City Manager's Report November and December 2024

City Clerk's Corner

🌟 Introducing Our New Online Records Center! 🌟

We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Online Records Center, designed to make accessing the City’s records easier than ever! Whether you need to retrieve City Ordinances, Resolutions, City Minutes or Monthly Building Permit Reports, our user-friendly platform puts everything at your fingertips.

Key Features:

  • 24/7 Access: Retrieve information anytime, from anywhere, to support your workflow.
  • Search Functionality: Quickly find specific documents with advanced search options.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Easily navigate through a comprehensive database of records and documents.

Join us in embracing this new era of convenience and security, Start exploring the Online Records Center today!

🌟 Leaders of the Pledge 🌟

Introducing the Youth Initiative Pilot Program “Leaders of the Pledge” – an exciting new opportunity designed to empower the youth with the skills and enhance their understanding of civic duties. Students in grades 1 through 12 are invited to register to attend an upcoming City Council meeting and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@pico-rivera.org or by phone at (562) 801-4389. Join us as we invest in the next generation of leaders!

City Council Dark Meetings Coming Up!

On September 8, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 6827, cancelling certain meetings of the City Council due to Holiday Schedules and Vacation schedules. The City Council meeting regularly scheduled for December 24, 2024, is scheduled to go DARK. Meetings will resume in January, with the next City Council meeting scheduled for January 14, 2025.

Biannual Records Destruction Clean Up: The Naughty List Purge

It’s time to channel your inner Santa and give those outdated, non-compliant physical and digital records the ultimate "naughty list" treatment! This holiday season, the City Clerk’s Office is collaborating with the IT Division to launch another Biannual Records Clean-Up event beginning December 2nd to December 19th, sleighing clutter and paving the way for a more secure, streamlined future.

Say goodbye to expired files/records and hello to a cleaner, leaner system with our Citywide Biannual Records Destruction Clean-Up Event.

Together, we’ll:

  • 🎁 Check those files twice (are they naughty or nice?)
  • 🎁 Securely purge outdated records (no lumps of coal left behind!)
  • 🎁 Protect sensitive data and keep compliance on our nice list.

Let’s deck the (physical and digital) halls and make this the merriest purge of all! 🌟

Elections

The City Council certified and canvassed the results of the 2024 General Municipal Election during its meeting on December 10, 2024. Based on the election results, we are pleased to announce the elected candidates. Congratulations to the newly elected City Council members!

  • Monica Sanchez
  • Andrew C. Lara
  • Erik Lutz

2024 Election Statistics

  • As we move forward from the recent election, it is essential to assess the City’s voter turnout.
  • Voter registration increased by 1.43% compared to the 2022 election, a rise attributed to factors such as newly eligible 18-year-old voters, shifts in the City’s demographics, and other contributing elements.
  • The following snapshot presents the City of Pico Rivera's results from this year's General Election. The City’s total voter turnout (ballots cast) was approximately 63%, closely aligning with the County’s overall turnout of 66.12%.

A Message from the City Clerk:

As the City’s election season comes to an end, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all candidates, voters, and volunteers who participated in the Democratic process. Your engagement and commitment to our community is invaluable. The City Clerk's Office is dedicated to ensuring a fair and transparent election, and we are proud to have assisted the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters in facilitating this important civic duty. We look forward to supporting our newly elected officials as they take on their roles in serving our community. Thank you for making your voices heard!

Notice of City Council Re-Organization

  • The City Council of City of Pico Rivera, at their regular meeting of December 10, 2024, reorganized and selected current Mayor Pro Tem John R. Garcia to serve one-year as the new Mayor of the City of Pico Rivera. Congratulations Mayor Garcia!
  • At the same meeting, the City Council selected Councilmember Gustavo V. Camacho to serve one year as the new Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Pico Rivera. Congratulations Mayor Pro Tem Camacho!

Departmental Updates

Office of the City Manager

Holiday Message from the City Manager

As we welcome the holiday season, I’m filled with gratitude and joy reflecting on the moments that have brought us together throughout the year. This festive time reminds us of the importance of family, friends, and community, fostering a sense of connection and warmth that defines our shared experience in Pico Rivera. To our neighbors, stakeholders, first responders, and elected leaders, thank you for your unwavering support and collaborative spirit. Your dedication is essential to our journey of progress, shaping Pico Rivera into a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and play. I extend a heartfelt thank you to the exceptional City of Pico Rivera employees. Your tireless commitment and outstanding service make a profound difference in the well-being of our community. Because of your efforts, we continue to enhance the quality of life for all who call Pico Rivera home. As we prepare for a new year, let us build on our achievements and strive for an even brighter future together. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and cherished moments of happiness.

Pico Rivera City Council Adopts Historic Whittier Boulevard Vision Plan

Office of Sustainability/PRIME

Brighten the Holiday Season with the Gift of a PRIME Power Choice Solar System

Pico Rivera residents can brighten their holiday season with a solar and battery system through the PRIME Power Choice program. With solar panels and battery storage, homeowners can maximize the use of 100% of the solar energy their system produces, rather than exporting it to the grid for minimal compensation.

