How is the City preparing to handle the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

City Council declared a local emergency on March 12, 2020, and subsequent action was taken on March 16, 2020. In response to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order and the President of the United States directing all Americans to follow public health directives. 

 

How can residents protect themselves and other individuals?

• Stay home if you are sick or feel as if you may be getting sick 
• Wash or sanitize your hands. 
• Practice social distancing by keeping at least a 6 ft. distance between you and others.
• Individuals who are 65 years old and older or individuals with pre-existing conditions are strongly advised to stay home.

 

*Safer at Home Order issued by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health takes effect beginning March 19, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. – April 19, 2020, that temporarily prohibits gatherings of 10 persons or more.

 

Where can I find the most up to date information regarding City services and operations?

The City will be posting the most current and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 on our home page, Facebook Page other City Department’s social media platforms and on the My Montebello App. The App can be found in the App Store or in Google Play.

At this time, beginning Friday, March 20, 2020 – Friday, March 27, 2020 staff will be available Friday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. via telephone and email to answer frequently asked questions and to connect to available resources. To reach staff during these hours please call (323) 887-4540 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Days will be extended if the need arises.

 

Up-to-date City information can be found on the following links:

• City of Montebello                              https://cityofmontebello.com
• City of Montebello Facebook              https://facebook.com/cityofmontebello.com
• Montebello Fire Department               https://montebellofiredept.org
• Montebello Police Department           https://montebellopd.org 
• Montebello PD NIXLE Alerts              https://local.nixle.com/montebello-police-department (All city updates in one place!) 
• Montebello Bus Lines                         https://ridembl.com 

 

Social Media Accounts 

• City of Montebello Facebook              https://Facebook.com/cityofmontebello  
• City of Montebello Twitter                  @Montebellocity
• Montebello FD Twitter                        @MontebelloFD
• Montebello FD Instagram                   @MontebelloFD
• Montebello PD Facebook                   https://facebook.com/montebellopd
• Montebello PD Twitter                        @MontebelloPD
• Montebello PD Instagram                   @MontebelloPD

 

Non-Emergency Phone Numbers

•  City of Montebello                              323-887-1200
• Montebello Fire Department              323-767-6519
• Montebello Police Department           323-887-1313
• Montebello Bus Lines                         323-557-1625

 

What facilities are currently closed until further notice?

·         City Hall

·         Parks and Recreation Community Services Department 

·         Holifield Park Community Center 

·         Reggie Rodriguez Park Community Center 

·         Cathy Hensel Gym and Youth Center 

·         Senior Center 

·         Police Department Lobby (ONLY open for life-threatening emergencies, custody agreement issues, mandatory Police check-ins and release of property) for more information check the Montebello Police Department website https://montebellopd.org and our NIXLE page for ALL updates  https://local.nixle.com/montebello-police-department

   

 

What if I already made a reservation at a park facility for an upcoming event?

All upcoming events that were scheduled from March 12, 2020 – April 2, 2020, to be held on City-owned property have been canceled/postponed pending further advisement from City Council.

 

If my child attends the City’s Extended Child Care Program, can I still send them during this time?

No. Our Extended Child Care Program at Montebello Unified School District sites has closed for two weeks or until further notice.

 

Should I continue holding social gatherings such as birthday parties at my home?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance regarding large group gatherings and events in light of the ongoing effort to combat the spread of Coronavirus in the country. The updated CDC guidelines recommend against holding any events or group gatherings of 10 or more people across the U.S., this guidance applies for at least the next eight weeks (through May 11, 2020.)

 

If I am a senior and participate in the Senior Congregate Meal Program how do I obtain meals during this time?

The City has established a plan with the direction of Los Angeles County and effective March 18, 2020, Youth Women Christian Association (YWCA) will be distributing five take-home frozen meals for registered Congregate Meal Program participants to take and enjoy at home reducing the amount of time participants are congregating during this time. The meals will be provided once a week every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. while supplies last at the Senior Center until further direction from the County.

Montebello seniors who would like to register for the Senior Congregate Meal Program can call (626)960-2995 or visit the link provided for more information https://www.cityofmontebello.com/nutrition-programs.html.

 

Should people stock up on supplies?

Prepare, don’t panic.

•  In preparing households, people should only take what they need. Overbuying creates a shortage of food and supplies for others.

