Montebello, California
Montebello is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States, in the southwestern part of the San Gabriel Valley. It is located on 8.4 sq mi (22 km2) of land just 8 mi (13 km) east of downtown Los Angeles. It is considered part of the Gateway Cities, and the city is a member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. The name, Montebello, means “beautiful mountain” in both Italian and Spanish. In the early 1900s, Montebello was a known source for oil springs. According to the 2008 US Census, the total population of Montebello is 63,957 people
History
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the land along the Rio Hondo River was populated by the Tongva (Gabrielino) part of the Uto-Aztecan family Native Americans. The Tongva occupied much of the Los Angeles basin and the islands of Santa Catalina, San Nicolas, San Clemente and Santa Barbara. When the Spanish explorer Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo arrived off the shores of Santa Catalina, the Tongva came out in their canoes to meet with him in 1542. The language of the Tongva was different from the neighboring Indian tribes and it was called Gabrielino by the Spanish. The Gabrielinos lived in dome-like structures with thatched exteriors. Both sexes wore long hair styles and tattooed their bodies. During warm weather the men wore little clothing, but the women would wear minimal skirts made of animal hides. During the cold weather they would wear animal skin capes. European diseases killed many of the Tongva and by 1870 the area had few remaining native inhabitants.Franciscan Missionaries, Fathers Angel Somera and Pedro Cambon, founded the original Mission San Gabriel Arcangel on September 8, 1771, near where San Gabriel Boulevard intersects the Rio Hondo River. Additionally, it is also close to the present day Sanchez Adobe Mansion. This marked the beginning of the Los Angeles region's settlement by Spaniards. The San Gabriel Mission is the fourth of twenty-one missions that would ultimately be established along California's El Camino Real. The San Gabriel mission did well as a cattle ranch and farm, but six years after its founding a destructive flood led the mission fathers to relocate the establishment to its current location farther north in present day city of San Gabriel. The original mission site is now marked by a California Historical Landmark.During the early years of the mission, the region operated under a Rancho system. The lands which now compose the city of Montebello were originally parts of Rancho San Antonio, Rancho La Merced, and Rancho Paso de Bartolo. The Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe, built in 1844, still stands at the center of old Rancho La Merced in East Montebello. Recently restored, is the city's oldest structure. The Battle of Rio San Gabriel took place in Montebello on January 8, 1847. This battle that gave the control of Los Angeles and Alta California to the United States, and was an important decisive factor in winning the Mexican-American war. Today the site is California State Historical Landmark #385, and there are two old cannons and a plaque commemorating the battle overlooking the river on Bluff Rd. and Washington Blvd.Following the American Civil War, some 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) of the East Los Angeles region was owned by an Italian settler from Genoa, Alessandro Repetto. After Repetto's death in 1885, his brother sold his rancho to a consortium of five Los Angeles businessmen including banker Isaias Hellman and wholesale grocer/historian Harris Newmark for $60,000, or about $12 per acre.Later the land was divided among the partners, one large parcel of approximately 2,000 acres (810 ha) going to a partnership of Newmark and his nephew, banker Kaspare Cohn. It was out of the Newmark and Cohn share of 1,200 acres (490 ha) that Montebello had its beginning in May 1899. Eventually, they subdivided this land, after seeking the advice of hydraulic engineer William Mulholland in drafting the design and building a water system. In 1900 the completed water system was incorporated as the Montebello Land and Water Company.An area of 200 acres (81 ha), adjacent to the tracks of the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad (now part of the Union Pacific Railroad) were developed into a townsite called Newmark, and the remainder of the land was subdivided into 5 acres (2.0 ha) lots suitable for small-scale agriculture. On Mulholland's suggestion, this land was given the name Montebello, which was adopted as the city's name, replacing the original name Newmark. The name, Montebello, which means beautiful mountain in both Italian and Spanish, is shared with several other communities in Europe and the Americas.Originally an agricultural community, in the early 20th century, Montebello was known for its prolific production of flowers, fruits and vegetables, and berries. The first flower show was sponsored by the Montebello Woman’s Club and held in the Montebello High School auditorium on Whittier Blvd., in 1912. The Montebello – El Carmel (South Montebello) Improvement Association, the predecessor of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, operated from September 1907 to April 1912. Its purpose was “to improve and beautify the community.” Some of its achievements were: Whittier Boulevard was paved, trees planted along the streets, laid the groundwork and established the first high school, strived to have the name of Newmark dropped and to have the entire area incorporated as the City of Montebello. On October 19, 1920, the