San Gabriel City Council Honors Employees, Community Members, and Updates on City Initiatives

San Gabriel City Council Special Meeting on December 2, 2025 (Photo – Screengrab, San Gabriel City)

The San Gabriel City Council special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, recognized employee achievements, honored community service members, and received updates from the city manager.

By Zamourad Iqbal

City Manager Mark Lazzaretto opened the meeting by presenting awards to employees for their service. The Detective Bureau received a teamwork award for solving the July 22, 2025, heist at San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, which led to the recovery of more than $4 million. “We all appreciate how the San Gabriel Police Department works to keep our community safe,” Lazzaretto said.

Councilmembers also recognized the Police and Fire Departments for their emergency response to the Eaton Palisades fire. “Our emergency response award goes to a huge team,” Lazzaretto said. “These members not only kept our city safe but also assisted in Pasadena and the Palisades. We want to honor their support for the entire LA region.”

Mayor Denise Menchaca praised all recognized community service members and thanked their families for their support. “We really appreciate you all,” she said.

Councilmember Jorge Herrera Avila shared insights from meetings about the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, noting that San Gabriel is well-positioned to take advantage of regional momentum. He emphasized that early planning could benefit small businesses and ensure residents are central to Olympics-related opportunities.

Avila also announced his election to the national board of Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO), representing San Gabriel. “I’m honored to represent the San Gabriel Valley and our community at the national level,” he said.

Lazzaretto updated the council on an upcoming meeting about e-bike regulations, scheduled for Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at Jefferson Middle School. “We see people of all ages riding and aren’t always sure if they should be on the sidewalk or street,” he said. ” We’re going to have a great presentation by Chief [Edward] Elizalde and his team. I encourage anybody interested in learning about those rules and safety, and, more importantly, the safety of those vehicles.”