City Manager's Report April 2025

City Clerk's Corner

56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week - May 4 through 10, 2025

  • Did you know the City Clerk is one of the oldest—and most essential—roles in local government? From managing city records to running elections and supporting City Council, Clerks keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
  • In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation that officially declared Municipal Clerks Week the first full week of May.
  • In 1994 and 1996, President Bill Clinton also signed proclamations confirming Municipal Clerks Week. This annual observance offers a special opportunity to recognize and honor the critical role municipal clerks play in our communities.
  • They are essential in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and the smooth operation of local government.
  • Contact the City Clerk’s Office during the week of May 5-8 to say hello, ask questions, and become familiar with the services your trusted servants perform.
Meet Quill the Hedgehog – the newest (and cutest!) member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks! Quill’s on a mission to spread joy, fun, and celebrate all things clerk during Professional Municipal Clerks Week! 🎉🦔

Departmental Updates

Office of the City Manager

Pico Rivera wants to Turn its Biggest Environmental Challenge into its Biggest Economic Opportunity

The League of CA Cities recently covered the City of Pico Rivera and its implementation of the transformative Pico Rivera 2035 Corridor Revitalization Program. Read the entire article here!

LA Clays Shooting Park in Whittier Narrows Recreation Area Selected as Olympic Venue, Pico Rivera Establishing Cultural Celebration Hub for 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games

  • On April 17, 2025, LA28, the organizing body preparing to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, announced new venues, including the LA Clays Shooting Park in South El Monte, located in the Whittier Narrows Recreational Area along Rosemead Boulevard adjacent to the City of Pico Rivera.
  • The City of Pico Rivera has been advancing several regional initiatives to not only prepare for the Games, but emerge as a multimodal, resilient community. The City has been leading the implementation of the Rosemead/Lakewood Complete Corridor Project, which seeks to establish Bus Rapid Transit Service between Pasadena and Long Beach along Rosemead and Lakewood Blvd, connecting communities to several key destinations, including Olympic venues.
  • In February, the Pico Rivera City Council officially moved to establish a Cultural Celebration Hub for not only the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also the 2026 World Cup.
  • The goal is create a community-oriented gathering space for fans, athletes, and dignitaries to be together and celebrate in a way that reflects the City's vibrant cultural heritage.
Pico Rivera is ready to welcome the world! - Mayor John R. Garcia

Read more about the selection of Olympic Venues or the City's resolution moving to establish Cultural Celebration Hubs using the buttons below.

Office of Sustainability/PRIME

The CARE PRIME Power Choice Program Enrollment is Now Open!

  • PRIME customers who already enjoy reduced or discounted energy bills through the State’s CARE program can now save even more and get access to reliable renewable energy with the CARE PRIME Power Choice Program! Just like PRIME’s traditional Power Choice program, the CARE PRIME Power Choice allows customers to access affordable solar and battery storage systems to help reduce high electricity costs and ensure reliable renewable energy year-round.
  • This program, made possible through the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), will be available to existing CARE or CARE-qualified* customers until funding runs out. If eligible, applicants will be able to access solar energy for their homes during the day and store excess power in a backup battery for use at night, resulting in more consistent rates and an overall lower energy bill.

Here is what participants can expect:

PRIME is offering pre-applications for qualified customers now! Interested customers are highly encouraged to check eligibility and sign up today using the button below.

Do not wait—This program offering is limited! For more information or questions, contact a CARE PRIME Power Choice Program Advisor at 888-8-HAPPY-8 or PowerChoiceCARE@Participate.Energy

Pico Rivera 2025 Earth Day Fair Highlights!

  • On April 19, 2025, the City hosted its first full Earth Day Earth Day Fair at Pico Park, where residents gathered to learn about local sustainability programs and participate in Earth Day activities.
  • The Resource Fair featured 18 informational booths covering a wide range of sustainability topics, from waste separation and renewable energy to clean transportation and holistic wellness initiatives.
  • The event also included a successful drive-thru component, offering convenient stations for paper shredding, textile recycling, and electronic waste disposal—all designed to make sustainable practices more accessible to the community.
  • Be sure to follow the City’s social media channels for updates on future sustainability efforts and upcoming events!