city's name was officially changed to Montebello and it was incorporated as the 35th of the present cities in Los Angeles County, and the official seal contained a red poinsettia in the center.The Standard Oil Company discovered oil in the Montebello hills in 1917, on the Baldwin and Temple properties and revolutionized the face of Montebello. The formerly agricultural hills became oil fields were eventually producing one-eighth of California's crude oil. After 1920s and into the 1960s, the Montebello hills were dotted with active oil wells.Montebello is home to the oldest Armenian Community in Los Angeles County and home to the only Armenian Cathedral in California, Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral. The Armenian Martyrs Monument at Bicknell Park commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Turks is the largest monument found on public property in the World. Armenian Church in Montebello It is inscribed:Montebello was also home to a significant Japanese community. They ran the four nurseries in town, but were sent to internment camps during WW II. Japanese-Peruvian and Japanese-Hawaiian communities, settled in the area after WWII and the internment camps. When the Japanese citizens returned from the internment camps after the war, many found they had lost their property. At least one of the nurseries was taken over and cared for during the war by a loyal employee, Fred Sarrazin, who returned the nursery to its rightful owner and in turn was given employment for his lifetime. Today, the Japanese population in Montebello is over 11% of the total population.
Geography
Montebello is located 8 mi (13 km) east of downtown Los Angeles at the southwestern part of the San Gabriel Valley. The surrounding cities are Monterey Park, South San Gabriel, and Rosemead to the north, Commerce to the south, Pico Rivera to the east, and Los Angeles and East Los Angeles to the west. It is also sometimes considered part of the Gateway Cities, and the city is a member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments.According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.4 m2 (90 sq ft), of which 8.2 m2 (88 sq ft) are land and 0.1 m2 (1.1 sq ft) or 1.32% is water.The city is easily accessible to the Long Beach- (I-710), San Gabriel River- (I-605), Pomona- (SR 60) and Santa Ana- (I-5) freeways.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 62,150 people, 18,844 households, and 14,867 families residing in the city. The population density was 7,536.9 people per square mile (2,908.6/km²). There were 19,416 housing units at an average density of 2,354.6/sq mi (908.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 46.82% White, 0.90% African-American, 1.23% Native American, 11.64% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 33.85% from other races, and 5.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 74.57% of the population, some of which are also included in the census of the white population.The largest percentage of residents who reside in The City of Montebello are Mexican-American. Montebello is the neighboring city just east of East Los Angeles, and is well known for its Mexican-American history and culture, as are the majority of the South East Cities in Los Angeles County. Montebello also has a significant contingent of Armenian-Americans. 38.3% of residents are foreign born, and 75.6% speak a language other than English in the home.There were 18,844 households out of which 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 20.1% had a female head of household and 21.1% were unrelated individuals. 17.1% of all households consisted of a single individual and 8.0% had persons who were 65 years of age or older living alone. The average household size was 3.28 and the average family size was 3.67.The 2000 census data counted persons as 28.6% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.32 years. For every 100 females there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.3 males.The median income for a household in the city was $38,805, and the median income for a family was $41,257. Males had a median income of $30,423 versus $26,590 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,125. 16.3% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher and 69% of residents have a high school degree. About 14.2% of families and 13.2% of the population were living below the poverty line, including 24.3% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
In the state legislature Montebello is located in the 30th Senate District, represented by Democrat Ronald S. Calderon, and in the 58th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Charles M. Calderon. Federally, Montebello is located in California's 38th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of D +20 and is represented by Democrat Grace Napolitano.Montebello utilizes a City Council/City Administrator form of government. The City Council provides political leadership and policy direction. The City Administrator provides the leadership and management of the city and the department heads. Montebello has six department heads and some oversee more than one division.Montebello Redevelopment Agency has three project areas:Montebello Hills Redevelopment Project Area
Montebello Economic Revitalization Project Area
South Montebello Industrial Redevelopment Project Area
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Whittier Health Center in Whittier, serving Montebello.The United States Postal Service operates the Montebello Post Office at 145 North 5th Street and the Montebello Hills Post Office at 2547 Via Campo.