 

What stores in Montebello will have modified shopping hours for Senior Citizens, Disabled and Pregnant Women?**

Vons Market                     804 W. Beverly Blvd              7:00AM – 9:00AM     65+, disabled and pregnant women

Smart & Final                   855 N. Wilcox Ave.                7:30AM – 8:00AM     64+, disabled & pregnant women

Superior Market               1201 W. Whittier Blvd            7:00AM – 8:00AM     65+

Super A Foods                 2924 W. Beverly Blvd            7:00AM – 8:00AM     55+, disabled

Albertsons                        2469 Via Campo St               7:00AM – 9:00AM     Tues/Thurs, 65+

 

**These modified shopping hours have been implemented to address the COVID-19 pandemic and are subject to change without notice.

 

How is Montebello Bus Lines (MBL) responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Effective immediately, in response to COVID-19, in an effort to protect public health and all our community, NO PUBLIC ACCESS to Transit facility in accordance with City Council’s local emergency declaration issued on Thursday, March 12, 2020 and Governor Newsom’s Executive Order directing Californians to follow public health directives until further notice. 

MBL continues to run regular bus service at this time. Effective Wednesday, March 18, MBL bus lines will operate the following service. The Saturday schedule will be implemented throughout the week.  This is schedule is subject to change as MBL responds to the ongoing situation.

 

TEMPORARY BUS SCHEDULE

 

To get to your destination safely, all bus lines will provide free fare service during this time.

10 WHITTIER BLVD: Line 10 operates every sixteen minutes. The first bus pick up will start at 4:13 a.m. Eastbound at Whittier and Garfield.

 20 SAN GABRIEL BLVD, MONTEBELLO BLVD, GREENWOOD AVE:    Line 20 operates every twenty-three minutes. The first bus will pick up at 6:00 a.m. Northbound at Telegraph and Gage.  

 30 GARFIELD BLVD:  Line 30 operates every sixty minutes. The first bus pick up will be at 5:50 a.m. Northbound at Whittier and Garfield.

 40 BEVERLY BLVD:  Line 40 operates every twenty-one minutes. The first bus pick will at 5:11 a.m. Westbound at Beverly and Poplar. *Line 40 is an alternate to route 90.  

50 WASHINGTON BLVD:  Line 50 operates every fifty minutes. The first bus pick up will be at 4:54 a.m. Eastbound at Washington and Greenwood.

All other lines will not be operating during this time. For any questions or comments, please call customer service at (323) 558 -1625 or visit RideMBL.com

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Dial-A-Ride (DAR) Pilot Program*

The City’s Transit Department has implemented a Pilot Program, effective March 18, 2020. The Program is available for non-pre-registered residents of the City of Montebello to assist older Americans (62 years and older), disabled, and those residents with critical medial and urgent needs during the COVID -19 pandemic crisis.

 

QUESTION 1: Will there be a new phone number?

ANSWER 1: Yes, the phone number for COVID-19 Dial-A-Ride (DAR) Pilot dispatch services is (855)273-4944.

 

QUESTION 2: Will the fees change?

ANSWER 2: The Pilot Program is free of charge until it expires.

 

QUESTION 3: What is the service area?

ANSWER 3: Anywhere in the City of Montebello. For medical locations, boundaries are 10 freeway, 710 freeway, Slauson Ave. and 605 freeway. (Please see map attached below.)

 

QUESTION 4: Will Fiesta Taxi be using the same white buses?

ANSWER 4: No. Instead of a limited number of buses, Fiesta Taxi will provide service with its fleet of taxis so a ride should always be available to take you directly to your destination. The fleet will also include ramp van vehicles that are wheelchair accessible.

 

QUESTION 5: Will the hours remain the same?

ANSWER 5: Rides may be scheduled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the Pilot Program expires.

 

QUESTION 6: Will they still take me to my doctor’s appointment outside the City of Montebello and which doctor’s offices are included in the Program?

 ANSWER 6: Yes. All the currently approved medical destinations outside of Montebello will continue to be served. (Please see below for locations)

·         880 S. Atlantic Blvd. Monterey Park

·         309 W. Beverly Blvd. Montebello

·         101 E. Beverly Blvd. Montebello

·         15725 Whittier Blvd. Whittier

·         9040 Telegraph Road, Suite 102 Downey

·         11611 Bellflower Blvd. Downey

·         8630 Florence Avenue Downey

·         7320 Firestone Blvd. Downey

·         257 W. Pomona Blvd. Monterey Park

·         12470 Whittier Blvd. Whittier

·         12291 Washington Blvd. Whittier

·         10000 Lakewood Blvd. Downey

·         11721 Telegraph Road Santa Fe Springs

·         12401 Washington Blvd. Whittier

·         8311 Florence Ave. Downey

 

QUESTION 7: What if I need an ADA accessible van because it is too hard for me to get into a taxicab?

