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An area of {{convert|200|acre|abbr=on}} adjacent to the tracks of what was formerly the [[Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad|San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad]] was developed into a townsite called Newmark. The remainder of the land was subdivided into {{convert|5|acre|abbr=on}} lots suitable for small-scale agriculture. On Mulholland's suggestion, Montebello was adopted as the city's name, replacing the original name Newmark.<ref>{{cite news | last =Rasmussen | first =Cecilia | title =City names stem from trees, ranches - even a goddess | work =Los Angeles Times | pages =B2 | date =July 29, 2007 | accessdate =2007-07-30}}</ref> The name, Montebello, means "beautiful mountain" in Spanish.<ref>[http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/monte Spanish Disctionary defining "monte"]</ref><ref>[http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/bello Spanish Dictionary defining "bello"]</ref>
An area of {{convert|200|acre|abbr=on}} adjacent to the tracks of what was formerly the [[Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad|San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad]] was developed into a townsite called Newmark. The remainder of the land was subdivided into {{convert|5|acre|abbr=on}} lots suitable for small-scale agriculture. On Mulholland's suggestion, Montebello was adopted as the city's name, replacing the original name Newmark.<ref>{{cite news | last =Rasmussen | first =Cecilia | title =City names stem from trees, ranches - even a goddess | work =Los Angeles Times | pages =B2 | date =July 29, 2007 | accessdate =2007-07-30}}</ref> The name, Montebello, means "beautiful mountain" in Spanish.<ref>[http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/monte Spanish Disctionary defining "monte"]</ref><ref>[http://www.spanishdict.com/translate/bello Spanish Dictionary defining "bello"]</ref>


Originally an agricultural community, Montebello became known for its prolific production of flowers, berries, fruits, and vegetables. The first public flower show was sponsored by the Montebello Woman’s Club and held in the [[Montebello High School]] auditorium on Whittier Boulevard in 1912.<ref name="cityofmontebello1"/> The Montebello – El Carmel (South Montebello) Improvement Association, the predecessor of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, operated from September 1907 to April 1912. with its stated purpose “to improve and beautify the community.” Some of its early achievements included seeing Whittier Boulevard was paved, trees being planted along the streets, establishment of the city's first high school, working to drop the name of "Newmark" and having the entire area incorporated as "The City of Montebello".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montebellochamber.org/History.aspx |title=Chamber History |publisher=Montebellochamber.org |date= |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> On October 19, 1920, the city was incorporated with the city's name officially changed to Montebello. In honor of Montebello's agricultural roots, the city's official seal contains a red poinsettia in the center.<ref name="cityofmontebello1"/>
Originally an agricultural community, Montebello was formerly known for its prolific production of flowers, berries, fruits, and vegetables. The first public flower show was sponsored by the Montebello Woman’s Club and held in the [[Montebello High School]] auditorium on Whittier Boulevard in 1912.<ref name="cityofmontebello1"/> The Montebello – El Carmel (South Montebello) Improvement Association, the predecessor of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, operated from September 1907 to April 1912. with its stated purpose “to improve and beautify the community.” Some of its early achievements included: seeing Whittier Boulevard paved, trees planted along the streets, establishment of the city's first high school, working to drop the name of "Newmark" and having the entire area incorporated as "The City of Montebello".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montebellochamber.org/History.aspx |title=Chamber History |publisher=Montebellochamber.org |date= |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> On October 19, 1920, the city was incorporated and its name officially changed to "Montebello". In honor of Montebello's agricultural roots, the city's official seal contains a red poinsettia in the center.<ref name="cityofmontebello1"/>


