City Manager's Report April 2024

City Clerk's Corner

55th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 5 - 11, 2024)

  • The Municipal (City) Clerk is one of local governments’ most deep-rooted titles and, although it is one of the oldest positions in local government, few people realize the vital services City Clerks perform for their community.
  • Maintaining the City’s records, serves as the local Elections Official and Compliance Officer, and provides legislative and administrative support to name a few.
  • Contact the City Clerk’s Office during the week of May 5-11 to say hello, ask questions, and become familiar with the services your trusted public servants perform.

2024 Elections

The 2024 Primary Presidential Election is over and the results are in! Please visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk using the button below!

Now on to the 2024 General Elections set for November 5, 2024. The City of Pico Rivera will also hold its General Municipal Elections in November to elect three members to the City Council.

2024 Candidate Information

  • Interested in running for office in the upcoming City elections? The nomination period for the November 5th election will begin Monday, July 15th through Friday, August 9th.
  • Our office will begin taking appointments for nomination paper submittals beginning July 1, 2024.
  • Candidate nomination handbook and forms will be distributed by appointment only during 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.

Pico Rivera, get voter ready!

The 2024 General Municipal Elections will be here before you know it. New to the City of Pico Rivera, new US Citizen, just turned 18 years of age? Make sure you are registered to vote in the City of Pico Rivera by visiting the City Clerk’s Elections page and be ready to vote in the City’s upcoming November elections.

Voter Registration Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of California
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
  • Not currently in state or federal prison.
  • Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

*Did you know online pre-registration is available for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds? California youth who pre-register to vote will have their registration become active once they turn 18 years of age. To pre-register to vote, please visit the California Secretary of State using the button below.

Your voice matters, your vote matters and your vote has the power to make a difference and shape the future of our City!

Departmental Updates

Office of the City Manager

  • At the City Council meeting held on April 23, 2024, the Pico Rivera City Council voted to approve the Historic Whittier Boulevard Multimodal Plan. This momentous decision signifies a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance the safety, accessibility, and vibrancy of our community.
  • The invaluable feedback and participation of residents and stakeholders throughout the planning process has been instrumental in shaping this plan. Their presence and advocacy underscore the importance of community engagement in driving positive change.
  • The insights and comments expressed have informed the recommendations outlined in the Multimodal Plan, ensuring that it aligns with the needs and aspirations of our community. As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that our work is far from over.

Office of Sustainability/PRIME

The City Wishes the Pico Rivera Community a Happy Earth Day!

Free Composting Workshop - April 25, 2024

  • The Composting Workshop will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 2 – 3 PM at the Pico Rivera Senior Center, 9200 Mines Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660.
  • Unable to attend? The Office of Sustainability is planning three more composting workshops this year, which will be announced in upcoming City Manager’s Reports and the City’s social media accounts.

Pico Rivera Youth Climate Meeting - April 25, 2024

  • The Youth Climate Meeting will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 4 – 6 PM at the Pico Rivera Boys and Girls Club, 9115 Balfour Street, Pico Rivera, CA 90660.
  • This is a great opportunity for students ages 12-18 to learn about the Climate Action Plan, share ideas on how to shape a greener Pico Rivera and connect with eco-friendly groups.
  • Not convinced? Students will also earn 2 community service hours and enjoy delicious food!

Free SB 1383 Organics Recycling Workshop - April 30, 2024

  • The Organics Recycling Workshop will take place on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 11:30 AM – 1 PM at the Pico Rivera Senior Center, 9200 Mines Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660.
  • California's Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires all residents to separate organic waste from their regular trash to help reduce methane emissions.
  • This workshop aims to educate and answer questions residents may have related to recycling and the State mandates.

