City Manager's Report July 2024

City Clerk's Corner

Bi-Annual Records Clean-Up:

The race is on! The City Clerk’s Office kicked off the City’s Bi-annual Records Clean-Up program on July 15! In an effort to keep City Hall clutter free and in compliance with the City’s Records Retention Schedule, the City Clerk’s office in collaboration with other City departments began its 3-week clean-up program with a little interdepartmental competitive flare. City staff will Shred It Like Shredder Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) Edition to keep the City in compliance! Stay tuned for the winners of this competition on the next edition of the City Manager’s Report.

2024 Elections

• The Nomination Period began on Monday, July 15 and will continue until 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 2024, for the upcoming General Municipal Elections scheduled for November 5, 2024.
• We are currently accepting appointments for the submission of nomination papers in the City Clerk’s Office. The candidate nomination handbook and forms will be provided exclusively through scheduled appointments throughout the nomination period.
• Please contact the Office of the City Clerk or visit the City Clerk’s Elections page using the button below for more information.

Dates to Remember

• July 15 - August 9, 2024 at 5:00 PM..................................Nomination period
• October 3, 2024..............................................................Vote by Mail Drop Boxes Open
• October 7 - October 29, 2024...........................................Mailing of Vote by Mail Ballots
• October 15, 2024............................................................Mailing of Sample Ballots
• October 21,2024.............................................................Last day to Register to Vote
• November 2, 2024...........................................................4-Day Vote Centers Open
• November 5, 2024...........................................................Election Day!

National Voter Registration Day!

• September 17 is National Voter Registration Day and we want to make sure your voice and the voices of all eligible citizens are heard loud and clear at the ballot box. As a registered voter, you understand the first and most crucial step is registering to vote.
• Have you moved to Pico Rivera recently? It is important to keep your voter registration up-to-date, especially if you recently moved. Checking your voter registration status ensures you are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections and you receive the correct election-related materials.
• To check your voter registration status or get more information, please contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at 1(800) 815-2666 option 2 or visit their website at https://www.lavote.gov/vrstatus/

Thank you for being a voter.

Departmental Updates

Office of the City Manager

Bridging Cultures: Pico Rivera and Chapala Form Historic Sister City Partnership

On June 27, 2024, the City of Pico Rivera proudly finalized and hosted its new Sister City, Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico. This historic partnership, formalized by Mayor Andrew C. Lara and Chapala’s Mayor Alejandro Aguirre Curiel, signifies a new era of cultural, educational, and economic exchange between the two communities.

During the Chapala Delegation visit, the City organized a comprehensive tour that included introductions and visits to key stakeholders and essential infrastructure locations throughout the community. Highlights of the tour included:

• Introduction of Public Officials at Pico Rivera City Hall
• Tour of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts - San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (WRP)
• Tour of the Water Replenishment District’s (WRD) - Albert Robles Center (ARC)

The Sister City partnership with Chapala, Jalisco, is designed to foster mutual growth, enhance understanding, and create opportunities for collaboration that will benefit residents on both sides. From vibrant cultural celebrations to enriching educational programs and dynamic economic initiatives, this partnership paves the way for a brighter, more connected future.

City Submits Grant Application under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) for the Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard Complete Corridor Project

The City of Pico Rivera has submitted a $2 million grant proposal to develop conceptual designs for an active transportation regional spine from Pico Rivera to Cal State Long Beach including connections to planned BRT stations, major destinations and points of interest.

City of Pico Rivera Submits a Clean Heavy Duty EV Grant with the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to Replace Heavy Duty Public Works Vehicles

The City of Pico Rivera has submitted grant application under the Clean Heavy Duty Electric Vehicle Program under the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to replace three heavy duty vehicles and install a charging depot at the Public Works Yard. The City is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning towards a zero emissions future.

Office of Sustainability/PRIME

PRIME x OhmConnect - Sign Up for Summer Savings

Summer is heating up, and so can electricity costs! OhmConnect can help residents lower their electricity costs and usage. This new program allows Pico Rivera residents the chance to win cash, rewards, and prizes. Signing up is simple! Follow the steps below and start saving:

1. Link home energy utility accounts and any smart devices to OhmConnect.
2. Subscribe to receive peak energy hours alerts.
3. Participate in energy events when alerted.
4. Earn energy credits that can be redeemed as cash, rewards, or prizes.

Enroll today and receive a special bonus offer at PRIME x OhmConnect using the button below.

Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME) Power Choice Program - Solar and Battery Storage

• As summer starts heating up, Pico Rivera residents can stay cool with the PRIME Power Choice Program. PRIME offers cutting-edge rooftop solar panels and Powerwall battery storage systems, ensuring reliable backup power during heatwaves or Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
• With PRIME, homeowners can use 100% of the solar energy their system generates, all at an affordable rate. The Power Choice program requires No Upfront Costs and No Credit Checks, making renewable energy accessible to everyone in the community, including homeowners, businesses and tenants living in single family homes.
• Residents are encouraged to learn more about how they can harness the power of the sun all year long with PRIME. Discover more and start the journey to energy independence today.

