San Gabriel City Hall (Photo – Ken Lund)
The San Gabriel City Council on Oct. 21 declared Oct. 19–25 as United Against Hate Week and shared financial and personnel updates for Fiscal Year 2024–2025.
By Zamourad Iqbal
Mayor Denise Menchaca issued the proclamation to promote safety and inclusion throughout the community.
“The city of San Gabriel is dedicated to preventing and opposing hate and intolerance in our communities,” Menchaca said. “The city supports United Against Hate Week 2025 and its efforts to stop hate, intolerance, bullying, and promote safe, inclusive, and equitable neighborhoods.”
Menchaca and Rick Eng, program manager for Special Service for Groups, Inc., originally launched the initiative under a different name. The mayor expressed appreciation for their continued partnership.
“I am so pleased that we were able to work together outside of our personal socializing and came together for a significant initiative called United Against Hate,” Menchaca said. “It’s a real honor to have you here under the official capacity.”
City Reports Strong Financial Outlook
Finance Director Will Kaholokula reported that the city’s General Fund is projected to increase by $1.65 million in FY 2024–2025, marking the seventh straight year of positive growth.
“The General Fund is projecting a net increase in fund balance of $1.65 million,” Kaholokula said. “This is the seventh year in a row with a positive net change in fund balance.”
Kaholokula noted that the audit is still in progress and will be presented in January 2026.
“Next steps will complete the closeout of the financials and the annual audit,” Kaholokula said. “Once the audit is completed, the annual comprehensive financial report will be prepared and published. We’ll submit it to the GFOA for the award. In January 2026, the ACFER financial report will be presented to the city council, with our auditor present.”
Employee Benefit Updates
The Council also discussed benefit adjustments for non-represented employees. Beginning Nov. 1, 2025, the Community Development Director’s salary range will move from pay grade EM2 to EM3 to improve internal equity, and the city’s maximum monthly health benefit contribution will also rise from $1,650 to $1,700.
Starting June 27, 2026, employees will receive a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, and the Police Captain position will receive an 8% raise to reflect both cost-of-living and equity adjustments.
The next San Gabriel City Council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 4.
> Watch the full San Gabriel City Council Meeting from October 21, 2025, below:
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