El Monte community policing took center stage this month as a longtime local officer was recognized for two decades of service focused on trust, outreach, and neighborhood engagement. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis presented a commendation scroll to Jesus Rojas of the El Monte Police Department…

The El Monte Esperanza Award has been presented to longtime El Monte High School teacher Sara Quezada, recognizing nearly four decades of service rooted in hope, mentorship, and commitment to the local community. The honor follows Quezada’s recent selection as Teacher of the Year by the El Monte Union High School District and places her…

A youth intervention program that has shaped generations of local families reached a major milestone this month as the El Monte Police Department marked 25 years of its Torch program and celebrated the graduation of its 50th class. Founded in 2001, the Teaching Obedience, Respect, Courage and Honor program, commonly known as Torch, was created…

Job interview success tips start with preparation that is intentional and visible from the moment a candidate arrives. In part three of this series, the focus is on refining preparation, presentation, and focus so candidates can separate themselves in a competitive hiring process. Preparation begins with understanding the position you applied for. Interviewers expect candidates…

Retail sales show resilience in October as consumer spending held steady nationwide, offering encouraging signs for local businesses in the San Gabriel Valley despite broader economic headwinds. Sales at U.S. retailers and restaurants were unchanged month over month in October, following a downward revision to September’s growth. On an annual basis, retail sales were still…

California home prices stabilize as the statewide median remained essentially flat from a year earlier in November, signaling a cooling but steady housing market as 2025 approaches its final weeks, according to a new release from the California Association of Realtors. The statewide median home price declined month to month to $852,680, a 3.9 percent…

California inflation data delivered a positive surprise in October, offering encouraging signs that price pressures on everyday goods and services may be easing as 2025 moves toward its final months. The latest Consumer Price Index showed inflation rising just 0.2 percent from September and 2.7 percent over the past 12 months. The annual increase marked…

California home sales climb to their highest level since fall 2022, signaling cautious improvement in the statewide housing market as 2025 nears its end, according to a new release from the California Association of Realtors. Existing single-family California home sales climbed in November, increasing from both the prior month and the same period last year.…

South El Monte High School’s football team, powered by a lockdown defense and a tightknit roster of longtime teammates, capped a stunning playoff run that drove them to capture their first-ever CIF-Southern Section Div. 14 title, defeating Pioneer High School with a score of 14-6 on Nov. 28. This marks South El Monte’s second CIF…