History of Monterey Hills

Monterey Hills a small, diverse, middle-class community within the city of Los Angeles, California located about 4 miles east/northeast of downtown Los Angeles and about 3 miles from Pasadena off of the 110 Freeway. It is surrounded by El Sereno to the southeast, Hermon to the east, Montecito Heights to the southwest and the independent city of South Pasadena to the northeast. Monterey Hills is part of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council (ASNC).

Development history
The Monterey Hills Redevelopment Project, adopted by City Council on July 29, 1971, includes the development of a well planned residential community that provides a variety of housing opportunities for families and individuals from all income levels and the preservation of the physical integrity of the site. Twenty-one condominium and rental complexes totaling 1,781 units have been built in the project area.

Monterey Hills is proud to be a PET FRIENDLY community. On any given day, you're sure to see cats sunning themselves on balconies and dogs happily walking around or in Bud Weiner Park.

The Monterey Hills Jazz Festival


Then...
In 1985, the Monterey Hills Federation published a newsletter entitled "The View" which featured articles written exclusively by and for the residents of Monterey Hills. The View also served as an advertising vehicle for merchants who wanted to establish a presence in Monterey Hills. The staff of the The View wanted to sponsor a social event that would bring all Hill residents together such as a community block party or other event. Since The View's editor had numerous contacts in the music industry, the Monterey Hills Jazz Festival was born. Past performers have included the Susie Hansen Band, Nocy, Jimmy McConnell, Lori Andrews Quartet and many more.

Now…
In its 14th year, the Jazz Festival has become a highly anticipated annual event for the people of Monterey Hills and for those in the surrounding area. Since its inception, the Monterey Hills Federation has sponsored the event each year along with the great support of the Los Angeles City Council’s 14th District, the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, the Community Redevelopment Association, the Los Angeles Police Department, area merchants and area artisans.

While not quite on the scale of the Monterey, California, Jazz Festival, the Monterey Hills Jazz Festival does has a reputation among the many jazz groups that play the area. Entertainers vie for the prestige of being able to say that they played the “Monterey Hills Jazz Festival.” And so it goes that not only do the people enjoy the music, but also the musicians enjoy playing for a most appreciative audience.