Residents urge Monrovia to memorialize man killed after ICE raid and to strengthen tree protections

Multiple residents used the public comment period on Dec. 2 to press the council on two community priorities: a permanent memorial for Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez and stronger protections for Monrovia’s urban forest.

Martha Mack, who said she formerly lived in Monrovia, described witnessing an ICE enforcement action at the Home Depot and said the community should mark the life of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez with a permanent monument. Sherry Lochner said clergy and community members have begun discussions with the city regarding a memorial and urged the council to dedicate time and resources.

City Manager Dylan Feek later briefed council that staff had met with local pastors and community representatives to discuss options and explained practical considerations: whether a memorial would be on public or private land and whether public dollars would be used. Feek said the city has formally requested investigative materials from state law enforcement concerning the roadway incident that resulted in Montoya Valdez’s death but had received no report as of the meeting.

Several speakers, including Jennifer McDonald and Rosemary Gavidia, urged the council to update a decades‑old oak tree protection ordinance and to prioritize native canopy species. Gavidia asked that unused tree‑planting allocations from 2022–23 be redirected to address empty parkways on Foothill Boulevard, argued mature trees are important living infrastructure for shade and fire resilience, and said the proposed 701 South Myrtle design risked losing 40‑ to 50‑year‑old pines that provide habitat and canopy.

Mayor and staff responses noted process constraints: public comment does not itself compel council action, and memorial or public‑art proposals require decisions about location and funding. Feek said staff will continue to meet with community organizers about possible memorial options and report back.