City Manager's Report January 2026

City Clerk's Corner

🌟 Leaders of the Pledge 🌟

• Following the success of our 2025 pilot program, the City is proud to continue the Youth Initiative Program, Leaders of the Pledge, for a second year. This program is now open to Kindergarten through 12th grade residents and provides students with a meaningful opportunity to build confidence, develop civic awareness, and actively participate in local government.
• Eligible students are invited to register to attend an upcoming City Council meeting and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. We look forward to another successful year in 2026 as we continue investing in the next generation of community leaders.
• For more information on how to register please visit https://www.pico-rivera.org/our-city/city-council/ or contact the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@pico-rivera.org.

“Let It Go” – Winter Records Clean-Up Challenge Complete

• The City Clerk’s Office is proud to share the successful completion of our Winter Records Clean-Up Challenge (December 1–18, 2025), an initiative conducted as part of our Bi-Annual Records Destruction program, in partnership with our IT Division.
• On paper, the outcome may look simple—30 boxes responsibly cleared—but the true success of this initiative was the department engagement behind it. Departments leaned in, collaborated, and embraced the mindset that strong records management is a shared responsibility.
• By encouraging departments to thoughtfully “Let It Go” of outdated physical and digital records, we continue to support the transition to SharePoint while starting 2026 more organized, compliant, and prepared.
• Thank you to all who participated and brought energy, creativity, and teamwork to this effort. And congratulations to our Winter Records Clean-Up Champion, Community and Economic Development, for outstanding efforts! 👏
• Great job, Pico Rivera Team! On behalf of the City Clerk’s Office, thank you for your ongoing support and participation!

Elections

The 2026 election cycle includes the Primary Election on June 2, 2026, followed by the City’s General Municipal Election and the Gubernatorial Election on November 3, 2026. The Office of the City Clerk has begun actively preparing for these upcoming elections. For the latest information on elections, voter registration, and election deadlines, please visit the City's elections webpage at https://www.pico-rivera.org/elections-and-voting/.

Key Election Dates for 2026

·      May 4, 2026 – Mailing of Vote By Mail Ballots ·      May 12, 2026 – Mailing of Official Sample Ballot Booklets ·      May 18, 2026 – Last Day to Transfer or Register to Vote in Primary Election ·      June 2, 2026 – Statewide Direct Primary Elections ·      July 13, 2026 – Nomination Period Begins for City’s General Municipal Election  

City Commissions

  Congratulations Commissioners!  At the City Council meeting of December 9, 2025, City Council approved their appointee selections for all four (4) City Commissions. 

• Each of the members of the Commissions were appointed to a two-year term in accordance with the provisions of the Pico Rivera Municipal Code and are set to expire in December 2027.
• To view the latest Maddy Act and for more information on the City’s commissions please visit the City’s website at https://www.pico-rivera.org/our-city/city-commissions/.

On the Record: From the Clerk's Vault

A Notable Milestone in City Leadership: Seven Years of Service

As the custodian of the City’s official records and institutional history, the City Clerk’s Office recognizes moments that shape the continuity and governance of our community.  One such moment to be highlighted is the acknowledgement of the 7th Anniversary of service by our current City Manager, Steve Carmona.    Reaching seven years of service is a significant achievement in municipal leadership. The longest-serving City Manager in the City’s history remains as Dennis Courtemarche, who served for 21 years from 1984 to 2005. The only other City Manager to reach a comparable milestone is Howard Schroyer, who served seven years from 1970 to 1977. With the completion of his seventh year, the current City Manager Carmona now ties for the second-longest tenure in the City’s recorded history.   Since his appointment in February of 2019, the City Manager has overseen municipal operations during a period characterized by evolving regulatory requirements, fiscal responsibility, and organizational advancement. The City’s historical record reflects an administration marked by steady leadership, collaboration with the City Council, and consistent implementation of City policies and initiatives.   From a historical and operational standpoint, continuity in executive leadership supports long-range planning, preserves institutional knowledge, and enhances organizational stability. These attributes are documented through adopted actions, policies, and records maintained by the City Clerk’s Office as part of the City’s permanent archive.   The City Clerk’s Office formally recognizes this milestone as an important chapter in the City’s administrative narrative and is proud to preserve it within the City’s official historical record.

Departmental Updates

Office of Sustainability/PRIME

Power Up with PRIME Power Choice

Winter has arrived, bringing cooler weather with its high electricity demands. Increased home energy use for lighting, heating, and other 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.

Prime Power Choice Webinar Recording

The Power Choice informational webinar is now available. The webinar provides an overview of benefits, enrollment steps, and resources to help residents make informed energy decisions. Watch the webinar here: https://youtu.be/5xC2We7be_Q.

Ready to lock in Winter Savings?

