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Monterey Park honors local volunteers, astronomical society and academic decathlon teams
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Summary
The council recognized the Los Angeles Astronomical Society's centennial and presented certificates to Mark Keppel and Garfield High School Academic Decathlon teams; staff and residents also highlighted city events and programs including the Barnes Park pool fundraiser and GoSGV e-bike discounts for residents.
The Monterey Park City Council opened its meeting with several community recognitions and updates before moving to business.
Dawn Rock, speaking for the Monterey Park Historical Society, thanked city staff for the Cherry Blossom Festival and described a new nonprofit, Align With Purpose (AWP), formed to support restoration of the Barnes Park Aquatic Center; she said fundraising and in‑kind donations total $2,907.60 so far and invited residents to learn more at wwwsafebarnesparkpool.org.
Hiro Gamay of ActiveSGV described the GoSGV electric bike share and purchase voucher programs available to Monterey Park residents: a discounted rental of $75 per year (about $6.26/month) with a refundable deposit, and an anticipated $2,000 voucher to help purchase cargo bikes supported through Metro ExpressLanes net toll revenue and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
The council presented a centennial certificate to the Los Angeles Astronomical Society for its operation of the Garvey Ranch Observatory. Tim Thompson, associated with the observatory, invited residents to visit the observatory's Wednesday public nights and thanked the city for the recognition.
Council also recognized Mark Keppel and Garfield High School Academic Decathlon teams for county and state performances. Coach Tran accepted the Mark Keppel recognition and council acknowledged individual high scorers such as Ivan Lou (9,190 points) and Amber Kuo (8,877). Garfield's coach described the program's value for students and the team's accomplishments.
Staff updates included assistant city manager Diana Garcia's announcement of a city compost giveaway on April 18 in Garvey Ranch Park, the closing dates for a disposal and citywide communications survey, and invitations to upcoming Playdays (May 7–10) and other events. Recreation Director Robert DeGruy noted the MPK campout sold out (about 200 participants) and encouraged residents to sign up early for summer programs.
The presentations drew praise from councilmembers and applause from attendees.
