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Congressman Garcia’s staff presents $250,000 for Ford Park; city issues CalFresh and small‑business proclamations
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Summary
Congressman Robert Garcia’s staff presented a ceremonial $250,000 check for Ford Park renovations; the council also accepted proclamations recognizing CalFresh Awareness Month, National Small Business Week and Older Americans Month and heard a request to add safe medication disposal sites.
Staff from Congressman Robert Garcia’s office presented a ceremonial check to Bell Gardens officials for $250,000 to support Ford Park gym and community‑building HVAC and multipurpose‑room upgrades.
Kayla, representing the congressman, said the funds will be used to upgrade the HVAC system and the gym’s multipurpose room to create a safer, more comfortable community space. Council members thanked Garcia’s staff and posed for photos.
The council accepted a proclamation declaring May 2026 as CalFresh Awareness Month. Gabriela Gomez, a public information specialist with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, and Jose Arias of DPSS described outreach priorities — including outreach to unhoused residents, seniors and residents with disabilities — and urged residents to share DPSS resources and web links for enrollment assistance.
Council also read a proclamation recognizing National Small Business Week (May 3–9) and honored Guadalupe Rivera as part of Older Americans Month proclamations, with Rivera and relatives thanking the council for senior‑center programs.
During public participation, Xochitl Henriquez of Helpline Youth Counseling urged the city to join a campaign to install safe medication and sharps disposal drop‑off sites, noting that the Southeast Community Alliance works with local pharmacies and police to reduce youth access to prescription drugs.
City manager and councilmembers highlighted upcoming community events including a free farmers market, a community fair and the police department’s Taco with a Cop, and clarified that Ford Park playground and restroom bid documents will be reissued to prioritize the playground.
Next steps: staff will coordinate project planning and community outreach for Ford Park improvements and follow up on community requests such as medication disposal site options.
