message from the mayor
community chronicles: a recap of events and programs
Lunar New Year Celebration
Duarte’s Lunar New Year Celebration brought the community together for an evening of culture, performances, and festive traditions. The event featured live entertainment, including traditional dance performances and youth showcases, along with family-friendly activities like face painting. The celebration created a vibrant and welcoming space for residents to come together and honor the Year of the Horse!
MLK Peace Walk and Breakfast
The MLK Peace Walk and Breakfast brought the community together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Residents of all ages participated in the walk, followed by a breakfast program that reflected on the importance of unity, service, and equality. The event highlighted a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance and celebration of Dr. King’s enduring impact.
Duarte EGGFEST
Duarte’s annual EGGFEST brought the community together for a fun-filled day of springtime celebration and EGG-citement! Families and pups enjoyed egg hunts, games, and festive activities, along with photo opportunities and a special visit from the Easter Bunny!
Gene's Grinders Calls Duarte Home!
Duarte’s local business community continues to grow with the arrival of a familiar favorite. Gene’s Grinders has officially relocated to the city and is now open at Mountain Vista Plaza, located at 1012 East Huntington Drive. The addition of Gene’s Grinders marks an exciting new chapter!
The City of Duarte has been officially recognized as a Clean California Community, a designation awarded through Caltrans’ statewide Clean California initiative in acknowledgment of the City’s continued dedication to cleanliness, beautification, and environmental stewardship. Duarte is one of 30 cities across California to earn this recognition to date for its ongoing efforts to reduce litter, enhance public spaces, and promote environmental responsibility. This designation reflects Duarte’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. The City qualified for the recognition after demonstrating that its existing programs and community partnerships align with the initiative’s goals of litter prevention, beautification, and public engagement. Over the past year, Duarte has expanded and strengthened its efforts to improve neighborhood appearance and foster community pride. These initiatives include community cleanups, beautification projects, public education efforts, and collaborations that support long-term sustainability and environmental awareness. As a designated Clean California Community, Duarte will receive official recognition signage, access to educational tools and resources, membership with Keep California Beautiful, and inclusion in statewide outreach efforts promoting clean and vibrant communities. “This recognition is a testament to Duarte’s strong community spirit and our shared commitment to caring for our city,” said Mayor Tera Martin Del Campo. “Our residents take great pride in Duarte, and together we will continue working to keep our neighborhoods clean, vibrant, and welcoming for everyone.” The Clean California Community Designation Program is part of a statewide initiative launched in 2021 under Governor Gavin Newsom and led by Caltrans. The program focuses on transforming public spaces, reducing waste, and encouraging civic pride through community-driven efforts. It is supported in partnership with Keep America Beautiful and Keep California Beautiful. For more information about the Clean California Community Designation Program, please visit CleanCA.com/Designation.
City of Duarte Adopts New E-Bike Safety Ordinance
The City of Duarte has adopted Ordinance No. 26-02, a new e-bike safety ordinance to enhance safety across its trails, parks, and public spaces. The ordinance will take effect on Friday, April 10, 2026, and comes in response to community concerns about increasing conflicts between pedestrians and faster-moving electric bicycles. Duarte's popular shared-use paths, including the Donald and Bernice Watson Recreation Trail, serve walkers, families, and cyclists of all ages. As the use of e-bikes continues to grow, the City is taking proactive steps to ensure these spaces remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. Under the new ordinance, e-bikes are limited to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour on all City trails, and riders are required to slow down when approaching or passing pedestrians. Pedestrians always have the right of way, and riders must yield and operate in a safe, controlled manner at all times. To reduce conflicts in pedestrian-only areas, e-bikes and other motorized devices are not permitted on public sidewalks. Additionally, all riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when operating an e-bike or similar device. The ordinance also prohibits unsafe behaviors such as excessive speed near others, reckless riding, and any actions that may endanger people or property. The City will take an education-first approach during the initial rollout, focusing on awareness and voluntary compliance. Enforcement will increase over time, particularly for violations that pose immediate safety risks. Outreach efforts will include partnerships with local schools and community programs to promote safe riding practices and ensure residents understand the new rules. This ordinance was developed through community feedback, the Public Safety Commission's review, and direction from the City Council. It reflects Duarte's commitment to maintaining safe and welcoming public spaces for all. For more information about the new ordinance, please contact the Duarte Public Safety Department at (626) 357-7938.
A major upgrade is coming to one of Duarte’s most beloved community spaces! At its April 14 regular meeting, the Duarte City Council approved the award of contract for the Donald and Bernice Watson Multi-Use Pathway Improvement Project to FS Contractors, Inc., advancing a significant investment in the trail’s safety, accessibility, and overall experience. Originally opened in 1977, the 1.6-mile trail runs from Buena Vista Avenue to Royal Oaks Park and remains a key recreational corridor for the community. The approved project will modernize the trail while enhancing safety and usability for pedestrians, cyclists, and all users. Improvements will include resurfacing the existing asphalt pathway, updated striping and signage, and security lighting. Accessibility upgrades, such as ADA-compliant ramps and crosswalk improvements, will also be incorporated. In addition, the project will introduce new amenities, including rest areas, themed elements, and drought-tolerant landscaping to enhance the overall trail experience.
The project is primarily funded through a federal grant administered by Caltrans, with additional support from local Measure M funds to meet required matching contributions. The City will also seek reimbursement for eligible construction and project-related costs, helping to maximize outside funding and reduce the overall financial impact to the City. This project supports Duarte’s Strategic Plan by advancing Goal C – Community Safety (C1.3) through improved lighting and safer pathways, and Goal G – Infrastructure and Beautification (G1.4) by enhancing the quality, accessibility, and appearance of a key community asset. Once completed, the improvements will provide a safer, more accessible, and more inviting trail for residents and visitors, reinforcing Duarte’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and community spaces. The City will provide updates on CityofDuarte.ca.gov and social media platforms as information becomes available.
UPCOMING EVENTS
State of the City and Schools Address
The City of Duarte and the Duarte Unified School District (DUSD) are honored to present the 2026 State of the City and Schools Address on Monday, May 4 at the Kenneth M. Bell Gymnasium (1565 Central Avenue). Doors will open at 5:30 PM, with the program beginning at 6 PM. A reception will follow the presentation, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with City and school leaders.
Mayor Tera Martin Del Campo and DUSD Board President Reyna Diaz will deliver this year’s address, highlighting key accomplishments from 2025 and sharing updates on initiatives that continue to strengthen the Duarte community. Embracing this year’s theme, “Legacy in Motion,” the event reflects Duarte’s commitment to honoring its past while recognizing the progress and momentum shaping its future. The program will showcase collaborative efforts between the City and DUSD that support residents, students, and local organizations.
Duarte residents, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to attend and learn more about the achievements and vision guiding the community forward.
One Nation Under Gol
Join us on Friday, June 12 for “One Nation Under Gol,” our USA vs. Paraguay World Cup Watch Party at Duarte Sports Park. Come out with your friends and family, show your team pride, and be part of a lively night centered around fútbol and community. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the match together right here in Duarte!
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Show
Our annual Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Show returns this summer at Duarte Sports Park. This year’s event is especially meaningful as we mark our Nation’s 250th anniversary. Join us for a festive night of community, celebration, and a spectacular fireworks display!