The [[Standard Oil Company]] discovered oil in the Montebello hills in 1917 on the [[Baldwin]] and Temple properties. This discovery revolutionized the face of Montebello.</ref name="oilhistory"> What were formerly hills full of agriculture became oil fields. Eventually, the oil taken from the soil in Montebello would produce one-eighth of the crude-oil in California.<ref name="MTB1"/> For sixty years, the Montebello hills were filled with producing oil wells.<ref name="cityofmontebello1"/><ref>http://www.mkhs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=62613&type=d</ref>
The [[Standard Oil Company]] discovered oil in the Montebello hills in 1917 on the [[Baldwin]] and Temple properties; this discovery changed the face of Montebello.</ref name="oilhistory"> What were formerly hills full of agriculture became oil fields. Eventually, the oil taken from the soil in Montebello would produce one-eighth of the crude-oil in California.<ref name="MTB1"/> Over the course of sixty years, the Montebello hills were filled with producing oil wells.<ref name="cityofmontebello1"/><ref>http://www.mkhs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=62613&type=d</ref>


[[Image:Armenian Genocide Memorial, Montebello, California.jpg|thumb|right|200px|none|[[Armenian Genocide]] Memorial in Montebello]]
[[Image:Armenian Genocide Memorial, Montebello, California.jpg|thumb|right|200px|none|[[Armenian Genocide]] Memorial in Montebello]]


Montebello is home to the oldest Armenian Community in Los Angeles County and home to [[Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral]], the only Armenian [[cathedral]] in California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cathedralsofcalifornia.com/?tag=armenian |title=Armenian |publisher=Cathedrals of California |date= |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> The [[Armenian Martyrs Monument]] at Bicknell Park commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide by the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Turks]] is the only such monument on public property in the world.<ref name="MTB1">[http://www.streetgangs.com/hispanic/montebello Montebello, California – Hispanic Gangs | Street Gangs Resource Center<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armenian-genocide.org/Memorial.118/current_category.75/offset.10/memorials_detail.html |title=Monument at Bicknell Park in Montebello, California |publisher=Armenian-genocide.org |date=1965-04-24 |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> The inscription on the memorial reads: "This Monument Erected By Americans Of Armenian Decent, Is Dedicated To The 1,500,000 Armenian Victims Of The [[Genocide]] Perpetrated By The Turkish Government 1915–1921, And To Men Of All Nations Who Have Fallen Victim To Crimes Against Humanity."
Montebello is home to the oldest Armenian Community in Los Angeles County and home to [[Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral]], the only Armenian [[cathedral]] in California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cathedralsofcalifornia.com/?tag=armenian |title=Armenian |publisher=Cathedrals of California |date= |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> The [[Armenian Martyrs Monument]] at Bicknell Park commemorating the victims of the [[Armenian Genocide]] by the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Turks]] is the only such monument on public property in the world.<ref name="MTB1">[http://www.streetgangs.com/hispanic/montebello Montebello, California – Hispanic Gangs | Street Gangs Resource Center<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armenian-genocide.org/Memorial.118/current_category.75/offset.10/memorials_detail.html |title=Monument at Bicknell Park in Montebello, California |publisher=Armenian-genocide.org |date=1965-04-24 |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> The inscription on the memorial reads: "This Monument Erected By Americans Of Armenian Decent, Is Dedicated To The 1,500,000 Armenian Victims Of The [[Genocide]] Perpetrated By The Turkish Government 1915–1921, And To Men Of All Nations Who Have Fallen Victim To Crimes Against Humanity."


Montebello has a history of being home to a significant [[Japanese]] community. Prior to being sent to [[internment camps]] during [[World War II]], the city's four plant nurseries were owned and operated by Japanese-Americans. Many of those sent to the camps found they had lost their land, homes, and businesses upon their return to Montebello. Only the Mori nursery, which was taken over and cared for by a loyal employee, a young French-American, named Fred Sarrazin.<ref name=fred>http://www.docstoc.com/docs/23500751/Sending-Flowers-to-America</ref> was returned the nursery to its rightful owner, George Mori, after the war. In turn, Mr. Mori gave Sarrazin employment at the nursery for his lifetime, and the Mori Nursery was able to continue under its original name.<ref name=fred/> Today, the Japanese population in Montebello is over 11% of the total population.<ref name="cityofmontebello1"/><ref name="MTB1"/>
Montebello has a history of being home to a significant [[Japanese]] community. Prior to being sent to [[internment camps]] during [[World War II]], the city's four plant nurseries were owned and operated by Japanese-Americans. Many of those sent to the camps found they had lost their land, homes, and businesses upon their return to Montebello. Mori Nursery was the only nursery in the city that was returned to its Japanese-American owner by the employee who took it over, Fred Sarrazin.<ref name=fred>http://www.docstoc.com/docs/23500751/Sending-Flowers-to-America</ref><ref name=fred/> Today, the Japanese population in Montebello is over 11% of the total population.<ref name="cityofmontebello1"/><ref name="MTB1"/>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==

