music, magic shows, cooking shows and live bands.

The street fair also had an international food court, a kiddy zone with moon bounces and carnival rides.

There was a display of flower arraignments for all to enjoy. Children were carrying balloon animals and wearing balloon hats.

Members of Tzu Chi Foundation, USA had an education booth and were collecting recyclables. They had several samples of blankets and bags made from recycled plastic bottles.  They are dedicating their lives to the greening of our planet.

Members of the Monterey Park Police and Fire Departments passed out badges to all the children. The police officers were fingerprinting children for their parents’ records. The fire personnel were educating residents about the safety measures they should take before a disaster hits. They strongly suggest that residents be prepared to take care of themselves, their families and neighbors for seven days.

Alhambra and San Gabriel had a joint Lunar New Year celebration on February 7 with a parade and a street fair held under soggy skies.

The Alhambra Council rode down Valley Blvd. on a colorful float. The San Gabriel Councilmembers rode down the street in classic cars.

The parade featured colorful floats decorated to celebrate the Year of the Ox. Bands and dancers performed for the hearty residents who lined the street to see the parade.

It ended at the site of the street fair which featured booths selling music and DVDs, art work, gifts, clothes, food and much more.

The city provided information on the different departments for the residents.

The children really enjoyed the fun zone.

They were wonderful New Year celebrations welcoming in the Year of the Ox.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!