City Council Regular Meeting onMarch 3, 2026 (Photo – Screengrab)
The San Gabriel City Council on Tuesday discussed compliance with California’s SB 1383 organics diversion law, voted 4–0 to renew a case-management services contract with Chinatown Service Center, and proclaimed March as Women’s History Month.
By Zamourad Iqbal
Athens Services Senior Vice President John Harrington briefed the council on the state-mandated organics diversion program, SB 1383, which requires cities to separate waste into three categories to maximize diversion and reduce landfill use.
The law aims to cut organic waste sent to landfills by expanding composting and recycling programs statewide.
Harrington said transitioning to a three-stream waste system, black bins for trash, green bins for yard waste and organics, and blue bins for recycling, is known as source separation and is required to meet SB 1383 compliance standards.
“California has SB 1383, [which] has mandated that we divert 75% out of the waste stream,” Harrington said. “The problem with that is it requires a facility to get as much out of that black can as possible.”
He said the three-stream system would make San Gabriel automatically compliant with the law.
“The state does not look at the actual diversion threshold of 75% anymore,” Harrington said. “They really are pushing to a three-stream system.” Harrington added that the transition will likely increase costs for commercial customers and multi-family residences due to additional infrastructure needs.
“We’ve figured out that for commercial and multi-family residences, there’s going to be an added cost because of this blue [bin],” Harrington said. “You can imagine the infrastructure—more routes, more trucks, labor. We have all these cans, so we have to be able to pay for them.”
Councilmembers raised concerns about the added costs, including limited space for additional bins at multi-family residences and the potential need for more frequent trash collection.
San Gabriel Community Services Assistant Director Matthew Morales-Stevens also presented a service update and agreement with Chinatown Service Center for case-management services totaling $58,879.73.
According to the presentation, the program assists vulnerable residents, more than 60% of whom are seniors. About 87% of services are provided in languages other than English, including Mandarin and Cantonese. Food access accounted for 45% of the assistance provided, including enrollment, renewal and troubleshooting for benefits.
Before the council voted on the agreement, Mayor Denise Menchaca asked for a brief recess. When the meeting resumed, it was announced that Menchaca was not feeling well and had left the meeting.
The council then voted 4–0 to renew the partnership and authorized the city manager to sign the service agreement. Vice Mayor Eric L. Chan praised the organization’s work in the community. Vice Mayor Eric L. Chan praised the work of the CSC. “I see the great work that Chinatown Service Center has done for our city, and I’m excited to continue our relationship,” Chan said. “It looks like the city gets good value from CSC, and our residents definitely benefit.”
Mayor Denise Menchaca also proclaimed March as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women in the community and throughout history.
“Women’s History Month is not only a time to reflect on progress but also a reminder of the work that remains to ensure equity and opportunity for future generations,” Menchaca said. “On behalf of the City Council, we celebrate the achievements of women past and present, and we affirm our commitment to building a community where every girl and woman can thrive.”
The next San Gabriel City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
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