Revision as of 18:25, 7 January 2012

Montebello
City
Official seal of Montebello
Seal
Location of Montebello in Los Angeles County, California
Location of Montebello in Los Angeles County, California
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyLos Angeles
Government
 • MayorArt Barajas
Area
[1]
 • Total8.373 sq mi (21.685 km2)
 • Land8.333 sq mi (21.581 km2)
 • Water0.040 sq mi (0.104 km2)  0.48%
Elevation
200 ft (61 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total62,500
 • Density7,500/sq mi (2,900/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP code
90640
Area code323
FIPS code06-48816
GNIS feature ID1656573
Websitewww.cityofmontebello.com

Montebello is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States, located in the southwestern area of the San Gabriel Valley on 8.4 sq mi (22 km2) 8 mi (13 km) east of downtown Los Angeles. It is considered part of the Gateway Cities, and is a member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. In the early 20th century, Montebello was a well-known source for oil reserves. [2] At the 2010 census, the population was 62,500; according to the California Department of Finance, the estimated population of Montebello on January 1, 2011, was 62,789.[3]

History

Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the area known today as Montebello, the land along the Rio Hondo River was populated by the Tongva (Gabrielino) portion of the Uto-Aztecan family of Native Americans. The Tongva occupied much of the Los Angeles basin and the Santa Catalina islands, San Nicolas, San Clemente and Santa Barbara; when Spanish explorer Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo arrived off the shores of Santa Catalina in 1542, he was met by the Tongva people. Because the language of the Tongva was different from the neighboring tribes it was called "Gabrielino" by the Spanish. As more non-natives arrived and settlements were established, illness and disease came with them. By 1870, the area had few remaining indiginous inhabitants as disease brought by the Europeans killed many of the Tongva.[4]

Father Angel Somera and Father Pedro Cambon, both Franciscan missionaries, founded the original Mission San Gabriel Arcangel on September 8, 1771; the location is today near the intersection of San Gabriel Boulevard and the Rio Hondo River. The establishment of the mission marked the beginning of the Los Angeles region's settlement by Spaniards and the fourth of twenty-one [5] missions ultimately established along California's El Camino Real. The mission did well initially as a cattle ranch and farm. Six years after its founding, however, a destructive flood led the mission fathers to relocate the establishment farther north to its current location in what is the present day city of San Gabriel. The original mission site is now memorialized as California Historical Landmark #158.[6]

During the early years of the mission's existence, the region operated under a "Rancho" land grant system.[7] 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, Rancho la Merced is the city's oldest standing structure.[8]

During the Mexican-American War, the Battle of Rio San Gabriel took place on January 8, 1847 in what are today parts of the cities of Whittier, Pico Rivera and Montebello. The battle was a decisive victory for the U.S. Army, giving control of Los Angeles and Alta California to the United States and is viewed by historians as a factor in winning the Mexican-American war. Today the site is California State Historical Landmark #385; and there are two cannons and a plaque commemorating the battle that overlook the river on Bluff Road and and Washington Boulevard.[9]

Following the American Civil War, some 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) of the East Los Angeles area was owned by Alessandro Repetto, an Italian immigrant settler from Genoa, Italy. Following 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, approximately $12 per acre.[5] The land was later 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 city Montebello had its beginnings in May 1899. After receiving the advice of hydraulic engineer William Mulholland for the drafting and building of the town's water system, the land was subdivided. In 1900 the completed water system was incorporated as the Montebello Land and Water Company.[10]

