Page 27 - Duarte Summer 2025

The City of Duarte Welcomes
the Royal Oak Retirement
Community to Duarte
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25, the Duarte City
Council recognized the annexation of the Royal Oaks Retirement
Community into the City of Duarte.
“For the first time since the City’s incorporation, we’ve expanded
our City boundaries. This is a night of celebration,” said Mayor
Cesar. A. Garcia. “I would like to formally welcome all Royal
Oaks residents to the City of Duarte. These individuals had
Duarte pride long before tonight and I can’t think of a better
group to welcome into our City. We are grateful to have them
here and look forward to the talents, contributions, and sense
of community they will provide.”
The annexation process began at the January 23, 2024 City
Council meeting, where the City Council approved the pre-
annexation agreement with HumanGood. The agreement
supported HumanGood’s Local Agency Formation Commission
for the County of Los Angeles (LAFCO) application requesting the
annexation of Royal Oaks Retirement Community into the City of
the Duarte.
“This is one of the first things that came across our desk when I
first got elected, and it’s really exciting to see it come to fruition,”
said Mayor Pro Tem Tera Martin Del Campo. “This was made
possible because of the Royal Oaks residents showing up and
everything they brought to the table. There’s no way anyone
could deny that they don’t belong here in Duarte.”
The City of Duarte worked alongside Andrew Smith, the executive
director for Royal Oaks and Westminster Gardens for the time,
and other representatives from HumanGood throughout the
annexation process.
“On behalf of all of HumanGood, I want to express how excited,
thankful, and passionate we are about Royal Oaks joining
the City of Duarte,” said Smith. “We have a long and positive
relationship with the City and we are so grateful to see that
relationship expand. Thank you to the City Council and City
leadership who were great partners throughout this process.
We’re very confident that this is great for HumanGood, the City
of Duarte, and our residents at Royal Oaks.”
Since its founding in 1959, Royal Oaks has offered enriching and
supportive living experiences and services for seniors including
independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled
nursing and short-stay rehabilitation. The annexation marks a
new chapter, ensuring long-term stability and integration with
Duarte’s municipal services.
“The history of Royal Oaks is very entwined with the City of
Duarte, and after 65 years, we’re finally glad to have a city to call
home,” said Royal Oaks resident Jim Lawler. “We thank LAFCO
for their decisions and the City of Duarte, the Council, and the
Planning and Economic Development Commission for their
actions to welcome us. I trust we’ll be good neighbors.”
Duarte Unveils
Vibrant New Utility Box
Art Installations
The City of Duarte is proud to announce the installation of four new
utility box art designs as part of its Utility Box Art Program. These
vibrant and inspiring designs, created by talented local artists,
celebrate Duarte’s history and community values.
Following a competitive selection process, the Duarte City Council
approved the final designs at its November 12, 2024, regular meeting.
Each piece was thoughtfully chosen to reflect unique themes,
enhancing the city’s public spaces through creative expression.
The newly installed artwork includes:
“Snapshots Down the Ol’ Route 66” by Raquel Martinez Rodriguez
Location: Southeast corner of Huntington Drive & Mountain Avenue
Theme: Route 66
“Hope and Healing”
by Laishan Mui Ito
Location: Southwest
corner of Duarte Road &
Circle Road
Theme: Medical Health
“ABC, 123!” by Cheyne Ellett
Location: Southeast corner of Huntington Drive & Crestfield Drive
Theme: Childhood
Tracks of Time” &
“Connected Journeys”
by Samantha Chang
Location: Northeast corner
of Fasana Road & Highland
Avenue
Theme: Transportation
Each utility box now features a QR code that links directly to the
Utility Box Art Program webpage, offering more details about the
artists and their inspirations. To explore the artwork and learn more
about the program, visit AccessDuarte.com/Utility-Box-Art-Program.
The City of Duarte invites residents and visitors to enjoy these new
installations and celebrate the creativity that brings our streets to
life!
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