 ANSWER 7: Fiesta Taxi has two ADA accessible vans dedicated to General Population DAR Pilot that are available in their fleet. Please let your dispatcher know if you need an ADA accessible van for your trip. Please try to schedule these trips 24 hours in advance.

 

QUESTION 8: What fixed-route bus lines can I connect to?

 ANSWER 8: Lines 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 are operating on a Saturday bus schedule. Please check the time table at RideMLB.com or call (323) 558-1625.

 

QUESTION 9: How do I find out more about the new service?

ANSWER 9: Visit Montebello Bus Lines at RideMLB.com for real-time changes or call (323) 558-1625.

 

Will City Council Meetings be conducted?

 At this City Council meeting and consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order No. N-29-20, the City Council meeting will continue to be live-streamed for the public’s convenience and can be watched at https://cityofmontebello.com  and click on Live Stream. For those interested in making public comments, you may call on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at (323) 887-1437. Staff will complete public comment cards in the order received. The public will be called during the City Council meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m. the exact call back time is not predictable due to the nature of the City Council agenda. As a result, you must be available until the end of the meeting to receive a live call from staff during the meeting. The City has created an email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  where the public can submit public comments from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. These questions will be read out loud and submitted for the record. The email address for City Council meetings can be located on the City’s webpage under the City Clerk tab, https://www.cityofmontebello.com/department/administration/city-clerk-s-office.html  

The City is currently exploring teleconferencing options for City Councilmembers and City Council meetings in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order.

 

Are Montebello restaurants allowed to currently operate business as usual?

On Monday, March 16, 2020, Los Angeles County announced that restaurants will be permitted to serve take-out or delivery food only in order to reduce the amount of people congregating in a given location at a time and grocery stores will remain open during this time.

Are there any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Montebello?

For updates on arising cases in Los Angeles County visit, http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ 

 

Will the City still have street sweeping and citations during this time?

Street sweeping will operate normally, until further notice, to ensure that storm drains do not get clogged and to keep the City streets maintained clean. If possible, please allow the street sweepers to pass.

 The City is aware many residents are home during this COVID-19 crisis, citations will not be given for parking on the street on normal street sweeping days and times. (Ex: If your residential street sweeping day is on Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and you park there during this time you will not be given a citation.) Citations will still apply for other parking violations such as red curb parking, parking in front of a hydrant, handicap parking, etc.

 

UPDATE: Street Sweeping violations have been reinstated as of June 1st, 2020.

If City Hall is closed to the public until further notice, how can I obtain permits?

 Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, Building and Safety will begin scheduling appointments based on the urgency of the request. Requests will need to be submitted via email to, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 For additional information please visit https://cityofmontebello.com/department/planning-community-development/building-safety-division.html.

 

What resources are available to the community at this time?

 Below are a few suggested County, State, and International Resource Contacts to support the important work that is being done to protect our residents and those who are continuing to serve them during this time.

The Governor released a new one-stop website for COVID-19 resources. This is a substantial source of information including unemployment and paid sick leave, along with small business assistance. By visiting the one-stop website, those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for unemployment, apply for disability benefits and apply for paid family leave.

The Safer at Home Order For Control of COVID-19 issued by Los Angeles County can be viewed here.   

 

Adult and Senior Care Services

California Department of Social Services (CDSS)     https://www.cdss.ca.gov/        323-980-4934

 

Homeless Assistance Provider Services

The National Health Care for the Homeless

(NHCH)https://nhchc.org/clinical-practice/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness

https://www.usich.gov/covid-19/

State of California, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency

https://www.bcsh.ca.gov/hcfc/documents/covid19_guidelines.pdf

Homeless Shelter - Guidance

http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/GuidanceHomelessShelters.pdf

Homeless Shelter – Assessment Tool

http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/HomelessSheltersAssessmentTool.pdf

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development

https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)

https://www.lahsa.org/news?article=671-covid-19-guidance-for-los-angeles-county-homeless-services-community

Food Banks

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

https://www.lafoodbank.org/coronavirus/                                                                  323-234-3030

Los Angeles LGBT Center

https://lalgbtcenter.org/social-service-and-housing/senior/food-pantry                     323-860-5830