No Parking Rain or Shine!

Rainy season is fast approaching and the questions about street sweeping are beginning to arise.  We here in the Community Preservation Division would like to share some helpful information with you about our no parking policies during the days of uncertain weather. All no parking signs remain in effect rain or shine.  You may be cited if your vehicle is parked on a street that is designated for no parking during specified days and times. If the sweeper is interrupted by bad weather they will still try to complete their route once the weather clears so it is important that they are able to continue. For this reason, we ask that you obey the restricted parking signs posted by the City.
Although rain will not keep a vehicle which is parked in a designated “No Parking” zone from being cited, there are some days that are exempt from the no parking regulations. 
The following dates are upcoming City observed holidays where vehicles are allowed to park on the street although signs are posted displaying “No Parking” during designated times.

Presidents Day                   Monday, February 15, 2010
Memorial Day                      Monday, May 31, 2010

Please note that although “No Parking” signs designated for street sweeping will not be enforced on these days, there will still be officers on patrol enforcing other parking violations.  If there are temporary signs posted to restrict parking during the above listed dates those signs will be enforced for the period of time stated on the sign.  If you have any questions please contact Community Preservation at (626) 855-1583.

Severe Weather Alert

With the National Weather Service predicting a series of winter storms bringing heavy rain, high wind conditions, flooding and snow, SCE is taking the following precautionary steps to prepare for possible customer service interruptions:

• SCE and contract crews are mobilizing as outages occur and will work around-the-clock to restore power in areas that might be affected.
• SCE storm response personnel are on standby to support service restoration, ensuring that the utility has available inventories of material and equipment for repair work.
• Additional SCE customer call center representatives will be activated to help answer customer calls in the event of increased outages.
• Customers can report outages by calling (800) 611-1911.

Safety Reminders

With high winds, heavy rain and snow forecast in the coming days, SCE wants to remind its customers to be prepared in case of weather-related outages and suggests:

• If you know someone who is dependent on electrically operated medical equipment, make back-up power arrangements in case a power outage affects that equipment.
• Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
• If you see a power line on the ground, stay away. Do not touch it or try to remove it. Call SCE or local law enforcement.
• Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and flashlights. Check the batteries to make sure they are fresh. Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard.
• Do not use equipment designed for outdoor cooking indoors. Such equipment can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
• If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into the generator, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates “backfeed,” which is dangerous to repair crews.

Sandbags and sand are available at the 501 N. Glendora Avenue entrance to La Puente Park until 4:00 p.m. After 4:00 p.m., sandbags are available at the Youth Learning Activity Center Reception Desk. Please call (626) 855-1567 for more information.

Haitian Earthquake Relief

A Letter from the Mayor on the Haiti earthquake, what we can all do to help and donation scams to be aware of.

 Mayor's Letter>

Partial La Puente Park Closure Begins January 25

As a safety precaution, the southeast portion of La Puente Park, which includes the playground area, will be closed from Monday, January 25, 2010 through Friday, March 5, 2010 while under construction.  The City is updating this portion of the park to make it more handicap accessible. Improvements include the installation of a sidewalk around the perimeter with connections to picnic shelters and handicap ramps.  We apologize for any inconvenience this partial park closure may cause.

Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Services

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to unexpected financial hardship, you may be eligible for the once-in-a-lifetime Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) and receive monetary assistance (paid directly to your landlord and/or utility company). The notices below, in English and Spanish, provide a weblink that allows pre-screening to determine eligibility based on income and geography requirements.

 More Information (English & Spanish)>

Street Sweeping Changes

Effective January 4, 2010, the City of La Puente will change street sweeping times to better accommodate the City’s residents. The new street sweeping times will be 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The new times will be posted on signs displayed throughout the City before implementation begins. Please pay close attention to the days and times shown on all signs displaying temporary parking restrictions to ensure you are not parked in a ‘No Parking’ zone.

These changes will provide additional time for residents to remove vehicles from the public street. Remember that removing your vehicle during the posted time frame will assist with cleaning the City streets. The City thanks you in advance for your cooperation.

2010 Relay for Life

Join the City of La Puente’s team in the fight against cancer. The Relay for Life is an overnight event that celebrates cancer survivors and remembers those lost to the disease. The 2010 Relay is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, April 25, 2010. To donate, join our team, or register for the event, please visit main.acsevents.org/goto/cityoflapuente.

Code Enforcement Hotline

A Code Enforcement Hotline has been set up for after hours and weekend code enforcement complaints. The hotline number is 626-855-1599. Messages left on this hotline will be responded to by Community Preservation Officers on the weekend or the next business day if the complaint was left after business hours.

Military Banner Recognition Program

The City of La Puente has adopted a Military Banner Recognition Program for our residents who are currently active in the Military Service. The banners will be displayed along various parts of Hacienda Boulevard. To have the banners displayed in May, please turn in the order form by Wednesday, April 7, 2010 to La Puente City Hall. For more information on how to participate in this program,

please click here>