The Power Choice program manages every step, from design to installation. This allows participants to access the benefits of solar energy effortlessly. Participants benefits include:

  • No upfront costs and no credit checks.
  • Emergency home back-up power system.
  • Monthly tariff of $115 per month for the first battery.
  • Consistent low energy prices of $0.145 kWh.

Power Choice is a great opportunity to transition to clean, resilient energy in the new year. The holidays are the perfect time to sign up. Qualified residents who sign up now can gift themselves a cooler home and merrier summer energy bill.

PRIME customers can sign-up now using the button below:

Complimentary Tree Composting Service will Occur December 26th to January 17th

NASA is offering a natural Christmas tree composting program from December 26th to January 17th. To recycle your tree, make sure it’s free of decorations, including garland, lights, ornaments, and stands. Please note:

  • Flocked trees can't be recycled and should go in the black trash bin.
  • Trees over 6 feet must be cut into smaller pieces before being placed next to the green organic waste bin for pick up.

For questions, call NASA at 1-888-888-0388 or visit their website using the button below. City hall will be available for assistance starting January 6th, 2024.

Pico Rivera Receives the Platinum Energy Award from Gateway Cities!

Pico Rivera is kicking off 2025 with a major achievement! The City is proud to announce it has received the first-ever Platinum Energy Award from the Gateway Cities Council of Government. This prestigious recognition honors our City as the leader in energy efficiency and sustainability accomplishments among 27 cities in the Gateway Cities Region.

For years, Pico Rivera has been steadily climbing the ranks:

  • 2021 – Silver
  • 2022 – Gold
  • 2023 – Gold
  • 2024Platinum (First year this award is available)

This historic win is a testament to our community’s commitment to sustainability and resilience, made possible through the groundbreaking efforts of the Office of Sustainability/PRIME. Some key initiatives completed in 2024 that propelled us to this achievement include:

  • Launching the PRIME Power Choice Program: Making solar energy and battery storage accessible to the Pico Rivera community with no upfront costs and no credit checks.
  • Completing Energy Efficiency Projects: Replacing eight heat pump water heaters at City facilities, further advancing energy conservation efforts.

Special recognition goes to the Office of Sustainability/PRIME for spearheading these transformative projects. Their dedication and leadership have been instrumental in positioning Pico Rivera as a regional leader in sustainability.

This milestone would not have been possible without the collaboration and hard work of all City departments. Together, City staff is creating a greener, more sustainable future for our community.

Let’s build on this momentum and continue to lead the way in sustainability innovation!

Exciting Environmental Career Opportunities with SGVCC's GreenWorks Program

Young adults aged 18–26 in Pico Rivera are invited to participate in the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC) GreenWorks program, which offers 450 hours of paid, hands-on training in urban forestry and community sustainability projects. Training for this program will cover a variety of valuable professional development skills such as:

  • Time management
  • Leadership development
  • Financial literacy
  • First aid/CPR certification
  • Wilderness survival skills
  • Email etiquette
  • And much more!

Interested individuals should submit an application for the GreenWorks program here. For program question, contact Rene Jimenez, Associate Director at SGVCC:

  • Email: rjimenez@sgvcorps.org
  • Phone: 626-655-0015

Power Up Pico Rivera: Unlock Free Energy Savings with XeroHome!

  • Exciting news for Pico Rivera residents! PRIME, in partnership with XeroHome and Southern California Edison, is offering free energy audits for single-family and duplex homeowners.
  • Discover personalized energy insights, efficiency tips, and exclusive incentives to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Plus, the first 100 residents to try XeroHome.com will receive a $10 gift card! Don’t wait—visit XeroHome.com and start your energy journey today!

Community and Economic Development

Draft Zoning Code Update:

We have exciting updates! The Draft Zoning Code will be available for review on December 16th, 2024! The public comment period will be from December 16th, 2024 through January 16th, 2025. Thank you to those who have participated and continued to engage in this project and process. The Draft Zoning Code included design standards as well as City priorities identified in the 2014 General Plan, community input across the City priorities identified in the 2014 General Plan, community input for the two community events surveys, community events, surveys, community working group, and input from the study sessions.

On December 9th, 2024, the Community & Economic Development Department conducted an outreach event at the Senior Center where they shared information on the Zoning Code Update project and provided flyers informing the release of the Draft Zoning Code Update on December 16th, 2024.

2025 Greater Homeless Count

Volunteer registration is now open for the 2025 Los Angeles Homeless Count. The Homeless Count will occur on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 8 p.m. The City is encouraging families, friends and colleagues to help with this meaningful endeavor. Volunteer participation directly contributes to efforts to address homelessness in Los Angeles County. To register please visit the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) website at https://count.lahsa.org . Please contact Julia Gonzalez at (562) 801-4447 for more information.

