City Manager's Report Summer Edition: 2025

City Clerk's Corner

📢 Notice: City Council Meetings Relocated

  • Due to the renovation of the City Hall Council Chamber, all City Council meetings for the remainder of the year will be held at the Pico Rivera Senior Center, located at 9200 Mines Avenue.
  • We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you at the temporary location during this improvement project.
  • City Commission meetings will also be relocated and will take place at the Parks and Recreation Building, located at 6767 Passons Boulevard.
  • Stay informed and engaged—visit the City��s website for the latest updates, future meeting dates, and ways to participate in your local government.

City Now Accepting Commission Applications

The City of Pico Rivera has four commissions: Planning, Sister City, Parks and Recreation, and Veterans, that provide the City Council with input and policy recommendations on issues impacting the community. These advisory bodies gather public feedback and focus on their respective areas to help guide City decisions.

All current City commission terms are set to expire in December 2025. The City of Pico Rivera is now accepting applications to fill potential vacancies on the following commission.

  • Planning
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Sister City
  • Veterans

City of Pico Rivera residents are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by November 10, 2025, for consideration in the December appointments. For more information or to obtain an application, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (562) 801-4389 or visit www.pico-rivera.org.

🌟 Kick Off the New School Year with Leaders of the Pledge🌟

  • As the new school year begins, we're proud to share that the Leaders of the Pledge program has already filled the first half of the City Council meeting calendar! Students have been building leadership skills and making a real difference in our community.
  • A big thank you to all participants so far—your enthusiasm and commitment have made the program a success. We look forward to seeing even more students step up and lead this year.
  • Want to get involved? Learn more and register at pico-rivera.org or email us at cityclerk@pico-rivera.org.

Let’s start the school year strong—one future leader at a time!

Bi-annual Records Clean-Up

☀️ File-Free Fiesta: Summer Clean-Up Success! 🌮

🎉 This summer, the City Clerk’s Office hosted the File-Free Fiesta from July 21 through August 7—a citywide challenge to help departments declutter outdated records, both digital and paper, that had met their retention period. All approved destructions were tracked, and the departments with the most eliminated records climbed the leaderboard.

Congratulations to our top three winners: Parks & Recreation, Administrative Services, and Community and Economic Development! 🏆 Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we cleared space and made way for what matters most.

Elections

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Upcoming Statewide Special Election

The Statewide Special Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

What is on the Ballot:

  • Proposition 50, formally titled the Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment is scheduled to be on the ballot for Pico Rivera residents. If approved by voters, AB 604’s new district lines would govern the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. Afterward, redistricting authority would return to the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission following the 2030 census. The measure is intended as a legislative response to perceived gerrymandering in other states, primarily Texas, which would determine the majority control of the House of Representatives.
  • Potential Impact for the City: Pico Rivera, south of Washington Boulevard, may be represented by a new U.S. House Representative. As a result, the City could potentially have representation from four federal elected officials.
  • To view AB 604’s Proposed Interactive Map, click here.

Statewide Special Election Key Dates:

For Vote Center locations, please visit our Vote Center Information page.

For more information, including how to register, check your voter status, or learn about voting options, please visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website.

National Voter Registration Day!

  • Your voice matters—and it starts with being registered to vote! In honor of National Voter Registration Day on September 16th, we’re encouraging all eligible residents to take a moment to check their registration status and ensure their information is up to date.

Recently moved to Pico Rivera?

  • Updating your voter registration is essential to ensure you're eligible to vote in the upcoming elections and to receive the correct election materials.
  • Don’t miss your chance to be heard at the ballot box—register, update, or check your status today!
  • To check your voter registration status or get more information, please contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at (800) 815-2666 option 2 or visit their website.

Thank you for being a voter.

Departmental Updates

Office of Sustainability/PRIME

Power Up for Fall with PRIME Power Choice

Fall has arrived, bringing cooler weather and the upcoming holiday season with its high electricity demands. Increased home energy use for lighting, heating, and holiday activities can drive up utility costs. The PRIME Power Choice Program helps manage these seasonal spikes by using energy from solar panels and battery storage to keep costs affordable and reliable. Solar panels power homes by day and charge batteries for night use, avoiding peak rates: batteries also provide backup power during outages

Program Benefits:

  • No upfront costs, no credit checks
  • Reliable emergency home backup power
  • $115 per month for the first battery
  • Locked-in low energy rates at $0.145 per kWh
  • Annual rate increases capped at 1.9%

Trusted Local Installers:

Through the City’s Channel Partner Program, five trusted solar contractors are ready to make the switch easy:

  • HomeLink Solar
  • Infinity Solar
  • OC Solar
  • PE Operations
  • SolarTech Energy Systems Inc.

