Mayor's Update: April 2025
Hello, Bell Gardens residents!
I hope you all had a joyful Easter! For those who celebrated, I hope your baskets were full and your hearts even fuller as you took time to reflect on renewal and new life.
This year’s holiday also came with sadness as we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, whose compassion and humility left a lasting impact on me, and on so many here in BG and around the world. Rest in peace, Pope Francis.
Our recent Spring Festival was a big success, with many residents joining us for an Easter egg hunt, butterfly release, tree planting, and a sustainable—and stylish—recycled fashion show. Thank you to everyone who attended!
With spring halfway over, I’m already looking ahead to a fun-filled summer. Keep an eye out for our Summer Movies in the Park series—I’m rooting for some Pixar classics myself. My personal favorites are Cars and Monsters, Inc., but we’ll see what makes the final lineup.
I’m also happy to share that my first mayoral town hall was a great success. We had a packed room of residents sharing their concerns and perspectives. We were able to shed light on key issues like parking and city maintenance. A big thank-you to city staff for helping make the conversation happen. Stay tuned for details on our next town hall, coming at the end of May!
To our undocumented neighbors, I’d like to say again: WE STAND WITH YOU
As the Federal government continues its reckless and inhumane immigration enforcement, I’d like to reiterate Bell Gardens’ commitment to our immigrant neighbors and remind them and their loved ones that we stand with you.
At a recent immigrant workshop held in partnership with the Mexican American Bar Association, we had the opportunity to connect our immigrant neighbors with immigration attorneys—free of charge.
Here are some other resources for undocumented residents provided by the city:
Click for the Feb. 12 Immigration Workshop
Click for the Feb. 18 Immigration Workshop
Click here to print your own red cards in Spanish (copies available at all city facilities)
Aquatics Center Update
I’m excited to share the latest progress on the new John Anson Ford Park Regional Aquatics Center! This long-awaited project is moving forward, thanks to the dedication of city staff and our partners. Here’s what’s been accomplished so far:
Major structural work is complete! Concrete foundations, pool plumbing, and underground utilities have been installed. The competition pool, activity pool, and therapy pool structures are taking shape.
The amphitheater and aquatics building roof are complete. Pool plastering and finishing touches are scheduled for late spring and summer.
The project is on track to be mostly finished by Fall 2025.
While construction continues, Bell Gardens residents can still enjoy swim lessons and recreational swim at Chet Holifield Park in Montebello, thanks to a partnership with the city.
This center will be a game-changer for our community, offering expanded aquatic programs, fitness opportunities, and a gathering space for all ages. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to opening day!
In related parks news, the city has completed the installation of additional LED lighting at Veterans Park. Part of the Veterans Park Refurbishment Project, upgrades include new ballfield lighting, volleyball court fixtures, and in-ground LED lights at the Veterans Memorial monument.
New solar-powered lights are also coming to Darwell Park, located at 8000 Darwell Avenue, to improve visibility and safety during evening hours. The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of May, making the park safer for our families and neighbors alike.
We’re also happy to announce a much-welcomed restroom upgrade at Vets, made possible with support from federal funding. With new facilities on the way, Bell Gardens is continuing to invest in comfort, accessibility, and the everyday spaces our community relies on.
Congratulations to Lieutenant Efren Aguirre, on your well-deserved retirement after over 25 years of outstanding service with the BG Police Department. Your steady and calm leadership has embodied the very best of law enforcement.
Throughout your career—as a patrol officer, field training officer, detective, sergeant, detective sergeant, and lieutenant—you’ve shown great courage and commitment. I’d especially like to highlight the moment you saved a 10-month-old baby by performing CPR, a true testament to your skill and swift response. We're deeply grateful for all you've given to this community—you’ll be truly missed, and we wish you all the best in this next chapter.
At our most recent council meetings, we had the opportunity to celebrate members of our community who are setting an example through athleticism and physical activity.
Congratulations to the Bell Gardens High School Boys Wrestling Team for their victory as Varsity Boys League Champions for the 2024–25 season, and to the BGHS Girls Volleyball Team for an incredible run as CIF Southern Section Champions, Regional Champions, and State Finalists! Huge thanks to Coaches Angel LaCosta, Joseph Martinez, Joshua Anilles, Sebastian Tapia, Caleb Ortiz, Jessica Yanez, and Samuel Sanchez for their outstanding leadership and dedication. Go Lancers!
I’d also like to recognize Vida Sana, an exercise group that also organizes community events. For years, you’ve brought our community together through wellness, volunteerism, and cultural activities that make us feel at home. Thank you for all you do—we can’t wait to see what’s next!
As always, you can contact me directly at (323) 305-4567 or via email at Jchavez@bellgardens.org. Until next month BG!
Jorgel Chavez
Mayor, City of Bell Gardens
