Shooting Investigation Regarding 1600 Block of South Atlantic Boulevard

On March 19, 2024 at approximately 10:08 p.m., the Monterey Park Police Department responded to the 1600 block of South Atlantic Boulevard for a shooting that had just occurred. 

Monterey Park Police Department arrived on scene and located multiple bullet casings in the street and on the sidewalk. A parked vehicle at the scene was struck by gunfire several times. There were no gunshot victims located. According to a witness, immediately after the shooting, a dark, newer model pickup truck fled the scene northbound on Atlantic Boulevard.

The Police Department does not believe there is a threat to the general public at this time.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call the Monterey Park Police Department at 626-307-1200.

City of Monterey Park Seeks Public Input on Economic Future

Public participation encouraged at upcoming community feedback sessions

The City of Monterey Park is creating a five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan to ensure economic growth and a high quality of life for its residents.

To ensure that the plan reflects the aspirations and concerns of the community, the City is inviting residents, business owners, and property owners to participate in one of two public feedback sessions scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Langley Senior Center, 400 W. Emerson Ave, Monterey Park:

• Session 1: For Business and Commercial Property Owners, 3:30–5 p.m.
• Session 2: For Community Residents, 6–7:30 p.m.

Your voice matters! These sessions will allow you to influence the community’s strategies to foster economic growth.

The first session, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., is specifically tailored for business and commercial property owners. It aims to gather insights and feedback from entrepreneurs and stakeholders invested in the City’s economic vitality.

The second session, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., is designed for community residents. It offers an avenue for residents to voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the economic future of Monterey Park.

Help shape Monterey Park’s future, register now for one of the two sessions by visiting Eventbrite.com.

Monterey Park Extends Heartfelt Condolences to Taiwan After Devastating Earthquake

In the aftermath of the recent earthquake, the City of Monterey Park extends its heartfelt condolences and support to the people of Taiwan during this challenging time.

As a community with a significant Taiwanese American population, our hearts go out to those affected by this natural disaster and we express sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and all those who have been displaced from their homes.

In light of this devastating event, Monterey Park sends our thoughts and prayers to the people of Taiwan and recognizes the resilience and strength of the Taiwanese people as they work towards recovery.

Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Celebrates National Library Week

Ready, set, library! National Library Week is April 7–13, 2024, and the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library encourages everyone in the community to visit the library to take part in the festivities and explore all the library has to offer.

Libraries give us a green light to experience something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and pursue our passions through book clubs, storytimes, movie screenings, crafting classes, lectures, and more.

And libraries play a pivotal role in economic development by providing resources and support for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The Library supports Monterey Park with services such as resume writing and small business workshops, online workforce development and skill building resources, and more.

No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, raising a family, or settling into retirement—Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library offers the resources and support you need and an inclusive and supportive community where you will feel welcome.

So, get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with others this National Library Week. The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library is there for you, all the way to the finish line.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.

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

Monterey Park Presents the 24th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival April 27-28

Spring is in full bloom in Monterey Park as the city announces the 24th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival on April 27-28.

The free two-day event is once again expected to draw thousands of visitors to Barnes Park to experience Japanese and Asian Pacific Islander culture. Highlights will include music and dance performances on two stages, a food court with a delicious spread of Japanese and Asian food, a children’s craft booth, and a full line-up of vendors selling unique crafts and merchandise. This year, for the first time in its history, the Cherry Blossom Festival will also feature an anime and cosplay exhibition—complete with a costume contest. There is truly something for everyone!

On the main stage, this year’s performances will range from classical Japanese dance and vibrant taiko drumming, to raucous sets from local music legends Kokoro, Ronin Stones and many more. Visitors can also watch exhilarating exhibitions of kendo (traditional Japanese fencing) and Polynesian dance, and enjoy the stylings of the Mark Keppel High School Pep Band. Inside the Barnes Park Gym, cultural exhibitions will feature Japanese calligraphy, traditional tea ceremony, and a presentation by the Veteran’s Memorial Court Alliance honoring Japanese American veterans.

The Cherry Blossom Festival Marketplace will feature a host of vendors selling merchandise with unique Asian Pacific Islander flair. Community organizations will also be available to offer information and support on a variety of health, social, education and consumer issues impacting the community. Families will also have a blast at the children’s craft area making Japanese fox masks.

No festival would be complete without delicious food. This year’s food court offerings will include perennial favorites like chicken teriyaki, spam musubi, and festive mochi desserts from Little Tokyo’s Fugetsudo.

The City will be offering free shuttles from Langley Senior Center, and Ynez and Repetto Elementary Schools. The Cherry Blossom Festival is free to the public and made possible with the crucial contributions of community volunteers and financial sponsors. Please visit www.MontereyPark.ca.gov/CherryBlossom for a list of sponsors, or to find out how you can contribute to this annual event.

Barnes Park is located at 350 S. McPherrin Avenue in Monterey Park. For more Cherry Blossom Festival information on hours, programming and parking, please visit www.MontereyPark.ca.gov/CherryBlossom or contact Memo Chavez at gchavez@montereypark.ca.gov.

Monterey Park PD Reminds Drivers to Stay Focused, Stay Safe: Get Off Your Apps

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a time to put safety in the driver’s seat. Monterey Park Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“In today’s fast-paced life, it is common to lose focus while driving,” Chief of Police Scott Wiese said. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a crucial reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Let’s get off our apps and keep our eyes on the road. Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach.”

According to the 2023 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, there were at least 140 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text or email, or are in a situation with other distractions, such as looking up directions, pull over to a safe parking spot to complete the task without putting yourself and others at risk. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.