MPK Bruggemeyer Library Now Offers Zip Books that Delivers Books to Your Home for Free

Can’t find the book you’re looking for? Want to read a book the Library doesn’t own, but should? Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library patrons can now request books through the Zip Books program.

Visit the Library’s website to fill out a Zip Books request form, wait a day or two and your book will arrive at your home via Amazon Prime for free. When you finish reading your book, return it to the Library and request another one. Books requested through the Zip Books program will then be added to the Library’s collection for others to borrow. Don’t have a computer or internet access? Visit the Library’s Adult Reference or Children’s service desks for a paper form.

Zip Books requests are subject to the following guidelines:

• Books must NOT be in the Library’s collection.
• Books must not exceed $50.00 for books in English and $60.00 for books in a Foreign Language (including sales tax).
• Books must be available through Amazon Prime.

Items not eligible for ordering through the Zip Books program:

• Audiobooks, DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs.
• Textbooks and Workbooks.
• Books not published yet.
• Used Books.

Zip Books can be checked out for 21 days and will automatically renew twice to give you all the time you need to read your book. Zip Books are not subject to late fees, but borrowers will be billed for damaged or lost Zip Books. For more information about the program, visit the www.montereypark.ca.gov/library or call Adult Reference Services at 626-307-1368 or Children’s Services at 626-307-1368.

The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library is the city’s public library located at 318 South Ramona Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754.

Monterey Park Police Department to Begin Issuing 2023 Parking Permits

Starting January 2, 2023, the Monterey Park Police Department will begin taking applications for new 2023 parking permits.

Who needs permits and who is allowed to obtain one?

• Any individual whose address currently has a red parking permit issued to it.
• Individuals who live in parking permit only areas who have not picked up their parking permits in the last few years.

If your address doesn’t require parking permits, you do not need to obtain any.

How many permits can I get?

Each address is permitted four permits in total. You are allowed to obtain two guest permits and two permanent permits. Vehicles must be registered to the applicable Monterey Park Address in order to qualify for a permanent permit.

How long is the permit valid for?

The new 2023 permits will be green and will be valid for a total of three years. January 2023 to January 2026.

How do I get my parking permit renewed?

You will come to the Monterey Park Police Front Counter during the first two weeks of January. Guest permits from the previous years (red) MUST be returned in exchange for the new green permits.

How much does it cost to renew?

There is no charge if you bring back both guest permits. There is a charge for any lost guest permits. $29.00 will be charged for EACH unreturned guest permit (This fee is subject to change each fiscal year)

Will the parking permits allow me to park anywhere?

Preferential Parking permits will not exempt the user from parking in the alley behind their residence or parking on the street during certain days and times set for street sweeping. This will also not exempt the permit holder from the 72-hour parking limitation.

Can I transfer permits between my cars?

Permanent parking permits are not transferable to any other vehicles. This is an assigned permit to the vehicle listed in the application; however, guest hanging permits are for guests and are allowed to be transferred between vehicles.

If you don’t renew your parking permits, you are subject to a $56 ticket for expired permits.

Beginning January 2, 2023, visit the City Hall Police Front Counter between 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. everyday, including weekends, to renew your parking permits. If you are paying with cash for your replacement permits, make sure to bring exact change. If paying with card, the amount is subject to additional card processing fees. Monterey Park City Hall is located at 320 W. Newmark Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754.

MPPD: Stick to a “Go Safely” Game Plan and Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Enforcement Campaign Begins December 14

With a commitment to keeping the community safe, the Monterey Park Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From December 14 through New Year’s Day, the Monterey Park Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The extra enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 people were killed in car crashes nationwide in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver, or one person every 45 minutes.

The Monterey Park Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” Monterey Park Chief of Police Scott Wiese said. “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that driving impaired is an illegal, senseless behavior that takes lives.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Monterey Park Certified Farmers’ Market Moving to Barnes Park January 12

The City of Monterey Park is excited to announce the Farmers’ Market is moving to Barnes Park beginning January 12, 2023.

The weekly market’s new location will be near the Barnes Park tennis courts and softball field and will continue to operate on Thursday evenings from 4-9 p.m.

After four years at George Elder Park, Farmers’ Market & Local Community Events (FM&LCE), the market’s organizer, has decided to relocate to Barnes Park at 350 S. McPherrin Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754.

FM&LCE is thrilled to invite the community to enjoy a variety of farmers and vendors selling fresh produce, offerings, services and live entertainment. Please continue to support local food operators and businesses to promote sustainability and healthy communities.

For more information, please contact the Recreation & Community Services Department at 626-307-1388 or visit www.montereypark.ca.gov/farmersmarket or the market’s Facebook page @MPKFarmersMarket. Vendors interested in participating in the market can email fmlce123@gmail.com.

City of Monterey Park Offering Free COVID-19 At-Home Test Kits to Residents

Thanks to a generous donation from Chinatown Service Center, the City of Monterey Park is now providing free at-home COVID-19 test kits to all residents.

With the current increase in COVID-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations, as well as the holiday season, it is important to follow appropriate protocols to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends testing before gathering socially, especially if your get-together includes people at increased risk.

To pick up your free at-home test kits, please visit Langley Senior Center or Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library during open hours. To ensure all residents have access to this important resource, there is a limit of two boxes per person.

Langley Senior Center is located at 400 West Emerson Avenue, Monterey Park, 91754. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Bruggemeyer Library is located at 318 South Ramona Avenue, Monterey Park, 91754. Current hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Wednesday and Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Beginning January 3, 2023, the Library hours will be Tuesday and Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Free Vaccination Clinic

The Monterey Park Fire Department, in partnership with Chinatown Service Center, will provide a free vaccination clinic on Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Barnes Park on the grassy area east of the tennis courts between the City Hall and the Gym. The clinic will offer Pfizer and Moderna booster vaccines as well as flu vaccines. No appointment is necessary and everyone 6 months or older is eligible providing six months have passed since receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Testing Centers

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health runs a testing site at East Los Angeles College located at 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, 91754. No appointment is necessary, and the site is drive-up only. For more details, please visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.