Top employers
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
Budget crisis
Montebello officials have some burdensome choices ahead of them as they face a projected $4 million shortfall, and also $8 million of borrowed debt to its redevelopment agency, the city’s interim administrator stated recently. Difficult questions were asked: How much does it cost to rebuild a street? A mile-long length of street costs $1.6 million. How much does a bus cost? $560,000, but its value becomes $5,000 once they’re done with it,after many years of service. In the last year, the city has laid off 26 employees, and closed a fire station In light of the scandals happening in nearby cities in Southern California, Councilman Frank Gomez put the city administrator on the spot early in his questioning: “Has the city been mis-managed...?” Not wanting to provide a definite answer, Randy Narramore answered, “I don’t think it’s one thing. It’s been happening for a number of years.”
Police department
The City of Montebello has its own Police Department, consisting of 87 sworn officers, 10 sergeants, and 59 civilian personnel organized into three divisions: Field Services, Investigative Services, and Support Services. Augmenting the department are a Reserve Officer Corps, a Police Explorer Program, a Police Chaplain Corps and a civilian Citizen’s on Patrol program. Their mission statement is:The Department is committed to community service. They provide a variety of services including Neighborhood Watch, the Citizen’s Academy and a child seat loan program. The Crime prevention Bureau provides free security inspections to local businesses and residents. The department strives to serve the community with five core values of: Quality, Integrity, Service, Compassion, and Pride.
Transportation
Public transportation is provided by the city government's Montebello Bus Lines Montebello Bus Lines is the third largest municipal bus system in Los Angeles County with 9.1 million people riding the buses each year. Its peak period fleet of 67 buses was recently enhanced with the addition of five hybrid gasoline-electric buses. Montebello Bus Lines plans to purchase 25 more hybrid buses in the next three years, replacing 15 of its diesel fuel buses LINK, which offers a curb-to-curb shuttle to and from the Montebello/Commerce Metrolink station.The City of Montebello also operates Montebello Dial-a-Taxi, a program which offers transportation for senior residents and qualified disabled persons of any age and their attendants. 15,000 residents utilize this service.
Education
The city is served by the Montebello Unified School District. Montebello U.S.D. serves the city of Montebello, portions of the cities of Bell Gardens, Commerce, Downey, Rosemead, Pico Rivera, and Monterey Park, as well as the unincorporated community of South San Gabriel, and a part of the unincorporated community of East Los Angeles. The District is one of the largest and most diverse in Los Angeles County with an enrollment of more than 35,000 K-12 students and 30,000 adults enrolled in Adult Education. There are eighteen elementary schools, six intermediate schools, four high schools, and four adult schools. The four high schools in the Montebello Unified School District are the historic Montebello High School, founded in 1909, Bell Gardens High School, Schurr High School and Vail High School, an alternative high school (grades 10–12).Saint Benedict School, a private parochial grammar school, K-8, is operated on Saint Benedict Church property. It opened in September 1941 and was formally dedicated on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941.A private parochial high school, Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School, is also located in Montebello. Originally two separate gender-segregated High Schools, they merged in the 1991, the Sacred Heart of Mary campus moving to the Cantwell campus. This monumental endeavor has taken and incorporated the very best from each of the these two educational traditions.
Montebello city parks
The Montebello Parks and Recreation Division provides recreational services for all age groups, from small children to the growing senior citizen community. Their Mission Statement is: “Creating Community Through People, Parks & Recreation”.The popular Grant Rea Park, is home to the Montebello Barnyard Zoo, Pony Rides, Train Rides and a Merry Go Round.
Bicknell Park, where theMontebello Genocide Memorialis located.
The oldest park is Montebello City Park, 1300 W Whittier Blvd. which is now home to Montebello Skateboard Park located where, in the 1950's, were quiet fishponds. The skateboard park is highly rated by local skateboarders, was opened in 2002.
The Sanchez Adobe Park is home to the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe, the oldest standing structure in the City of Montebello, built in 1845.
Ashiya Park, named for Montebello's sister city in Japan.
Henry Acuna Park, named in honor of the only Montebello Police Department Officer killed while on duty. In Henry's memory a Marker of Honor and Tree of Life was recently placed at the entrance of Acuna Park.
Reggie Rodriquez Park is 11 acres (4.5 ha) on which is located the Reggie Rodriguez Community Center, noted for its unique architecture and providing a central location for activities for the at-risk youth population in the city.The park is named for a Viet Nam War era hero,KIA.
