U.S. employers announced a sharp increase in job cuts in January, but California opened 2026 with signs of relative labor market stability, according to a new national report. While layoffs surged nationwide, California posted fewer job cuts than a year earlier, offering cautious optimism for workers across the San Gabriel Valley. The report, released by…

Consumer confidence showed renewed momentum in February, reaching a six-month high and extending a recent upward trend, according to new national survey data. While sentiment remains subdued by historical standards, the steady gains point to cautious improvement in how Americans view the economy and their personal finances. The latest reading from the University of Michigan…

California’s Dream For All program is offering renewed hope to local renters priced out of the housing market across the San Gabriel Valley, including El Monte, Baldwin Park, and Rosemead. Administered by the California Housing Finance Agency, the initiative provides major down payment assistance to eligible first-generation, first-time homebuyers. The Dream For All program targets…

El Monte is inviting residents and visitors to sample the city’s diverse food scene during Dine El Monte, a weeklong dining promotion running from Feb. 9 through Feb. 15. Dine El Monte showcases locally owned restaurants offering special dishes, limited-time menus, and dining deals designed to showcase the flavors that define the community. Organized by…

Associated Student Body leaders from El Monte Union and neighboring school districts gathered Jan. 30 for Student Leadership Day at Fernando R. Ledesma High School, where collaboration and competition drove student engagement. The annual event centered on the Student Leadership Olympics theme and brought together student leaders seeking practical tools to strengthen campus culture. Throughout…

Río Hondo College has been recognized as a Clean California Community, becoming the first community college in the state to receive the designation through a statewide program focused on environmental cleanup and civic engagement. The designation was announced Jan. 29 and is part of the Clean California initiative launched by Caltrans in 2021. The program…

Mountain View High School has stood on the eastern edge of El Monte for more than five decades, serving generations of students from El Monte and South El Monte while evolving with the needs of its community. Founded in 1971, Mountain View High School is one of five comprehensive campuses in the El Monte Union…

Southern California Edison has delivered 210 compensation offers totaling $117 million to households and businesses affected by the Eaton Fire, marking a milestone 90 days after launching its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program. The utility announced Jan. 29 that it has met its pledge to provide fair and fast relief to eligible claimants who submit complete…

Families across the El Monte Union High School District are using the Synergy online portal to track grades, attendance, and school information in real time, according to district resources. Synergy is the district’s web-based student information system. It serves students, parents, and staff as a single, secure location for academic and administrative records. The platform…