El Monte · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in El Monte public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Herald Christian Health Center bond financing
The city hosted a public hearing and voted to help a local nonprofit health center refinance debt through up to $4 million in revenue bonds — at no cost or risk to the city itself.
Goodies Restaurant Site Redevelopment
The old Goodies restaurant next to City Hall is one step from a new life — declared exempt surplus land so the city can ground lease it to a new restaurant operator.
Open Rewards Citywide Shopping Program
Speakers praised the council's business recognitions and urged more support for struggling local businesses, pointing to the night market and the Local Loop's work.
Tito's Market beer and wine license
The 54-year-old Argentine market on Garvey Avenue can now serve beer and wine with dine-in meals — the first Type 41 license in its census tract. The owner deliberately kept hours at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to preserve the family atmosphere.
Retail attraction and vacant commercial properties
The council and staff discussed how to fill major vacant sites like Flair Park, the old Penneys site and the Santa Anita/10 property, and whether the city should adopt a vacant property tax to pressure owners. Staff will study the tax idea and develop a business attraction marketing strategy.
Peck Road shopping center build-out near Target
The shopping center next to Target is moving forward, with Dutch Bros replacing the previously announced Starbucks in a same-footprint building that didn't need new commission approval. Commissioners see it as a sign of growing business interest in El Monte.
Candy's Florist relocates within District 5 after 73 years
Longtime local business Candy's Florist is moving from Peck and Garvey to 11103 Garvey Avenue after 73 years, with a grand opening planned — and its first-ever woman owner plans to hire local high schoolers.