Climate Action Plan - Community Conversation #2 - May 11 and 15, 2024

  • The in-person Community Conversation meeting will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 9 – 10:30 AM at Pico Park, 9528 Beverly Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660.
  • The City is developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to prepare Pico Rivera for the effects of climate change.
  • Residents are welcomed and encouraged to share experiences, ideas, and recommendations to help reduce pollution and make the community greener.
  • Unable to attend? The City will host a virtual meeting on May 15, 2024, from 4:30 – 6:00 PM. Join online using the button below.

Community and Economic Development

6540 Rosemead Boulevard

  • On April 15th the Planning Commission reviewed and approved Conditional Use Permit No. 758 for Brandywine Homes to build a new, 95-unit, gated townhouse community with private community pool and associated guest and private parking at the current site of the Knights Inn hotel at 6540 Rosemead Boulevard.
  • The project will be presented to City Council on April 23rd, 2024 for review of Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 84271

Comprehensive Zoning Code Update

The City of Pico Rivera is conducting a Comprehensive Update to the Zoning Code (Title 18 of the Municipal Code), known as the Pico Rivera Comprehensive Zoning Code Update (CZCU) and we need your input!

Project Overview

The purpose of the update is to streamline the development processes and create a user-friendly Zoning Code. The update will address recent State laws, set clear expectations for development standards, and simplify the code for all users. More information on the project can be found here: https://www.pico-rivera.org/codeupdate/

How can you help?

Please help us by participating in an online survey by the deadline of April 28, 2024. By completing the survey, you will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a gift card to a local Pico Rivera business! We look forward to hearing from you!

The survey can be found here using the button below:

Emprendedor@s Program

The City of Pico Rivera is excited to launch a small business training program for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and business owners. The City is working with Asociación de Emprendedor@s to host a FREE 8-week program that will cover how to start, grow and operate a business. This course will be held in-person with sessions every Wednesday evening from May 8th through June 26th. The workshops are taught exclusively in Spanish.

To register, please use the link at the button below or call (714) 640-6908.

The topics covered include:

  • Defining your idea, product, or service
  • Business structures
  • Registration of EIN, 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!

Public Works and Citywide Project Updates

Median Beautification Project

  • The initial construction phase of the median beautification projects along Slauson Avenue and Rosemead Boulevard have been completed with the removal of the old irrigation system, hardscape, and vegetation. Construction will continue along these two main roads with the installation of a new and improved irrigation system, hardscape, and landscape.
  • The second construction phase will start in a few weeks along Paramount Boulevard where removal of the old irrigation, hardscape and vegetation will take place. Followed by the installation of a new and improved irrigation system, hardscape, and landscape.
  • We will do our best to minimize any impact on the public as the work will require lane closures and will be phased from median to median. Expect delays. Please watch for and obey the traffic control signs and the flagman’s direction including No Left Turn restrictions for your safety, and the safety of the workers. As a reminder, traffic fines are doubled in construction zones.
  • It is anticipated that the City will complete the Median Beautification Projects by late Fall 2024. For more information, please contact Urban Habitat Hotline at (760) 559-1128 or the Public Works Department at (562) 801-4965.

PFAS Treatment System Project

Project Overview

  • Capital Improvement Program Reference Number: CIP 50042
  • Type: Water Project
  • Status: Construction In Progress
  • Completion Date: Summer 2024

Project Details

  • A PFAS water treatment system is being constructed at three of Pico Rivera's plants: Water Plant 1, Water Plant 2 and Well 5.
  • New filtration systems will be installed to remove PFAS contaminants.

Project Benefits

  • PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a toxic group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings, also known as the "forever chemicals."
  • Pico Rivera is one of many cities across Southern California serviced by wells with heightened levels of PFAS, according to statewide testing in 2021.
  • This project will help eradicate the presence of PFAS in potable water, promoting the safe consumption of water for our residents.