Keep Cool Pico Rivera! - Tips to Beat the Heat and Stay Safe this Summer

As summer approaches, it’s important to prioritize heat safety. A little sun can be fun, but extreme heat can cause serious health problems. In fact, heat is the leading weather-related cause of human fatalities. Heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common, and it is critical to distinguish between them to ensure proper treatment. Here are some symptoms to look for when assessing heat illness:

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

• Dizziness
• Heavy Sweating
• Cramps
• Nausea or Vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

• Red, Hot, Dry, Skin
• Confusion
• Rapid Pulse
• Throbbing Headache
• Body Temperature over 103 Fahrenheit
• Unconsciousness

When signs of heat illness are apparent, shading and cooling down the body with cold compresses on the head, face, and neck is critical. If the severity of heat illness causes concern, call 911 for assistance.

Preventing heat illness starts with community awareness and good self-care! When outside during high heat, it is imperative to stay hydrated every hour, wear sunscreen and protective clothing, and rest in the shade. Remember to never leave vulnerable young children, adults, and pets alone in cars. When staying indoors, block out the sun with curtains, avoid extra home heat from ovens and stoves, and limit or eliminate the consumption of dehydrating substances like alcohol and caffeine.

For more community health safety information click the button below and join LA County’s Extreme Heat Campaign! #HeatSafeLA

Power Moves - 7 Energy Saving Tips for the Summer

Saving energy and money this summer is the ultimate power move and it can be easy to do! Here are PRIME’s top 7 energy conservation tips and to help cut utility costs and save the extra funds for real summer fun. For more energy tips and to discover additional ways to save on your utility bills while contributing to a greener future, click the button below!

Community and Economic Development

Emprendedor@s

On July 3, the City of Pico Rivera hosted its first graduating class of Emprendedor@s, an 8-week in-person intensive course in Spanish for small business owners and individuals looking to grow their businesses. The City worked with Asociación de Emprendedor@s to teach these classes on a weekly basis on topics including:

• Defining your idea, product, or service
• Business structures
• Registration of EIN and ITIN with IRS
• Marketing
• Social Media
• Sales
• Leadership
• Mission, vision, and values
• Creating your business plan
• The importance of your professional and personal image
• Funding your business
• Human resources
• And more!

The program was a huge success and the City is looking forward to offering this class again in Spring 2025. Stay tuned!

4129 Rosemead Boulevard

• Construction is underway for three (3) duplexes located at 4121 Rosemead Boulevard. The subject site is comprised of three parcels each with a lot measuring 5,000 square feet.
• The project developer will be constructing duplexes on each of the three (3) parcels for a total of six (6) units.
• The overall design of this project will consist of contemporary architecture that is suitable for Rosemead Boulevard and will efficiently utilize the lot area.
• Construction has begun and is estimated to be completed Winter 2024.

Pho Shack

• A new Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Shack, has opened in the City of Pico Rivera at 9156 Whittier Boulevard. The new sit-down restaurant has a wide-selection menu offering crab boils, pho, noodles, shabu shabu, specialty drinks, and much, much more!
• Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday from 10:00AM - 9:00PM.
• The modern design includes a tasteful and inviting design with brick walls, tile ceiling and hanging lanterns.

Public Works and Citywide Projects Updates

Safe Streets and Roads for All Grants Program

• SS4A is exclusively designed to help local communities with projects and activities that will significantly improve safety for all road users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, people using transit, and people with disabilities.
• On December 13, 2023, USDOT announced the award of 385 new SS4A grants as part of the second funding round. The City of Pico Rivera was awarded $300,000 to complete a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan citywide.
• The U.S. Department and Transportation (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program provides grants to local, regional and Tribal communities for implementation, planning and demonstration activities as part of a systematic approach to prevent deaths and severe injuries on the nation’s roadways.
• The SS4A program funds two types of grants: 1) Planning and Demonstration Grants for the completion of a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and 2) Implementation Grants to construct and implement projects identified in an existing Action Plan.
• The City of Pico Rivera Citywide Comprehensive Safety Action Plan will outline specific countermeasures and projects necessary to qualify for future Construction Implementation Grants.
• Completion of the Comprehensive Action Plan will allow a path forward for Pico Rivera to apply for future Implementation Grants.

Community Events & Programming Recap

Bubble Day - July 9, 2024

• On July 9, the City hosted a bubble day free for everyone at Pico Park!

Cafecito con Amigos - July 11, 2024

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the seniors enjoyed some cafe de olla and pan dulce treats with friends with music!

Movies in the Park - July 12 and 19, 2024

• Movies in the Park kicked off at Rivera Park this month with screenings of The Sandlot on July 12 and Coco on July 19!
• Free popcorn was provided to the first 300 guests, kids games and raffles were held between 7:00PM and 8:00PM. Movies start at approximately 8:00PM.
• Join us on July 26 for our screening of Kung Fu Panda 4!