Extra Savings for CARE Customers:

  • If you qualify for California’s CARE Program, you may be eligible for the CARE PRIME Power Choice Program, offering solar and battery storage at even lower rates—just $0.07 to $0.09 per kWh. Enrollment is open while funding lasts.

Ready to lock in summer savings?

Sign up today using the button below:

For CARE program questions, call 888-8-HAPPY-8 or email PowerChoiceCARE@Participate.Energy.

Join the 2025 "Sort it Right, Keep Our City Bright" Youth Art Competition

  • The City of Pico Rivera invites local students to take part in the 2025 Youth Art Competition. This contest offers students the chance to use their creativity to inspire composting, recycling, and reducing food waste while promoting a cleaner and greener community.
  • Winning designs will be featured on Bigbelly Bins at Smith Park and even on an official NASA Waste Truck. Selected artists will also receive a certificate of recognition from the City of Pico Rivera.
  • Age categories include Elementary and Middle School (K–8) and High School (9–12).

For details on contest rules, eligibility, and how to participate, click on the button below:

Take Advantage of GO ZERO Rebates - Apply Now

  • Residents and businesses are encouraged to apply for the South Coast AQMD GO ZERO Pilot Incentive Program while funds last! This $21 million program helps replace gas furnaces and water heaters with zero-emission heat pump technologies that are 3–4x more efficient and can lower energy use and utility bills.
  • Rebates range from $1,000 to $2,000 per heat pump, with up to $3,000 for homes in overburdened communities and $4,000 for small businesses. Funding is limited and applications are processed on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, so early participation is essential.

Learn more and apply using the button below.

Heat Safety: Stay Cool at Home

Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, particularly for young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions. The City of Pico Rivera is committed to supporting community safety during heat waves by offering resources, tips, and information on cooling centers, hydration stations, and more.

Here are 7 tips to help keep your home cool and safe during periods of high heat:

  1. Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to reduce indoor heat.
  2. Keep indoor plants to help freshen and cool your space naturally.
  3. Unplug unused appliances to conserve energy and reduce heat buildup.
  4. Program your thermostat to maintain a cool indoor temperature and save energy when away.
  5. Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air downward.
  6. Cook outdoors when possible, to avoid heating up your home.
  7. Visit pico-rivera.org/heatsafety or scan the QR code for more tips and local resources.

Pico Rivera Tree Adoption Program: 2025 Recap

  • In April 2025, the City of Pico Rivera partnered with the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC) to launch the Tree Adoption Program. The program has achieved its goal of 200 resident sign-ups to reduce emissions, expand the tree canopy, and create more walkable parkways.
  • Through this effort, residents are helping the City reduce greenhouse gases, improve neighborhood walkability, enhance curb appeal, and contribute to a greener and healthier Pico Rivera.
  • As part of the program, SGVCC also advanced its workforce training initiative, GreenWorks: Growing Resiliency, Urban Greening, and Workforce Development. This program provided eight local Pico Rivera young adults with 450 hours of paid, hands-on training while revitalizing community spaces. Participants not only supported the planting of 200 new trees but also gained valuable experience in job readiness, leadership, financial literacy, and professional growth, creating meaningful pathways to future workforce success.
  • The City recognizes and extends its gratitude to the SGVCC team and the Pico Rivera Public Works Department for their essential contributions to this program’s success.
  • Community members interested in future opportunities can contact the City to learn more about upcoming tree and sustainability programs. Residents may also join the waitlist for future programs using the button below:

City of Pico Rivera Summer Eco Challenge!

  • Show the City how you are going green this summer!
  • Post a photo or video of your family taking an eco-friendly action and tag @cityofpicorivera with the hashtag #PicoRiveraEcoChallenge.
  • Then stop by City Hall to pick up an exclusive eco-themed sticker and kitchen scrap bin. Stickers are limited, so act fast!

For more information, visit: Pico-Rivera.org/EcoChallenge

EV Charging Stations at Pico Rivera City Hall

  • The City of Pico Rivera invites the community to use 12 public EV charging ports located at the back of the City Hall parking lot. These stations remain open to the community and provide a convenient option for residents to charge their electric vehicles while supporting clean and sustainable transportation.
  • Scan the QR code posted at the charging stations or visit the following link to access EV charging station policies using the button below.

Water-Wise Gardening and Composting Workshop Recap

  • On August 5, 2025, the City of Pico Rivera hosted a Water-Wise Gardening and Composting Workshop at the Pico Rivera Community Garden with 25 participants in attendance.
  • The workshop focused on drought-tolerant landscaping and presented six key steps for creating a lush, efficient garden that uses less water and requires minimal pruning: 1.) Hydro Zoning, 2.) Plant Selection, 3.) Irrigation, 4.) Rainwater Collection, 5.) Mulching, and 6.) Lawn Replacement. Participants also learned about Calflora.org, a helpful resource for identifying native plants in their area.
  • Thank you to everyone who joined. The City looks forward to seeing more community members at the next event.