An area of 200 acres (81 ha) adjacent to the tracks of what was formerly the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad was developed into a townsite called Newmark. The remainder of the land was subdivided into 5 acres (2.0 ha) lots suitable for small-scale agriculture. On Mulholland's suggestion, Montebello was adopted as the city's name, replacing the original name Newmark.[11] The name, Montebello, means "beautiful mountain" in Spanish.[12][13]

Originally an agricultural community, Montebello was formerly known for its prolific production of flowers, berries, fruits, and vegetables. The first public flower show was sponsored by the Montebello Woman’s Club and held in the Montebello High School auditorium on Whittier Boulevard in 1912.[5] The Montebello – El Carmel (South Montebello) Improvement Association, the predecessor of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, operated from September 1907 to April 1912. with its stated purpose “to improve and beautify the community.” Some of its early achievements included: seeing Whittier Boulevard paved, trees planted along the streets, establishment of the city's first high school, working to drop the name of "Newmark" and having the entire area incorporated as "The City of Montebello".[14] On October 19, 1920, the city was incorporated and its name officially changed to "Montebello". In honor of Montebello's agricultural roots, the city's official seal contains a red poinsettia in the center.[5]

The Standard Oil Company discovered oil in the Montebello hills in 1917 on the Baldwin and Temple properties; this discovery changed the face of Montebello.</ref name="oilhistory"> What were formerly hills full of agriculture became oil fields. Eventually, the oil taken from the soil in Montebello would produce one-eighth of the crude-oil in California.[15] Over the course of sixty years, the Montebello hills were filled with producing oil wells.[5][16]

Armenian Genocide Memorial in Montebello

Montebello is home to the oldest Armenian Community in Los Angeles County and home to Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, the only Armenian cathedral in California.[17] The Armenian Martyrs Monument at Bicknell Park commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Turks is the only such monument on public property in the world.[15][18] The inscription on the memorial reads: "This Monument Erected By Americans Of Armenian Decent, Is Dedicated To The 1,500,000 Armenian Victims Of The Genocide Perpetrated By The Turkish Government 1915–1921, And To Men Of All Nations Who Have Fallen Victim To Crimes Against Humanity."

Montebello has a history of being home to a significant Japanese community. Prior to being sent to internment camps during World War II, the city's four plant nurseries were owned and operated by Japanese-Americans. Many of those sent to the camps found they had lost their land, homes, and businesses upon their return to Montebello. Mori Nursery was the only nursery in the city that was returned to its Japanese-American owner by the employee who took it over, Fred Sarrazin.[19][19] Today, the Japanese population in Montebello is over 11% of the total population.[5][15]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19305,498—
19408,01645.8%
195021,735171.1%
196032,09747.7%
197042,80733.4%
198052,92923.6%
199059,56412.5%
200062,1504.3%
201062,5000.6%
source:[20]

2010

The 2010 United States Census[21] reported that Montebello had a population of 62,500. The population density was 7,464.7 people per square mile (2,882.1/km²). The racial makeup of Montebello was 33,633 (53.8%) White, 567 (0.9%) African American, 634 (1.0%) Native American, 6,850 (11.0%) Asian, 58 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 18,431 (29.5%) from other races, and 2,327 (3.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 49,578 persons (79.3%).

The largest percentage of residents who reside in 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.[22] Montebello also has a significant contingent of Armenian-Americans.[23] 38.3% of residents are foreign born, and 75.6% speak a language other than English in the home.[15]

The Census reported that 62,100 people (99.4% of the population) lived in households, 39 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 361 (0.6%) were institutionalized.

There were 19,012 households, out of which 8,168 (43.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 9,088 (47.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 4,031 (21.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,651 (8.7%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,302 (6.8%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 134 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 3,350 households (17.6%) were made up of individuals and 1,640 (8.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.27. There were 14,770 families (77.7% of all households); the average family size was 3.67.

The population was spread out with 16,142 people (25.8%) under the age of 18, 6,414 people (10.3%) aged 18 to 24, 17,567 people (28.1%) aged 25 to 44, 13,857 people (22.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 8,520 people (13.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.7 years. For every 100 females there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males.

