Message from the Mayor
Community Chronicles: A Recap of Events and Programs
National Night Out & Movie in the Park
The annual National Night Out brought together families, friends, and neighbors to foster police-community partnerships and promote safety. The event featured valuable resources on crime prevention, a display of first responder vehicles, and fun activities. Attendees capped off the night with a screening of the family-friendly movie Migration, complete with free movie snacks!
Duarte Youth Boxing Show
The 2024 Duarte Youth Boxing Show packed the Duarte High School Gym with excitement, showcasing the incredible talent of young boxers from Duarte and beyond! With special guest appearances by former boxing champions, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Fans cheered as championship trophies were awarded, making it a memorable day of competition, community spirit, and pure boxing thrill!
Duarte's 67th Anniversary City Picnic
The City of Duarte's 67th Anniversary Picnic at Encanto Park was a fantastic celebration filled with fun and community spirit! Attendees danced to the Ace Band, grooving to hits from the last four decades, while enjoying delicious food, a beer garden, and a variety of free rides and games. With inflatable attractions, boutique vendor booths, and a classic car show, there was something for everyone, making it a memorable day for families and friends alike!
On September 4, 2024, City officials held a check presentation and press conference at the San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center (1960 San Gabriel Canyon Rd, Azusa) to recognize recent major funding support of regional efforts to improve conditions in the North San Gabriel River. Senator Susan Rubio presented a $300,000 check to the cities of Azusa, Duarte and Irwindale, with the goal of reinforcing ongoing public safety measures in the area. This funding is being provided through Senate Bill No. 104 (2023), as part of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) allocation by the Department of Housing and Community Development for a homeless services pilot program.
"We want to express our sincere gratitude to Senator Rubio for advocating for this allocation. These funds will substantially contribute to our efforts in addressing homelessness and public safety in the Riverbed." stated Mayor Vinh Truong, City of Duarte.
The area also experienced high volume of calls for emergency medical services and law enforcement response. The response was provided by Los Angeles County Fire Department and local public safety agencies including the Azusa Police Department, Irwindale Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff. The rugged terrain and scattered encampment sites were a challenge for first responders. Additional resources were brought in to access encampments, provide compassionate outreach, and offer essential services including health care resources and housing.
The cities partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District in the planning and coordination of several encampment clean-up projects resulting in the removal of over 1,300 tons of debris from the banks of the Riverbed, including shopping carts, material used to build campsites, abandoned vehicles, propane tanks and gasoline cans from abandoned illegal campsites.
On November 5, 2024, Duarte residents living in Districts 2, 3 and 7 will vote on their City Council representatives in addition to the Presidential election. The Duarte City Council is comprised of seven members who are directly elected by Duarte voters. Currently, Vinh Truong represents District 2, Jody Schulz represents District 3, and Toney Lewis represents District 7. One City Councilmember will be selected to fill the seats in each of these districts for a term of 4 years, expiring in 2028. For those interested in pursuing a City Council seat, the nomination period runs from Monday, July 15, 2024 to Friday, August 9, 2024.
The Council serves as the legislative body for the City and is responsible for establishing City policies, adopting City ordinances and resolutions, holding public hearings, adopting the City’s budget, and authorizing City expenditures. City Council also appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, and the members of City commissions and committees.
Additionally, in response to a citizen led ballot initiative filed in 2023, the City Council adopted a resolution to add a cannabis retail sales and tax measure to the November General Municipal Elections ballot.
Registered voters will have the opportunity to vote on a measure authorizing the City Council to adopt an ordinance to permit up to two retail cannabis dispensaries in Duarte and to tax cannabis businesses up to 10% of gross receipts.
Prior to making its decision, the City Council held two cannabis workshops and engaged a third-party consultant to research and provide information regarding the potential revenue received from cannabis sales in Duarte, impacts on public safety, and other issues relating to cannabis sales.
Community Spotlight
Duarte Recognizes the 2024 Work Investment Network Participants
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 13, the Duarte City Council recognized this year’s Workforce Investment Network (WIN) participants.
The WIN program is a tailored workforce development program for youth ages 14-19 in Duarte and Los Angeles County. This year’s six-week program began June 12, and all 25 participants received a $500 stipend for the 90 hours they volunteered throughout the program.
“These participants have shown unwavering commitment to their future by gaining valuable skills and work experience,” said Mayor Vinh Truong. “I commend them for their determination, strong work ethic, and valuable contribution they have made to our community.”
The program’s design is modeled after evidence-based youth prevention and intervention curriculum to connect low-income youth with local employment opportunities. Volunteers gain valuable employment experience and attend weekly workshops to expand their knowledge in human resources, money management, credit, and mental health while networking with diverse motivational speakers.
This year’s worksites included: Boys and Girls Club of Foothills, Cabrera’s Mexican Restaurant, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Duarte Chamber of Commerce, Duarte Parks and Recreation, Duarte Teen Center, Grocery Outlet, and Max’s Mexican Cuisine.
Since 2017, the Duarte Teen Center and Public Safety Department partnered with local agencies to fund the WIN summer youth internship program. This year’s program was made possible through a collaborative effort between Kathryn Barger’s Office and Duarte Unified School District (DUSD). Referrals for the program were made by DUSD, Los Angeles County Probation and Sheriff’s Departments, Duarte Public Safety’s youth programs, and the Duarte Teen Center.
Upcoming Events
Halloween Howl: Come have a spooky good time and show off your best costume at the Halloween Howl on Thursday, October 31 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Royal Oaks Park (2627 Royal Oaks Drive). This free, annual event will include tons of Halloween fun with a special trick-or-treat lane, spooky crafting stations, a fun inflatable zone, and killer prizes awarded to the night’s best costume winners per age group.
Registration and check-in for the costume contest will be on-site between 5 and 6 PM. Don’t think we forgot about our favorite four-legged friends and their spooky costumes, the Furry Friends category kicks off the costume contest at 6 PM! Dogs at the event must remain on a leash at all times.
Día de los Muertos: Join us for a heartfelt celebration at the City of Duarte's first-ever Día de los Muertos event! Honor and remember your loved ones while immersing yourself in the rich traditions of this beautiful holiday. This family-friendly event invites guests of all ages to place photos on the ceremonial altar and explore Mexican culture through authentic food, vibrant art, engaging activities, and live performances. Come together with the community to celebrate life and memory in a meaningful way!
Snow Nite: Get ready for a magical evening at our Snow Nite event on Sunday, December 8, at Beardslee Park (2000 Buena Vista Street) from 5-8 PM! Enjoy 40 tons of real snow, thrilling carnival rides, and delicious holiday treats. Don’t miss the chance to shop with unique holiday boutique vendors and capture a special moment with Santa. Bring your family and friends for a festive night filled with joy and holiday cheer!