City of Monterey Park Announces the Appointment of Inez Alvarez as City Manager, Diana Garcia as Assistant City Manager

The City of Monterey Park is pleased to announce the official appointment of Inez Alvarez as City Manager. Ms. Alvarez has served as the Interim City Manager since July 2023.

Having been an integral part of Monterey Park’s executive leadership team since 2018, Ms. Alvarez brings a proven track record of leadership to the role.

During her tenure as Interim City Manager, Ms. Alvarez has successfully demonstrated her ability to make informed decisions and lead with resilience and is known for her collaborative approach to problem-solving and her in-depth knowledge of municipal operations.

Mayor Jose Sanchez expressed confidence in Ms. Alvarez’s ability to continue leading the City, stating, “Inez has proven herself as a dedicated and effective leader during her time as Interim City Manager and we are thrilled to officially appoint her as our City Manager. She champions diversity, which strengthens and enriches our community. We believe that her inclusive vision, strong leadership, and collaborative spirit will play a pivotal role in fostering the ongoing success of Monterey Park.”

Also joining the City Manager’s Office is Diana Garcia, who has been appointed Assistant City Manager. Ms. Garcia has served as the Interim Assistant City Manager since July 2023 and served as Monterey Park’s City Librarian, directing the operations of the Bruggemeyer Library since 2018. Ms. Garcia has over 20 years of experience in city and county organizations, creating award-winning community services, and building successful teams to serve diverse populations.

City Manager Alvarez stated, “Over the last six months, Diana has excelled in the Interim Assistant City Manager role. Her experience, dedication, and leadership will contribute to the continued success and growth of our City and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact she will continue to make in her permanent role.”

Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Announces Library Card Design Contest

Artists ages six and older are encouraged to participate in the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Card Design Contest. Submissions will be accepted January 16 through 31.

Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to design a card just for kids, while teens and adults can enter the competition for the adult card. Download an entry form or visit the Library to pick up a form. Artists may consider what they love about Monterey Park, what libraries mean to them or how the Library enhances community connections. Winning designs will be selected based on creativity, artistic expression, and the message communicated.

Participants must reside or go to school in Monterey Park and all artwork must be the original work of the artist. Completed entry forms may be returned to the Circulation Desk or emailed to libraryts@montereypark.ca.gov with “Contest” in the subject line. Winners will be announced and the newly designed library cards will be available on April 7, 2024 in celebration of National Library Week.

To learn more about the contest, visit https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=933.

The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library is the city’s public library located at 318 South Ramona Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754. For more City of Monterey Park news and information, please visit www.montereypark.ca.gov.

Candlelight Vigil to Unite, Honor and Reflect…A One-Year Remembrance of the Jan. 21 Mass Shooting

City of Monterey Park Announces Candlelight Vigil to Unite, Honor and Reflect as a Community on the One-Year Remembrance of the January 21 Mass Shooting

The City of Monterey Park invites the community to join together for a Candlelight Vigil in remembrance of the tragic events that took place on January 21, 2023.

The Candlelight Vigil, scheduled for Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Monterey Park City Hall located at 320 W. Newmark Avenue, invites community members to stand together in unity and support one another. The event will provide a space for reflection and healing as we honor the memory of the victims of the January 21 shooting and stand together against violence.

The City of Monterey Park will also convene a private Roundtable on Hope and Healing earlier in the day, bringing together invited community leaders and advocates to discuss strategies for fostering resilience and support within our community and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Please note that the Roundtable event is by invitation only.

Acknowledging the stress and difficulty surrounding the approaching one-year mark, the MPK Hope Resiliency Center, located at Sierra Vista Community Center at 311 N Rural Dr, Monterey Park, CA 91755, is a comprehensive resource dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being. The Center provides a variety of services, including counseling, support groups, and educational programs tailored to address the unique needs of individuals and families affected by the January 21 tragedy. MPK Hope is supported by a collaborative effort of several organizations led by Chinatown Service Center and working together with a shared commitment to facilitating the healing and rebuilding process.

Services offered by MPK Hope include trauma-informed counseling sessions, workshops on coping strategies, and support groups for individuals and families navigating the aftermath of the January 21 incident. MPK Hope provides compassionate support and help to the community on the path to healing. For more information and resources, please visit www.mpkhope.com or call 626-609-3399.

For more information about the Candlelight Vigil, please visit www.montereypark.ca.gov/jan21vigil.