There were 19,768 housing units at an average density of 2,361.0 per square mile (911.6/km²), of which 8,766 (46.1%) were owner-occupied, and 10,246 (53.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.1%. 29,095 people (46.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 33,005 people (52.8%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

As of the census of 2000, there were 62,150 people, 18,844 households, and 14,867 families residing in the city.Template:GR 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 per square mile (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.[24]

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.[25]

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.[26]

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.[27][28]

Economy

Top employers

According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:[29]

# Employer # of Employees
1 Kaiser Permanente 4,496
2 Montebello Unified School District 3,577
3 Monarch Litho 2,865
4 Montebello Town Center 1,897
5 Beverly Hospital 860
6 Bimbo Bakeries USA 750
7 Minson 633
8 City of Montebello 601
9 Costco 300
10 Royal Paper Box 170

Police department

Montebello has its own police department consisting of 87 sworn officers and 10 sergeants.[30] The department also employs 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 "Citizens on Patrol" program.[31] The department provides a variety of services to citizens 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.[30]

The Montebello Police Department's mission statement lists five core values: Quality, Integrity, Service, Compassion, and Pride.[32][33]

Education

The city is served by the Montebello Unified School District. M.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.[34] The four high schools in the Montebello Unified School District are the historic Montebello High School, founded in 1909,[35] 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.[36]

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.[37]

A $30 million high school, Applied Technology Center, opened in Fall 2011. The new facility offers high school students vocational instruction with state-of-the-art technical training. It accommodates up to 750 students. Students wishing to attend the school are required to apply for admission.[38] Board of education President Edwin Chau said the ATC will offer students a "rigorous academic curriculum and career technical education within a full-day schedule." At Montebello Unified, we have made it our goal to ensure our students graduate from our district career-ready and college prepared," Chau said. "The new Applied Technology Center is truly taking our efforts to the next level."[38] The project was paid for with a $98 million Measure M bond, which voters passed in November 2004.[38]

Parks, golf course, trees

File:Montebello Barnyard Zoo.JPG
Grant Rea Park Sign / Montebello Barnyard Zoo
Horses on the trails

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.[39]
  • Bicknell Park, where the Montebello Genocide Memorial is located.[40]
  • The oldest park is Montebello City Park, 1300 W Whittier Blvd. which is now home to Montebello Skateboard Park located where, in the 1950s, were quiet fishponds. The skateboard park is highly rated by local skateboarders, was opened in 2002.[41]
  • The Sanchez Adobe Park is home to the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe, the oldest standing structure in the City of Montebello, built in 1845.[42]
  • 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 placed at the entrance of Acuna Park.[43]
  • Reggie Rodriquez Park is named for a Vietnam War hero[44] and is a 11 acres (4.5 ha) area 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.[45]
  • 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).[46]
  • Potrero Heights Park is located at the northern-most point in Montebello.

Golf course

Montebello Municipal Golf Course's history that dates back to 1928, when it was built as an enterprising country club designed by golf course architect Max Behr. The city purchased the course in 1941.[47] The 120 acre, 18-hole public championship course was remodeled for the 1998-99 reopening held on May 7, 1999. The remodel added 3 lakes, new greens, tees, bunkers and cart paths. Montebello Country Club is now recognized as one of the best municipal golf courses in Southern California.[47]

A conference center is located on the golf course grounds is the Quiet Cannon banquet room that holds up to 500 people. There is over 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2) of private event space to accommodate groups of 25 or more guests.[48]

Tree division

Montebello's municipal tree division is responsible for maintaining the city's trees located in the parkways, street medians, parks and golf course. With 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 continuous recipient of the "Tree City U.S.A." award since 1991.[47]

