MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
COMMUNITY CHRONICLES: A RECAP OF EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Summer Kick-Off Neon Foam Party
What a way to welcome summer! Duarte’s Summer Kick-Off Neon Foam Party was one for the books with fun, foam, and fantastic energy all around. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable day to kick off the season!
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Show
Our annual Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Show was a huge success! From delicious food trucks to live music by Latin Soul Band, the evening was filled with great vibes. The fireworks lit up the sky and brought our community together to celebrate.
Summer Concerts in the Park So Far...
The City of Duarte’s Summer Concerts in the Park series is in full swing, and the community has been showing up in a big way! Every Thursday evening in July, Beardslee Park (2000 Buena Vista Street) comes alive with music, dancing, and family fun. With great bands taking the stage at 7 PM and a lively crowd filling the park, the energy has been incredible. Check out some highlights from the concerts so far!
Vallarta Supermarkets has signed a lease to occupy the former Best Buy building at 1470 Mountain Avenue. There is a lot of work to do to prepare the 46,000 square foot building and work will take several months, but this is great news for Duarte and for Vallarta.
New grocery store options have been high on the economic development priority list for the City. Vallarta Supermarkets is an excellent step in fulfilling that goal.
Vallarta is a fast-growing chain with recently opened stores in Colton and Clovis and new stores coming in Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Upland and several other California cities.
Duarte is taking big steps to enhance its walkability with the start of the Highland Promenade Project!
The Highland Promenade Project is the development of a 33’ wide pedestrian zone (promenade) along the west side of Highland Avenue north to the 210 Freeway. This initiative includes a range of pedestrian enhancements, such as wider decorative sidewalks, pedestrian lighting consistent with the area’s style, and distinctive high-visibility crosswalks designed with a unique foothills design.
The project will introduce trees to provide shade and enhance the pedestrian experience, along with tree grates that reflect the established theme from the Esperanza and Solana developments on Fasana Road.
The promenade is just one of the projects part of a broader initiative to improve pedestrian safety and create an active and inviting environment near Duarte Station, as outlined in the Duarte Station Specific Plan (DSSP).
Adopted by the City Council in November of 2019, the DSSP guides the development of the area adjacent to and north of the Metro A Line Station. Along with the Highland Promenade, the Duarte Road Pedestrian Improvements Project completed in 2022 and the recently completed Evergreen Street improvements round out the initiatives included in the DSSP.
The DSSP planned for the Highland Promenade to have three main design areas: the Plaza, the Hub, and the Canopy, creating a promenade-style open space adjacent to the Metro Station. This first phase establishes the design theme and focuses on enhanced access while also aligning with the overall plan. It is a positive first step in making the Highland Promenade a great local asset.
Construction for this project began on Monday, June 23, 2025, and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025. Work hours are from 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, except on City holidays.
During the construction period, one lane will be closed with barricades in order to be utilized as a temporary protected pedestrian path to the Metro station. Please follow all traffic control signs and use alternative routes during instances where access to through traffic is limited.
The City and the contractor, Green Giant Landscape, are working together to minimize impacts during construction and appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation.
If you have any questions regarding this project, you may contact Duarte Public Works at (626) 386-6817.
The City of Duarte is preparing to transition its official website and staff email addresses to a new domain: CityofDuarte.ca.gov. This change is expected to occur in August 2025, as part of a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing digital security and improving transparency in government communications.
The move is in response to Assembly Bill (AB) 1637, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and signed into law in October 2023. The legislation requires all California cities and counties to migrate their public websites and email addresses to a .gov or .ca.gov domain no later than January 1, 2029. AB 1637 was introduced following recommendations from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which identified the need for stronger online protections for local government communications.
By adopting the CityofDuarte.ca.gov domain, the City is taking proactive steps to meet these requirements ahead of schedule. The new domain will help residents more easily identify official City communications and ensure they are accessing legitimate and secure government resources.