Pico Rivera Women Bicycle Club

  • Join the Pico Rivera Women Bicycle Club to embrace a sustainable and healthy lifestyle while building community. Led by local resident Yvette Zea, the club encourages active transportation and strengthens connections across Pico Rivera.
  • Beyond promoting cycling, the club supports long-term sustainability goals, reduces emissions, and contributes to the city’s active transportation network. Members also enjoy physical and mental health benefits, including staying active, relieving stress, meeting new people, and fostering community bonds.
  • For more information, follow the club on social media: @picowomen_bicycleclub.

Community and Economic Development

Illegal Fireworks Enforcement

  • In July, the City continued its Illegal Fireworks Citation Program, launched in 2024, to deter the use, possession, and sale of illegal fireworks.
  • Over 100 citations were issued, and multiple warrants were executed targeting illegal sales and distribution.
  • Partnerships with law enforcement agencies were expanded, and public awareness efforts increased to promote community safety.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Bakery Opens at the Pico Rivera Towne Center

  • The bakery opened at 8746 Washington Boulevard in the former Flame Broiler and Alondra’s Hot Wing’s space.
  • Offers a variety of bundt cakes with signature frosting and candles, party packs, and balloons.
  • Bakery serves residents for celebrations, gatherings, and events.

Aqui es Texcoco - New Family Restaurant Opens

  • Opened at 9340 Whittier Boulevard, specializing in traditional Mexican lamb barbacoa.
  • Features slow-roasted barbacoa, flautas, quesatacos, and enchiladas.
  • Operates seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hola Mexico Film Festival

  • Pico Rivera hosted the Los Angeles premiere of Mesa de Regalos on September 13, 2025, during the Hola Mexico Film Festival.
  • Deemed one of the top 3 “Festival Favorites” and playing again during closing ceremonies.
  • First city to partner with HOLA MFF for a second opening night celebration.
  • Included in all promotional interviews (KTLA, Telemundo, NBCU interviews and media plans)
  • 215 attendees, including Senator Archuleta, community leaders, directors, and festival supporters.
  • Event highlighted Pico Rivera’s role as a regional hub for arts, culture, and economic development.
  • First in a series of partnerships with other Film Festivals and FILM LA

Public Works and Citywide Project Updates

City Council Chamber Remodel

  • The City Hall Council Chamber renovation project is underway.
  • City Hall was constructed in 1962, which was 63 years ago.
  • The last remodel of the City Hall Chambers was in 1986, which was 39 years ago.
  • Currently, demolition is underway and will soon be followed by construction of new spread footings and electrical trenching beneath the existing floor slab.
  • Over the next 6–8 weeks, significant progress is expected, including framing of new partitions, installation of upgraded electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, as well as cabling for the new audio/visual system.
  • The fixed chair supplier is still working on the exact seat layout and final number of seats.
  • The new chambers will have a seating capacity equivalent or slightly less than pre-existing, however chairs will be more comfortable and there will now be ADA designated spaces.

Alebrije Dog Park - Groundbreaking

The groundbreaking for the City's first dog park was held on August 11, 2025. The Alebrije Dog Park, currently under construction, is located on the corner of Rosemead Boulevard and Gallatin Road. The park will feature colorful themes reminiscent of the Alebrijes, or colorful hybrid creatures from Mexican folklore.

Smith Park Stadium Re-Opening

Community Events & Programming Recap

Summer Street Fest - August 8, 15 and 29, 2025

Summer Food Service Program - Recap

  • The City of Pico Rivera, in partnership with the California Department of Education and the USDA Summer Food Service Program, successfully ran a free meal program for children ages 18 and under at 5 park sites (Pico Park, Smith Park, Rivera Park, Rio Vista Park and Rio Hondo Park) from Monday, June 16 through Friday, August 8.
  • Meals were distributed between 8:00–9:00 am for breakfast and from 12:00-1:00pm for lunch, throughout the duration of the summer break.
  • One (1) part-time, seasonal staff was assigned at each site to oversee the day-to-day operations which included area prep and supervision, meal prep and distribution, maintaining proper grant documentation and clean up.
  • Volunteers were heavily relied upon to assist with the program. A total of 1,014 volunteer hours were provided by dedicated individuals.
  • A grand total of 12,069 meals (4,453 breakfasts and 7,616 lunches) were provided to youth in our community to ensure that children continued to receive nutritious meals when school was not in session.
  • Participation in the SFSP helps children return to school ready to learn.

Upcoming Events & Programs

Movie Mash Double Feature - October 4, 2025

Halloween Spectacular - October 25, 2025

The Halloween Spooktacular is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th from 5:00 to 9:30 PM. Join us for an evening of Halloween fun!

Sights of our City

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

Everybody on the dance floor! Summer Street Fest participants party the night away as they get ready for the Cover Girls to make their way to the stage