Job interview success tips take center stage in this first article of our new series supported by Rio Hondo Community Development Corporation. Many local job seekers across the San Gabriel Valley continue to enter competitive fields, and strong preparation remains one of the clearest paths toward better results. Build Confidence Before You Enter A key…

Services sector growth continues across the country as November data shows steady momentum in many core industries. The ISM Services Purchasing Managers Index rose to 52.6, marking the ninth month of expansion in 2025 and underscoring a resilient economy despite mixed signals. Steady Activity Supports Expansion Business activity and new orders remained in growth territory,…

Rental market trends improve nationwide as new multifamily supply expands and gives renters more choices than they have seen in years. The latest national data shows a 1 percent dip in median rent during November, marking the fourth straight monthly decline and signaling a calmer environment for households seeking stability. National Shifts Offer More Flexibility…

Rio Hondo support for housing-insecure students reached a new milestone this month as the college’s comprehensive approach to addressing student homelessness drew statewide attention. The college has expanded its basic-needs work through its Hope Scholars program, a first-of-its-kind model designed to support students facing homelessness or housing instability with direct, targeted services. Support for Housing-Insecure…

The El Monte Union High School District will introduce a phone-free learning environment in January 2026 under a new Board policy that restricts student use of mobile communication devices during class. The change responds to growing concerns about campus distractions and aligns with statewide efforts to support focused instruction. The district outlined the plan in…

Penske Longo dealership acquisition entered a new phase this week as Penske Automotive Group confirmed it has purchased Longo Toyota and Longo Lexus in El Monte, marking a major shift for one of the region’s largest commercial corridors. Local Impact of Penske Longo Dealership Acquisition The company announced the acquisition on Nov. 19, noting that…

The El Monte Union High School District brought families and students together for its annual District Band Showcase Event on Nov. 19 at Rosemead High School. The celebration filled Marinelli Stadium with music, school spirit, and an enthusiastic crowd as each campus presented its performing arts program. The gathering underscored the district’s broad commitment to…

El Monte Police Officer Jesus Rojas received the 2025 Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County Centurion Award for Excellence in Community Policing, marking the first time in 96 years that an El Monte officer has earned the honor. The recognition highlights his long record of service and the strong relationships he has built across…

A new effort is bringing medical, dental and vision care directly to Mountain View School District students, marking a major step forward in the MVSD Community Schools Initiative. The district’s renewed partnership with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation is already improving access to essential services for families across El Monte. The launch reflects a…

The South El Monte High School Lady Eagles volleyball team made history when it captured its first-ever CIF-Southern Section (CIF-SS) Div. 9 championship, defeating Nogales High School in a nail-biting five-set thriller on Nov. 8. The championship provided a memorable sendoff for a tight-knit coterie of seniors who came close to a title in 2024,…