Geography and climate

Climate data for Montebello, CA
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 91
(33) 		95
(35) 		100
(38) 		104
(40) 		105
(41) 		108
(42) 		108
(42) 		106
(41) 		113
(45) 		106
(41) 		100
(38) 		88
(31) 		113
(45)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 69.7
(20.9) 		71.3
(21.8) 		72.6
(22.6) 		77.4
(25.2) 		79.2
(26.2) 		84.2
(29.0) 		88.9
(31.6) 		89.4
(31.9) 		87.5
(30.8) 		82.2
(27.9) 		75.2
(24.0) 		70.7
(21.5) 		79.0
(26.1)
Daily mean °F (°C) 58.8
(14.9) 		60.0
(15.6) 		61.6
(16.4) 		65.3
(18.5) 		68.1
(20.1) 		72.6
(22.6) 		76.6
(24.8) 		77.4
(25.2) 		75.7
(24.3) 		70.3
(21.3) 		63.6
(17.6) 		59.0
(15.0) 		67.4
(19.7)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 47.9
(8.8) 		48.7
(9.3) 		50.5
(10.3) 		53.1
(11.7) 		56.9
(13.8) 		60.9
(16.1) 		64.3
(17.9) 		65.4
(18.6) 		63.8
(17.7) 		58.4
(14.7) 		52.0
(11.1) 		47.3
(8.5) 		55.8
(13.2)
Record low °F (°C) 30
(−1) 		29
(−2) 		33
(1) 		39
(4) 		30
(−1) 		30
(−1) 		38
(3) 		44
(7) 		50
(10) 		44
(7) 		37
(3) 		30
(−1) 		29
(−2)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.53
(90) 		3.60
(91) 		2.94
(75) 		0.90
(23) 		0.23
(5.8) 		0.06
(1.5) 		0.01
(0.25) 		0.02
(0.51) 		0.17
(4.3) 		0.31
(7.9) 		1.00
(25) 		1.67
(42) 		14.44
(367)
Source: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca5790 [49]

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.

Transportation

Buses

Public transportation is provided by the city-owned Montebello Bus Lines;[50] the service is the third largest municipal bus system in Los Angeles County with 9.1 million annual riders.[citation needed] Starting in 1931 with a fleet of four buses, the bus lines now has a fleet of 66 buses, including five hybrid gasoline-electric buses. The bus line serves 14 communties.[51]

Other public transportation

Montebello LINK is a transportation shuttle offering curb-to-curb service to and from the Montebello/Commerce Metrolink station.[52] Montebello also operates Montebello Dial-a-Taxi, a program offering transportation for senior residents and qualified disabled persons of any age. 15,000 residents utilize this service.[53]

Notable people

Sister cities

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.[66]

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.[67]

