Montebello Boosts Civic Pride with "Citizen of the Month" Program

The City of Montebello is initiating a Citizen of the Month program. The program intends to highlight members of the community who demonstrate the essence of what it means to live, work, and give back to their city, especially within the challenges of the current pandemic. Nominations are open to the public to ensure the program is community driven. The City is partnering with local leaders from the Shops at Montebello, Beverly Hospital, the Rotary Club, and the Montebello Chamber of Commerce. The City will recognize one individual or business at the first City Council Meeting of each month. Honorees will receive special public recognition from the City Council and be presented with an awards package acknowledging their efforts. Recognition will be virtual while COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect.

To kick-off this important civic program, an inaugural awardee has been named by Mayor Kimberly Cobos-Cawthorne. At 81 years of age, Montebello resident Betty J. Rodriguez has demonstrated exceptional community activism and has been a resident since 1957. “Betty has selflessly served twice a week at YMCA, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, and other organizations here in Montebello for many years now. She is an inspiration to this community, I applaud her for all that she does, she is an excellent example of the giving residents who live in Montebello,” said Mayor Cobos-Cawthorne. When the pandemic changed the world, Betty went into action to help those around her. As a YMCA volunteer, Betty worked to distribute food to families in need. She also pioneered the effort with Montebello’s Parks and Recreation staff to get food delivered from the YMCA to homebound seniors. Her efforts over the last year have helped dozens of people. When asked what drives her to volunteer, Betty states, “I want to set an example for others my age. We can do something. Age does not determine what you can accomplish with your life.” Betty will be recognized for her work at the February 10, 2021, City Council meeting.

Nominations are now being accepted from the community and local businesses to identify the next Citizen of the Month to be announced at the March 10, 2021, City Council meeting. Nomination forms and guidelines are available in multiple languages and all submissions are reviewed by the selection committee. Nomination forms must be submitted to the Public Affairs Department by February 22 to be considered. Nominees must be a resident, business, volunteer, or employee of a Montebello business, age 14 years or older. Nomination forms and submission information are available online at https://cityofmontebello.com/department/public-affairs/citizen-of-the-month.html.