Sign up today at poweredbyprime.org/power-choice. For CARE program questions, call 888-8-HAPPY-8 or email PowerChoiceCARE@Participate.Energy.

2026 "Sort it Right, Keep our City Bright" Youth Art Competition

The City of Pico Rivera and NASA Services invite local youth to submit original artwork for the “Sort It Right, Keep Our City Bright” Youth Art Competition.   This competition offers young artists a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity while helping promote recycling, composting, and food waste reduction. In partnership with NASA Services, selected artwork will be featured on an official NASA waste collection truck, turning City infrastructure into a moving canvas seen by residents throughout the community.   Winning artists will have their designs displayed Citywide and will receive a certificate of recognition from the City of Pico Rivera.   For contest details, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions, visit www.pico-rivera.org/youth-art-competition.

2026 Sunada Recycling Monthly Electronic Waste Events

The Office of Sustainability is partnering with Sunada Recycling to host free, monthly electronic waste (e-waste) recycling events for Pico Rivera residents and local businesses. These drive-thru events provide a safe and convenient way to recycle unwanted electronics without leaving your vehicle.   Events will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pico Park, 9528 Beverly Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660, on the following dates:

• January 24, 2026
• February 21, 2026
• March 21, 2026
• May 16, 2026
• June 20, 2026
• July 18, 2026
• August 15, 2026
• September 19, 2026
• October 17, 2026
• November 21, 2026
• December 19, 2026

  Accepted items include computers, televisions, printers, phones, and other electronic devices. Properly recycling electronic waste helps keep hazardous materials out of landfills, protects the environment, and supports the City’s sustainability efforts.

New Plastic Bag Ban: SB 1053

A new California law banning the distribution of plastic bags went into effect on January 1, 2026. Senate Bill (SB) 1053 limits the types of bags stores can provide at checkouts to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling. Impacted businesses may only offer recycled paper bags, including for self-checkout and curbside delivery. Businesses can no longer provide plastic bags, even if they still have stock.   The law applies to grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, and retail stores with pharmacies. Paper bags will cost at least 10 cents. The City encourages bringing a reusable tote to save money and reduce waste!   Residents can pick up a free reusable bag at Pico Rivera City Hall on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Pico Rivera City Hall

The City of Pico Rivera invites the community to use the public electric vehicle (EV) charging ports located at 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: EV Charging Station Policy Information.

Pico Rivera Women Bicycle Club

Join the Pico Rivera Women Bicycle Club in 2026 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.

Love More, Waste Less This Valentine's Day

The City of Pico Rivera encourages residents to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a more sustainable way. Small choices can make a meaningful difference in reducing waste and protecting the environment.   Residents can help by:

1. Reusing or repurposing decorations and supplies
2. Reusing packaging to reduce waste
3. Choosing locally sourced or sustainably made gifts
4. Composting food scraps and other organic waste

  For more information on sustainability programs and resources, visit the City of Pico Rivera Office of Sustainability website: https://www.pico-rivera.org/office-of-sustainability/

Holiday Tree Recycling - On Call Bulky Collection

Residents who missed the Holiday Tree Collection Event may schedule an On Call Bulky Collection through NASA Services for the disposal of natural Christmas trees after January 16, 2026. This service accommodates large items that do not fit into residential service carts.   Residents are eligible for up to ten free On Call Bulky Collections per calendar year, from January 1 through December 31.   For more information or to schedule a pickup, visit the NASA Waste Services website: https://www.nasaservices.com/pico-rivera

Community and Economic Development

AB 413 - Daylighting Law

On January 14, 2026, the Parking Enforcement Division began issuing $68 citations for vehicles parked within 20 feet of the approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, in accordance with California’s “Daylighting” law (AB 413). This law is intended to improve visibility for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists, thereby enhancing overall traffic safety. Enforcement is being conducted citywide, with focused efforts in areas of high pedestrian activity, including schools, churches, and other community gathering locations.

Tamarack Inn

The Tamarack Inn Restaurant has found a new home at 9333 Slauson Avenue, taking over the former El Chilito Restaurant location. The restaurant proposes to operate seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. The reopening is expected to create new employment opportunities and increase foot traffic in the surrounding neighborhood, contributing to local economic activity. The restaurant is anticipated to open between February and March, pending approval of its Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license.

Community Events & Programming Recap

Family Fun Event - Mom and Son Monster Jam Day

On Sunday, January 18, 40 moms (and mom-figures) and their sons enjoyed an unforgettable Mom & Son “Monster Jam” Day, traveling by motorcoach to Anaheim Stadium for an action-packed afternoon. Families made incredible memories as they bonded, cheered, and experienced the thrill of the world’s most famous monster trucks tearing up the stadium. From roaring engines to nonstop smiles, this high-octane outing was all about connection, excitement, and quality time together—and it truly did not disappoint.