About Montebello, California

Montebello (Italian and Spanish for beautiful mountain) is considered part of the Gateway Cities, and is a member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. The city has an estimated population of 61,954 as of July 1, 2019.

Originally an agricultural community, Montebello boasted having the ideal climate, productive soil, and an abundance of water. From the turn of the century and through the 1920’s, the area was famed for its production of flowers, vegetables, berries, and fruits. In 1912 the Montebello Woman’s Club sponsored Montebello’s first flower show in the high school auditorium.

The discovery of oil by Standard Oil Company on the Anita Baldwin property in 1917 brought about a revolutionary change to Montebello. The agricultural hills soon became a major contributor to oil production. By 1920, Montebello oil fields were producing one-eighth of our state’s crude oil. On October 16, 1920, Montebello was incorporated as the 35th of the present cities in Los Angeles County.

In addition, the city has The Montebello Parks and Recreation Division which provides recreational services for all age groups, from small children to the growing senior citizen community. Their Mission Statement is: “Creating Community Through People, Parks & Recreation”.