During the transition period in August 2025, Duarte’s current website will begin redirecting visitors to the new domain, and staff email addresses will also begin to reflect the updated domain. Emails sent to the previous addresses will continue to be forwarded to ensure no disruption in service.
The City will continue to provide updates and guidance to the community throughout the process to ensure a smooth and informed transition. An official launch date for the new domain will be announced in advance, so residents, businesses, and community partners know exactly when to begin using CityofDuarte.ca.gov.
For questions or more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (626) 357-7931.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
The City of Duarte remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. We recognize that residents may have concerns and questions about available services and resources. To stay informed and learn how to access support, please click the button below.
Community Spotlight
Duarte City Council Recognizes Rose Gant as the 2025 Senior Volunteer of the Year
Every May, Duarte recognizes Older Americans Month to honor the contributions of our seniors, both at our Senior Center and within the community. Since 1991, the City of Duarte has acknowledged a senior member who provides extraordinary volunteer service, devoting their time and effort to making the Duarte Senior Center a better place. This year, the City Council recognized Rose Gant as Duarte’s 2025 Senior Volunteer of the Year.
Rose moved to Duarte in 1978 and became a volunteer at the Duarte Senior Center in 2018. After participating in a senior excursion and seeing how much enjoyment that brought to our senior community, she knew she wanted to give back and start contributing as a volunteer.
“This is a special time of year where the Parks and Recreation Department and City Council get to honor one of our dedicated volunteers of our beloved Senior Center,” said Parks and Recreation Director Manuel Enriquez. “Every time I walk into the Center on Tuesday, Rose is up there with that contagious smile of hers. Every week, you can find her at the front counter assisting all of our seniors and patrons with checking in for the lunch program, answering any questions, and assisting with registration. She’s been a true gem in our flagship there, and I personally appreciate that every time I walk in, she greets me, and we have a conversation while still getting the work done.”
This year's Older Americans Month theme, "Flip the Script on Aging," focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging and encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. Rose embodies this theme by participating in the senior excursions and consistently engaging and connecting with everyone who walks through the door of the Senior Center.
“I really appreciate being valued for the little things I do, so thank you so much for this honor,” said Rose. “I remember reminding myself that one day, I would retire and give back to the community by volunteering. I promise that I will continue to help out and make a difference for our City and our community because I love where I am.”
The City of Duarte proudly recognizes Rose Gant for her passion and outstanding dedication to volunteering at the Senior Center. Her enthusiasm and commitment to service are truly admirable.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Duarte Community Garden Ribbon Cutting
You're invited to join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating Duarte’s first Community Garden! The event will take place on Saturday, July 26 at 10 AM at Tzeitel Paras-Caracci Park (2701 Royal Oaks Drive). Come celebrate this exciting milestone with garden tours, light refreshments, and fun giveaways. We look forward to seeing you there!
Summer Concerts in the Park
The City of Duarte invites the community to enjoy a lively evening of music, food, and family fun at our Summer Concerts in the Park series, taking place every Thursday in July from 6 - 9 PM at Beardslee Park (2000 Buena Vista Street).
Each week features a different live band performing from 7-9 PM, with a DJ kicking off the festivities from 6-7 PM. Guests can enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendor booths, and a family fun zone with activities for all ages.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your dancing shoes! Duarte’s Summer Concerts in the Park are the perfect way to spend a summer evening outdoors with friends and family.
National Night Out & Movie in the Park
Join us for the 42nd Annual National Night Out on Thursday, August 7 from 6-9:30 PM at Beardslee Park (2000 Buena Vista Street) for an evening of community, fun, and connection with local law enforcement!
Guests can enjoy free hot dogs, chips, and refreshments while supplies last. Activities include a Dunk-A-Deputy fundraiser, face painting, inflatables, games, and informational booths featuring first responder vehicles, crime prevention tips, and emergency preparedness resources. Plus, don’t miss a special appearance by Woody from Toy Story!
Stick around for Movie in the Park featuring "Toy Story" beginning at 8 PM. Bring a blanket and enjoy snacks while they last!