October was a full month of celebration, rides, and community action across the San Gabriel Valley. From celebrating our 15th anniversary at Noche de las Luminarias to welcoming new riders through our GoSGV and Easy Access programs and leading volunteer sheet mulching days, the ActiveSGV team kept busy.

Noche de las Luminarias
We marked a major milestone this month as ActiveSGV celebrated its 15th anniversary. The evening brought together partners, volunteers, and advocates at the Hurst Ranch Historical Center in West Covina to honor community leaders working toward a safer and more sustainable San Gabriel Valley. Guests enjoyed live music from Coras and dinner by Amara Kitchen. It was a beautiful night filled with conversation, connection, and a shared commitment to creating a more livable, sustainable, and equitable San Gabriel Valley.

GoSGV
The GoSGV team kept the energy rolling all month long. We connected with more than 300 residents at the City of El Monte’s Rideshare Fair and Monterey Park’s Monster Mash, where kids and adults learned how easy it is to access our regional e-bike library. At every stop, community members shared how e-bikes make riding fun and accessible again, whether for daily trips or new adventures. We also shared details about our new programming that allows qualified residents to keep a GoSGV e-bike for a full year for just $75 (a value of more than $800). Learn more at GoSGV.com.

Easy Access

Our Easy Access program partnered with AARP for a community ride exploring the Emerald Necklace network. Riders started at the Jeff Seymour Family Center in El Monte and pedaled through Whittier Narrows Park, connecting with the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo trails. For several participants, it was their first time biking on the river paths. One rider shared how cycling has helped her recover from a foot and knee injury, rebuilding strength and confidence along the way. Easy Access also hosted two free e-bike pop-ups at Walnut Creek Park, where more than 60 riders tested our e-bike fleet, including one participant who managed to log 26 miles on a single charge.

Nature For All: Pumpkinfest + Excellent Adventure Ride
October also brought color and creativity to the season. We teamed up with Nature For All for two great events. Families joined us at our Active Social: Pumpkinfest to paint pumpkins, enjoy snacks, and learn about upcoming community projects. Later in the month, we hosted our “Excellent Adventure” ride through San Dimas and Bonelli Park. The ride combined bikes, trains, and good vibes as participants explored local landmarks and natural spaces while learning about the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument campaign.

Puente Hills Renaming Project
The Puente Hills Landfill is on its way to becoming a new public park, and the community is helping shape its future. In October, residents attended our second workshop to share ideas for the park’s new name and vision. Participants discussed how this space can honor local culture, history, and the environment as it transitions from a former landfill to a new regional destination for recreation and reflection. Want to be part of this history? Share your ideas for possible names here.

SGV Carshare

Our SGV Carshare team joined AYSO Region 908’s Trunk-or-Treat event at Shively Middle School in South El Monte. Staff decorated one of our electric carshare vehicles and showcased it to more than 300 attendees. Kids enjoyed popcorn while families received tote bags filled with program flyers and information about how to sign up. Many community members were learning about SGV Carshare for the first time, providing us with an excellent opportunity to promote this affordable, all-electric mobility option available in the San Gabriel Valley.

Water + Infrastructure Updates
Our Water and Infrastructure teams stayed busy this month, hosting meetings and volunteer days that bring sustainability to life across the SGV. The Public Works Equity Initiative (PWEI) held a second focus group with the Clean Air Coalition of North Whittier & Avocado Heights, as well as the Vaqueros, to gather feedback on L.A. County Public Works’ Draft Equity Framework. The Merced Avenue Stormwater Capture Project reached its 50% design milestone, with Community Advisory Committee members offering valuable input on greenway connections and safety features. 

In Duarte, volunteers rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on sheet mulching day, transforming a front yard into a native, water-saving landscape. Participants learned how to layer cardboard, mulch, and soil to remove lawns naturally and make room for native plants to thrive. In Alhambra, community members reviewed plans for the new Burke Heritage Park and the Marengo Yard Stormwater Project, which aims to improve local water quality and expand green space.

As the year winds down, we’re gearing up for a busy November with more rides, workshops, and community events. Stay connected by signing up for our newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming opportunities to get involved.