References

  1. ^ U.S. Census
  2. ^ http://www.cityofmontebello.com/about/history_/default.asp
  3. ^ http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/estimates/e-1/documents/E-1_2011_Press_Release.pdf
  4. ^ Data Recovery Montebello California (CA) - Data Retrieval Montebello California (CA) - Data Restoration Montebello California (CA)
  5. ^ a b c d e f "History". City of Montebello. 1920-10-19. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  6. ^ "Los Angeles". California Historical Landmarks. California Department of Parks & Recreation Office of Historic Preservation. 2004. Retrieved 2007-07-30.
  7. ^ UC Berkeley Library; Ranchos of California - Cris Perez, Boundary Determination Office
  8. ^ City of Montebello - History
  9. ^ Bauer, K. Jack (1974). The Mexican War, 1846–1848. New York: Macmillan. ISBN 0-8032-6107-1.
  10. ^ "Sixty years in Southern California, 1853–1913, containing the reminiscences of Harris Newmark". American Memory. Library of Congress. Retrieved 2007-07-30.
  11. ^ Rasmussen, Cecilia (July 29, 2007). "City names stem from trees, ranches - even a goddess". Los Angeles Times. pp. B2. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  12. ^ Spanish Disctionary defining "monte"
  13. ^ Spanish Dictionary defining "bello"
  14. ^ "Chamber History". Montebellochamber.org. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  15. ^ a b c d Montebello, California – Hispanic Gangs | Street Gangs Resource Center
  16. ^ http://www.mkhs.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=62613&type=d
  17. ^ "Armenian". Cathedrals of California. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  18. ^ "Monument at Bicknell Park in Montebello, California". Armenian-genocide.org. 1965-04-24. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  19. ^ a b http://www.docstoc.com/docs/23500751/Sending-Flowers-to-America
  20. ^ "Census of Population and Housing (1790–2000)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  21. ^ Template:USCensus-2010CA
  22. ^ "Drug Rehab, Montebello, Alcohol Treatment, Drug Rehab, Drug Addiction Recovery And Rehab Programs". Drugrehabmontebello.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  23. ^ "A Goat Roast at Chic, LA Wine Festival, Armenian Food Fair, On the Lamb High Tea". sinosoul.com. 2010-05-05. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  24. ^ "Montebello - Montebello - Population overview". Epodunk.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  25. ^ "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". Campaign Legal Center Blog. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
  26. ^ "Whittier Health Center." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 18, 2010.
  27. ^ "Post Office Location - MONTEBELLO." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
  28. ^ "Post Office Location - Montebello Hills." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
  29. ^ City of Montebello CAFR
  30. ^ a b http://www.cityofmontebello.com/depts/police/default.asp
  31. ^ http://www.cityofmontebello.com/depts/police/fsb/citizen.asp
  32. ^ "Mission Statement". City of Montebello. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  33. ^ "Police". City of Montebello. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  34. ^ "Montebello Unified School District | Schools". Montebello.k12.ca.us. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  35. ^ "Montebello High School | Home". Mhs.montebello.k12.ca.us. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  36. ^ Home
  37. ^ "History of CSHM". Cshm.org. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  38. ^ a b c http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_17386593?source=rss_viewed
  39. ^ :: Montebello Barnyard Zoo ::
  40. ^ "Monument at Bicknell Park in Montebello, California". Armenian-genocide.org. 1965-04-24. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  41. ^ "Montebello Montebello Skateboard Park Montebello, CA Southern California Skateboard Parks Montebello Skatepark". Socal Skateparks .Com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  42. ^ "Juan Sanchez Adobe". LetsGoSeeIt.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  43. ^ "MPOA ~ Memorial Page". Mtbpoa.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  44. ^ Reginald Rodriguez, LCPL, Marine Corps, Montebello CA, 17Feb69 32W052 - The Virtual Wall
  45. ^ "Architectural Record Building Types Study | Reggie Rodriguez Community Center". Archrecord.construction.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  46. ^ Chet Holifield Library - Montebello California CA - AmericanTowns.com
  47. ^ a b c City of Montebello - Golf Course
  48. ^ http://www.quietcannon.com/
  49. ^ WRCC. "Western U.S. Climate Historical Summaries Weather". Desert Research Institute. Retrieved 2011-02-12.
  50. ^ "Bus Lines". City of Montebello. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  51. ^ http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_18581970
  52. ^ "Transportation". City of Montebello. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  53. ^ "Dial-A-Taxi". City of Montebello. 2007-06-04. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  54. ^ Alan Bannister Baseball Stats by Baseball Almanac
  55. ^ http://www.reporter.am/pdfs/C0614.pdf
  56. ^ a b c d e f g Montebello High School | Home
  57. ^ Oscar De La Hoya Biography (Boxer) — Infoplease.com
  58. ^ Oscar De La Hoya: Biography from Answers.com
  59. ^ http://daysofourlives.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site= daysofourlives.about.com
  60. ^ "Judi Evans' Biography". Judi Evans Official Website. Archived from the original on 2008-03-02. Retrieved 2007-07-30.
  61. ^ "Bruce Merrifield - Biography". The Nobel Foundation. Retrieved 2007-07-30.
  62. ^ Aldama, Frederick Luis (2002). "Edward James Olmos". St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture. Retrieved 2007-07-30.
  63. ^ The ESPN Baseball Encyclopedia. Sterling Publishing. 2007. p. 874. ISBN 1-4027-4771-3.
  64. ^ Lawrence Weschler, Mr. Wilson's Cabinet of Wonder (Pantheon Books, 1995), ISBN 978-0-679-43998-1, pp. 58–60.
  65. ^ http://www.residentadvisor.net/feature.aspx?1111
  66. ^ "Ashiya, Japan". City of Montebello. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  67. ^ "Despite Azeri Meddling, Montebello City Council Ok'S Sister-City Ties With Stepanakert". Anca.org. Retrieved 2010-08-03.

External links

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