Help Make Pico Rivera Greener by Adopting a Tree!

  • The City of Pico Rivera has teamed up with the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC) to launch the Pico Rivera Tree Adoption Program. This initiative is funded by a $150,000 grant from the Bezos Earth Fund, which SGVCC secured to help make Pico Rivera greener!
  • As part of the program, eight local youth have been selected to gain job readiness skills and assist with planting 200 trees throughout the City. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Pico Rivera Tree Adoption Program to help reduce local greenhouse gases, improve street walkability, boost curb appeal, and improve community well-being by fostering a greener space.
  • Interested residents can sign up now using the button below.

Join XeroHome for Energy Savings!

  • 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, practical efficiency tips, and exclusive incentives to help residents save money and reduce their carbon footprint this year. The first 100 residents to visit XeroHome.com will receive a $10 gift card!
  • Get ahead of summer weather by taking advantage of this opportunity to boost your home's energy efficiency and sustainability in 2025.
  • For more information, visit XeroHome.com.

EcoHero Show Brings Sustainability to Local Schools

  • The City, in partnership with EcoHero, is working to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. So far, the City and EcoHero have hosted six school assemblies, with the most recent one held at Magee Academy of Arts and Sciences.
  • EcoHero leads fun, interactive shows at local elementary schools to introduce students to key sustainability topics such as organics recycling and compost. These performances provide simple, hands-on tools that help children understand how to care for the planet. Students showed great enthusiasm during the assemblies and were eager to take what they learned home and share it with their families.
  • By reaching students now, the City supports the growth of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community.

Community and Economic Development

Implementation of Assembly Bill 413 - "Daylighting Law"

Effective January 1, 2025, it is illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, regardless of the presence of red curb markings. Assembly Bill 413, also known as the “Daylighting Law,” was enacted to improve pedestrian and driver visibility at intersections and enhance overall traffic safety.

The bill introduces a new section to the California Vehicle Code—Section 22500(n)(1)(A)—which prohibits stopping, standing, or parking within:

• 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, and

• 15 feet of any crosswalk that includes a curb extension.

The City of Pico Rivera’s Parking Division is committed to ensuring public safety through the proper implementation of this new law. As part of our rollout strategy, we will conduct a comprehensive public outreach campaign utilizing the City’s website, social media platforms, and digital reader boards. In addition, the City will distribute informational flyers and issue written warnings to violators during an initial grace period prior to the issuance of formal citations.

City Celebrates Completion of SoCal Gas Building K Project

  • On April 1, 2025, the City of Pico Rivera issued the Final Certificate of Occupancy for Building K, a new 70,000-square-foot operations and administration facility at 8101 Rosemead Boulevard. The project marks a major expansion of Southern California Gas Company’s regional campus and strengthens Pico Rivera’s role as a hub for critical utility services.
  • The two-story facility includes administrative offices, technical training areas, and a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center to support regional emergency response. Designed to meet LEED v4 standards, Building K features advanced systems and sustainable materials that align with the City’s environmental goals.
  • The City recognizes the leadership and continued support of the Mayor, City Council, and City departments that helped bring this project to completion. Pico Rivera looks forward to ongoing collaboration with SoCalGas and regional partners to advance infrastructure and resilience efforts.

4121 Rosemead Boulevard

  • Construction has been completed on three newly built duplexes located at 4121 Rosemead Boulevard, bringing a total of six residential units to the area. Each duplex sits on its own parcel, offering modern two-story living spaces.
  • Each two-story unit features four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a two-car garage, and a private driveway. The first floor includes a kitchen, living and dining areas, one bedroom, a full bathroom, a laundry room, and a 267-square-foot enclosed patio. The second floor offers a master suite, two additional bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an 80-square-foot balcony.
  • According to the property owner, the duplexes are currently available for both rent and sale, appealing to a variety of potential tenants and buyers.

Free Small Business Legal Workshop

The City of Pico Rivera invites you to join the next live virtual legal workshop, created to empower and support small business success. These interactive sessions will offer practical legal insights, tools, and resources to help you start, grow, or strengthen your business.

