On September 4, 2024, City officials held a check presentation and press conference at the San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center (1960 San Gabriel Canyon Rd, Azusa) to recognize recent major funding support of regional efforts to improve conditions in the North San Gabriel River. Senator Susan Rubio presented a $300,000 check to the cities of Azusa, Duarte and Irwindale, with the goal of reinforcing ongoing public safety measures in the area. This funding is being provided through Senate Bill No. 104 (2023), as part of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) allocation by the Department of Housing and Community Development for a homeless services pilot program.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude to Senator Rubio for advocating for this allocation. These funds will substantially contribute to our efforts in addressing homelessness and public safety in the Riverbed.” stated Mayor Vinh Truong, City of Duarte.
In 2020, the Ranch 2 Fire forced the evacuation of entire communities, threatening the lives of thousands of people and hundreds of homes. The fire burned more than 4,300 acres and cost an estimated $11 million to extinguish. Since 2021, the Los Angeles County Fire Department has recorded 26 fires in the 4-mile stretch of the watershed. In response, the cities of Azusa, Duarte and Irwindale led a coordinated effort bringing together many local, county, state and federal resources.
“We appreciate the opportunity to work with our neighboring cities and sincerely thank Senator Rubio for providing much-needed funding to assist our public safety agencies in keeping our residents safe.” stated Mayor Albert F. Ambriz, City of Irwindale.
The area also experienced high volume of calls for emergency medical services and law enforcement response. The response was provided by Los Angeles County Fire Department and local public safety agencies including the Azusa Police Department, Irwindale Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff. The rugged terrain and scattered encampment sites were a challenge for first responders. Additional resources were brought in to access encampments, provide compassionate outreach, and offer essential services including health care resources and housing.
The cities partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District in the planning and coordination of several encampment clean-up projects resulting in the removal of over 1,300 tons of debris from the banks of the Riverbed, including shopping carts, material used to build campsites, abandoned vehicles, propane tanks and gasoline cans from abandoned illegal campsites.
“Funds attained through the efforts of Senator Susan Rubio helps fund additional law enforcement and emergency services to the area in order to address public health and safety concerns including high fire danger and proliferation of criminal activity.” stated Mayor Robert Gonzales, City of Azusa.
The three-city partnership continues to address issues arising from the increasing homeless population in the Riverbed, including violent crimes and devastating fires impacting surrounding communities. State funding such as this helps ensure that local agencies continue to work collaboratively in responding to public safety incidents, mitigating risks, and safeguarding the well-being of all residents.
For more information about this event or the ongoing efforts of these cities, please contact the Duarte City Manager’s Office at (626) 357-7931.