Chet Holifield Park, which is home to the Chet Holifield Branch Library in south Montebello. The name of the library and park honors Congressman Chet Holifield, 19th District (served 1943-1974).
Potrero Heights Park is located at the northern-most point in Montebello.
Golf course
Montebello Municipal Golf Course has a rich history that goes back to 1928, when it was built as an enterprising country club designed by Max Behr, (Golf Course Architect). The City of Montebello purchased the course in 1941. The 120 acre, 18-hole public championship course was remodeled in 1998-99 reopening on May 7, 1999. The remodel included the addition of 3 lakes all new greens, tees, bunkers and cart paths. Architects for the remodel were David Rainville and Gary Bye. Montebello Country Club is now recognized as one of the best municipal golf courses in Southern California. Golf lessons are available at The Montebello Country Club. These lessons are available for the beginners to advanced golfers. Lessons are given by appointment. There are 4 golf instructors available, 2 of which are bilingual in Korean and Spanish.Located in the Golf Course grounds is the 'Quiet Cannon' and conference center. The banquet room holds up to 500 people. There is over 30,000 sq ft of private event space to accommodate groups of 25 or more guests.
Tree division
The Tree Division is in charge of maintaining the trees throughout the City located in the parkways, street medians, parks and golf course. There are an estimated total of 20,000 trees on city property. The Tree Division has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the outstanding management of the City’s urban forest, and has been a recipient of the Tree City U.S.A. award for the past 19 years.
Notable people
Alan Bannister, born in Montebello, was a formerMLBplayer.
Ken Davitian, Actor, number of movies most notably played the role of Azamat in the movie 'Borat'.
John DeCuir, Oscar Winning Art Director. Montebello High School Class of 1936. DeCuir earned eleven Oscar nominations, winning three: The King and I (1956), Cleopatra (1963), and Hello, Dolly! (1969).
Darlene Hard, (tennis player) 2-time U.S. Nationals Champion (1960, 1961), 1960 French Champion, Fed Cup Champ 1963. Won 18 grand slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles. Born in Montebello and a 1953 graduate of Montebello High.
Jack Kramer, 3-time Wimbledon Champ, 7-time U.S. Champ, 3-time Davis Cup Champ
Jay Hernandez, actor, he has since appeared in several major Hollywood films, including playing the lead role in the 2005 horror filmHostel.
Judi Evans Lucianowas born in Montebello, star onDays of Our Lives.
Dr.Bruce Merrifield, Montebello High School class of 1939, Nobel Prize Winner.
Edward James Olmoswas a graduate of Montebello High School.
Carl Renezeder, off-road racing champion
Jack Russell, born in Montebello, lead vocalist forGreat White.
Hagop Sandaldjian, microminiaturesculptor, lived and worked in Montebello after emigrating fromYerevan, Armenia(then part of theSoviet Union) in 1980.
Nosaj Thing(aka Jason Chung), hip-hop recording artist, is a native of Montebello.
Bobby KnoopMajor league Baseball player. MHS Class of 1956
Tes Santo Syzonenko, Sacred Heart of Mary Class of 1976, the only young woman to be selected as City of Montebello's Rose Queen, Student Ambassador to Sister City Ashiya, Japan and Ambassador to Sister City in Ensenada, Mexico.
Oscar De La Hoya, 10-time boxing world champion
Art TorresPolitician. MHS Class of 1964
Tom TellezTrack star. Montebello High School Class of 1951,Tom Tellez Track at Carl Lewis International Complex
Jerry PimmMen's Basketball Coach , MHS Class of 1956,
Eddie AlvaradoFounder of Hollywood Teen TV,in talks of a reality show, actor,Schurr High School Class of 2009
Jack Kramer, Men's Wimbledon Singles Champion, graduate of Montebello High School Doris Hart, Women's Wimbledon Singles Champion, graduate of Montebello High School Don Larson, Quarterback for the Los Angeles, Chargers, graduate of Cantwell High School
Sister cities
Ashiya,Japan
The City of Montebello has been affiliated with the City of Ashiya, Japan since the inception of the Sister City Program in 1961. Student Ambassadors are chosen to travel to Ashiya every year.Stepanakert,Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
The City of Montebello has been affiliated with the City of Stepanakert, the capital of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabagh Republic, since 2005, when a much controversial move to facilitate the sister city relationship was made by the Armenian National Committee of the San Gabriel Valley and unanimously approved by the City Council.