Missed our last workshop? No worries—we have a recording available so you can catch up and stay informed!

ADA Compliance for Small Businesses

  • Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM
  • Presenters: Carla Jacobo & John Lin
  • Description: This presentation provides an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and outlines the key compliance requirements that help businesses meet ADA standards.

Upcoming Financial Literacy Course for Spanish-Speaking Small Business Owners

The City, in partnership with the Emprendedores program, is excited to offer a free six-week financial literacy course designed specifically for Spanish-speaking small business owners. The course is part of the SCALE (Success, Capital Access, and Leadership for Entrepreneurs) program, an initiative led by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) to support underserved small business communities across California.

The course provides bilingual instruction and practical tools to help entrepreneurs grow and strengthen their businesses. Sessions have already been held in cities such as Bellflower and San Bernardino and are launching in Victorville, Anaheim, and other communities.

Weekly topics will include:

  1. The Importance of a Business Plan
  2. Legal Business Structures
  3. Recordkeeping for Business Transactions
  4. Understanding Financial Statements
  5. Access to Capital
  6. Guest Speakers – covering legal topics and funding opportunities
  • Course Dates: May 6 – June 10
  • Schedule: Mondays, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Rio Hondo Park

For more information, please call (714) 949-1208.

Public Works and Citywide Project Updates

Citywide Resurfacing and Reconstruction Project CIP No. 50066

  • This project is currently under construction. Onyx Paving, Inc., the City’s contractor, has completed all concrete work (removal and reconstruction of damaged sidewalks, driveways, curb & gutters, and curb ramps). Additionally, the contractor has completed all paving work in residential areas (including traffic striping) and most of the paving work on Slauson Ave.
  • Project scope of work consists of street resurfacing by grinding the existing pavement surface and placing new asphalt overlay. The project 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, from east to west city limits, but also includes improvements on various local residential street sections located south of Slauson Avenue.
  • The project is part of the City of Pico Rivera Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which includes funding for citywide street resurfacing and reconstruction improvements based on the City’s adopted Pavement Management System (PMS). This is a multi-funded project that will use Certificate of Participitation (COP), Measure W, Capital Improvement, and State Funds.
  • The project is expected to be completed in mid-May (weather permitting).
  • During construction, please follow traffic control and temporary no parking signs. We will make every effort to maintain access to your street and minimize any inconvenience resulting from this project.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Sidewalk Improvements - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project CIP No. 50118

  • The ADA Sidewalk Improvements Project is currently under construction. CJ Concrete Construction, Inc., the selected contractor for this project, started construction activities the second week of April.
  • 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.
  • The project focuses on several local residential streets located in CDBG community disadvantaged areas in the City. A total of 121 locations are included in this project.
  • The purpose of this project is to increase pedestrian safety by removing tripping hazards along city sidewalks.
  • This project is funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
  • CJ Concrete Construction, Inc., has completed approximately 80% of the work and the project is expected to be completed by the end of April.
  • During construction, please follow traffic control and temporary no parking signs. We will make every effort to maintain access to your street and minimize any inconvenience resulting from this project.

Community Events & Programming Recap

Certified Farmer's Market Returns - Every Wednesday through July 30, 2025

The Certified Farmers market has returned! Market will take place at Pico Park every Wednesday from 5pm-9pm running till July 30th. The market includes fruits and veggies from certified farmers, honey, food and artisan vendors. Musical entertainment is also scheduled every Wednesday starting at 6pm.

Easter Eggstravaganza - April 12, 2025

The Easter Eggstravaganza took place on April 12 at Pico Park. The event included artisan vendors, food vendors, petting zoo, carnival games, amusement jumpers, train rides, face painting, entertainment, and an egg hunt. The event ran from 10am -2pm and an estimated 4,000 community members were in attendance.

Upcoming Events & Programs

Summer Camp 2025

Summer 2025 Co-Ed Youth Basketball Season Starts May 25, 2025

Views of Pico Rivera

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

A beautiful, warm, spring day over Rio Vista Park. Crisp and clear enough to see the Los Angeles skyline and San Gabriel Mountains in the distance