Budget & Funding

  • $14 million

Construction Update

  • As of April 2024, construction of the PFAS Filtration Systems at Water Plant No. 2 and at the Water Plant for Well No. 5 are completed.
  • Construction of the PFAS Filtration System at Water Plant No. 1 is near complete. In the coming months the systems will be filled with ion exchange media prior to testing, start-up and commissioning for the delivery of filtered water to Pico Rivera consumers.
  • Construction completion with start-up and commissioning is still on track to be completed by Summer 2024.
  • A separate project for the future construction of PFAS filtration at Water Plant 3 is planned to start as early as Fall of 2024.

Pico Rivera Regional Bikeway Project Update (Mines Avenue)

  • The second phase of the Regional Bikeway Project is underway with construction along the south side of Mines Avenue with sidewalk/ADA improvements and underground utility work followed by construction of the bike lanes and bio-swales in the coming weeks.
  • Motorists and pedestrians should be aware of the temporary change in traffic patterns. During the second phase of construction, traffic is shifted to the north side of Mines Avenue to allow for construction activities on the south side of Mines Ave. During this period of construction, it’s important that all motorists adhere to all directional signage including No Left Turn restrictions. As a reminder, traffic fines are doubled in construction zones.
  • As with all construction projects on major roadways, delays are to be expected. Residents and commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes while the construction area from Mines Avenue starting at Paramount Boulevard up to the east of Rimbank Avenue will be impacted.
  • The overall goal of the project is to provide a safe regional bicycle connection to existing trails, promote active transportation, promote stormwater quality, and beautify the community. In addition to the bicycle lanes, improvements within the project limits include pavement reconstruction, construction of bio-swales for stormwater capture, ADA improvements, traffic signal modifications at the intersections of Paramount Boulevard at Mines Avenue and Rosemead Boulevard at Mines Avenue, landscaping improvements, and signage.
  • While the City understands that this is a short-term inconvenience, in the end it will be a long-term benefit for the overall quality of life for the residents. The Regional Bikeway Project is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2024.

Community Events & Programming Recap

Pico Boys Baseball Opening Day - April 6, 2024

Play Ball! The Pico Rivera City Council joined in on Opening Day festivities for the Pico Boys Baseball League.

Enchanted Father Daughter Dance - April 13, 2024

The Business and Family Engagement division hosted a Father Daughter Dance on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Senior Center from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The event included crafts, activities, a light dinner, and a photo booth.

Upcoming Events & Programs

Return of the Certified Farmers Market - April 3 to September 25

  • The Certified Farmers Market returns every Wednesday through September 25, 2024!
  • The event is held at Pico Park from 5p.m. – 9p.m.
  • The Farmers Market consist of vendors that bring the freshest, local fruits and vegetables, bakery items, eggs, nuts, honey, beef jerky, potted plants, and cut flowers.
  • Live entertainment will be featured weekly with Fernando and the Nandos playing every first Wednesday of the month.

Memorial Day Ceremony - May 27, 2024

In partnership with the Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall, the City of Pico Rivera will hold a series of events honoring those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice throughout Memorial Day Weekend. All ceremonies will be held at Smith Park and are listed below:

Friday, May 24: 6:30pm Opening Ceremony

  • Keynote Speaker: State Senator Bob Archuleta
  • Taps performance by Valley Veterans Memorial Team

Saturday, May 25: 8:00pm Candlelight Ceremony

  • Reading the names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall
  • Vietnam Veteran Robert Castrellon will read the Pico Rivera names
  • Guest speaker will read the Veteran names from surrounding cities
  • Taps performance by Valley Veterans Memorial Team

Monday, May 27: 10:00am Memorial Day Ceremony (including Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin Presentation)

  • Flyover * Keynote Speaker * Brass Band * Retiring the Colors

The half-scaled replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be open 24 hours a day between May 24 and May 27

Views of Pico Rivera

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

Shot with a Nikon D850 and utilizing a Nikkor 200-500m lens, we were able to capture an awe-inspiring image of the partial solar eclipse over Los Angeles on April 8, 2024. If you look closely, you can see the solar flares around the sun as the moon moves in front of it.