Housing Rights Center Workshop

The Housing Rights Center will be sponsoring a workshop on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The workshop is developed for both tenants and landlords of the City of Pico Rivera, and will focus on fair housing laws, evictions, rent increases, disability accommodations and protections for families and children. Please visit https://www.housingrightscenter.org/workshops to register.

Consolidated Plan

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the City of Pico Rivera on an annual basis. To receive funding, the City is required to adopt and update their Consolidated Plan every five years. The Consolidated Plan is a comprehensive assessment of the City’s community development needs, which are intended to guide the City’s use of CDBG funds over a five-year period. As part of the update, the City is inviting all City residents to participate in a short survey. Please scan the QR code below to participate.

Public Works and Citywide Project Updates

PFAS Water Filtration Treatment Plant Ribbon Cutting

  • PFAS, or Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a toxic group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings, such as non-stick items.
  • These substances are known as "forever chemicals". Traces of these chemicals have been found in local water supplies, including Pico Rivera.
  • In response, a PFAS Water Treatment System has been constructed at three of Pico Rivera's water plants.
  • The new filtration system are fully installed and operational, and are designed to remove PFAS contaminants from the water supply.
  • The $16.5 million project was made possible thanks to the leadership and support of Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Senator Bob Archuleta, Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, Supervisor Janice Hahn, and Water Replenishment District Director Sergio Calderon.

Annual Signage and Striping Improvements

The Annual Signing and Striping Improvements Project is expected to start in January 2025, and to be completed in late February 2025. The improvements include the removal and replacement of existing roadway striping, markings, legends and crosswalks along Beverly Boulevard, Passons Boulevard, and portions of Paramount Boulevard, Rosemead Boulevard and San Gabriel River Parkway. Please slow down, and obey the traffic control signs for your safety, and the safety of the workers.

Citywide Resurfacing and Reconstruction Project: CIP No. 50066

  • The Citywide Resurfacing and Reconstruction Project consists of street resurfacing by grinding the existing pavement surface and placing new asphalt overlay, a treatment that restores failing pavement to good condition thereby prolonging the service life of existing pavement.
  • The project scope of work also includes the removal and reconstruction of damaged sidewalks, driveways, curb & gutters, and curb ramps for ADA compliance as well as traffic striping and traffic control.
  • The project mainly focuses on Slauson Avenue, one of the major corridors in the City (project limits: east to west city limits). Additionally, the project will also include improvements on seven (7) local residential street sections located south of Slauson Avenue.
  • The project is included in the City of Pico Rivera Capital Improvement Program, which includes funding for citywide street resurfacing and reconstruction improvements based on the City’s adopted Pavement Management Program. This is a multi-funded project that includes local and State Funds.
  • The City has already awarded a construction contract agreement to a contractor. It is expected that construction activities will start in January 2025 and the project will be completed late April/early May 2025.

ADA Sidewalk Improvements - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project: CIP No. 50118

  • The ADA Sidewalk Improvements CDBG Project scope of work entails the removal and reconstruction of damaged sidewalks, driveways, curb & gutters, and curb ramps for ADA compliance.
  • Traffic control and all required appurtenances needed to complete the project are also included in the scope of work. The project will focus on several local residential streets located towards the north end of the City.
  • A total of 81 locations have been identified as part of the project. The purpose of this project is to remove tripping hazards along existing sidewalks for ADA compliance. With the completion of this project, safety and accessibility for pedestrians will be improved.
  • This project is funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. It is expected that this project will be awarded in January 2025 and construction activities will be completed by May 2025.

Community Events & Programming Recap

Veteran's Day Ceremony - November 11, 2024

On November 11, 2024, the City of Pico Rivera held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony, featuring a flyover formation.

Turkey Waddle - November 25, 2024

On November 25, 2024, a Turkey Trot event was held at Pico Park. The event featured a trot, arts and crafts, and turkey and pie giveaways!

Holiday Tree Lighting - November 26, 2024

On November 26, 2024, the City of Pico Rivera held its annual Holiday Tree Lighting event which featured live entertainment, snow and sledding, vendors and holiday festivities!

Upcoming Events & Programs

City Hall Holiday Closure

City Facilities will be closed between Monday, December 23, 2024 through Friday, January 3, 2025. City facilities will reopen Monday, January 6, 2025.

For emergency services, please contact the following:

  • SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: (562) 949-2421
  • PUBLIC WORKS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: (800) 873-2880
  • WATER EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: (800) 759 - 5569

Views of Pico Rivera

Stunning views, landmarks, and moments around Pico Rivera as captured by City Photographer Robert Moreno

City Hall lights up the night as the sun sets during this cool, moody holiday season

Credits:

Created with an image by Artificial Image - "Happy New Year 2025 text design. 2025 happy new year background design. Elegant and beautiful New Year 2025 number design."