Sergeant Magana, Sergeant Messropian, and Lieutenant Logan with Police Chief and Councilmembers. April 7, 2026 (Photo 0 Screebgrab)
The San Gabriel City Council recognized the promotion of three police officers and proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month during its April 7 meeting.
By Zamourad Iqbal
Police Chief Edward Elizalde formally announced the promotions of Gilbert Magana and Mike Messropian to police sergeant, and Timothy Logan to police lieutenant. Elizalde highlighted their achievements, while the officers spoke about their commitment to leadership, mentorship, and community service.
Vice Mayor Eric L. Chan and Councilmember John Wu thanked the officers for their service and underscored the importance of mentorship in developing the department’s future leaders, expressing their congratulations to Sergeant Magana, Sergeant Messropian, and Lieutenant Logan on their well‑deserved promotions and sharing how glad they were to see their advancement and to look forward to the ways they will help shape the next generation of police officers in the community, strengthening leadership and keeping the community safe.
The council also proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, underscoring the importance of inclusion and public understanding of individuals on the autism spectrum.
“Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness of the challenges faced by children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum and living to their full potential,” Mayor Denise Menchaca said. “We promote acceptance, celebrate the ways autistic individuals contribute to the diversity and strength of our city, and prioritize inclusion for individuals and their families.”
Menchaca also highlighted the San Gabriel Police Department’s upcoming Silent Day Out event on April 18 at Vincent Lugo Park from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. The event, held in recognition of Autism Awareness Month, aims to foster inclusion and community engagement through low-noise, sensory-friendly activities. No sirens or loud noises will be used, and the event is free and open to the public.
“It’s our first year, and I want to applaud our police department for recognizing a need,” Menchaca said. “I’m excited to see how this motivates other cities and fulfills something that has been needed for a long time.”
The Silent Day Out event will feature low-noise, sensory-friendly activities. No sirens or loud noises will be used. The event is free and open to the public.
In other updates, City Manager Mark Lazzaretto addressed issues with the community pool and upcoming changes to the farmers market.
“We unfortunately had a heater that essentially disintegrated,” Lazzaretto said, adding that new heaters are being built and could be installed within days of delivery. “Hopefully by next week we should have, if not a working pool, at least more information.”
Lazzaretto also said that while rain has canceled planned festivities at the farmers market scheduled for Saturday, the market itself will continue as planned. The postponed activities are expected to take place April 18 at about 8:45 am.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21.
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