City Manager's Report November and December 2023

City Clerk's Corner

Notice of City Council Re-Organization

During the City Council of the City of Pico Rivera, at their regular meeting of December 12, 2023, reorganized and selected current Mayor Pro Tem Andrew C. Lara to serve one-year as the new Mayor of the City of Pico Rivera. Congratulations Mayor Lara!

At the same meeting, the City Council selected current Councilmember John R. Garcia to serve one-year as the new Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Pico Rivera. Congratulations Mayor Pro Tem Garcia!

A Message from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

No Party Preference Voter Notices

  • The Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters (LA County RR/CC) began mailing notices to all 1.3 million voters registered with No Party Preference. The notice includes crucial information on how to request a ballot with presidential candidates in the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election.
  • In a Presidential Primary Election, political parties determine whether voters registered with No Party Preference can vote for their party’s presidential candidates, also known as “crossover” voting. If you are a No Party Preference voter, review the information on the mailer and make sure to act fast if you want your ballet to include all presidential candidates.
  • For more information on No Party Preference voter, visit the LA County RR/CC website at lavote.gov

Departmental Updates

Office of the City Manager

Holiday Message from the City Manager

As we embrace the holiday season, I find joy in reflecting on the moments we've shared throughout the year. This festive time brings us together with family, friends, and loved ones, fostering a sense of connection and warmth. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our neighbors, stakeholders, first responders, and elected leaders for their unwavering support and collaborative spirit. Your dedication plays a pivotal role in our shared journey towards positive change, shaping Pico Rivera into a wonderful place to live, work, and play. A special note of gratitude goes out to the dedicated City of Pico Rivera employees who consistently demonstrate commitment, dedication, and exceptional service. Your tireless efforts contribute significantly to our community's well-being, enhancing the quality of life and propelling our city forward. As we enter the new year, let us continue working together to build upon our achievements and create an even brighter future for Pico Rivera. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with love, peace, and moments of shared happiness.

Historic Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Program - Program Recommendations Workshop

  • On Saturday, December 9, the Historic Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Program team held a communitywide workshop at the Senior Center where they shared roadway configuration recommendations molded by months of community feedback.
  • The roadway configurations will make up the multi-modal plan, which outlines the future of mobility for vehicle and vulnerable roadway users on Whittier Boulevard.
  • Following completion of this workshop, the project team will develop a draft multi-modal plan for public review and City Council adoption!

Office of Sustainability/PRIME

Pico Rivera Earns Gold Again

  • Since the first Gateway Cities Energy Action Awards in 2021, Pico Rivera has demonstrated its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability efforts. We are proud to announce that the City has achieved Back-to-Back Gold status!
  • A few of our achievements this year include applying for and being awarded the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant to support the Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard Complete Corridor Project; collaborating with other cities for sustainability; and bringing energy, equity, and empowerment to our community through the Regional Bikeway Project that will add improved bicycle and pedestrian pathways along Mines Avenue from Paramount Boulevard to the San Gabriel River.

Business Assistance with Organic Waste Compliance (SB 1383)

  • Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires residents and businesses to separate organic waste from regular trash; this is required to address climate change since organic waste at landfills produces methane, which is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
  • The City and its waste diversion partners, Go2Zero and NASA, have visited several businesses to offer Free Recycling Kitchen Kits to help with organic waste separation.
  • Any businesses interested in receiving Free Recycling Kitchen Kits can call the City of Pico Rivera’s Office of Sustainability at (562) 801-4244 or email vferrer@pico-rivera.org.

PRIME Power Choice Program

The City is excited to announce the newly approved PRIME Power Choice program, a residential rooftop solar and battery program that aims to democratize solar equipment and reduce monthly energy bills for the Pico Rivera community. This program offers participants the following benefits:

  • No upfront costs and no credit checks.
  • Emergency home back-up power system.
  • Monthly tariff of $115 per month for the first battery.
  • Consistent low energy prices of $0.145 kWh.

PRIME customers can sign-up now at https://www.poweredbyprime.org/power-choice

Read Media Coverage Here!

Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

  • The City of Pico Rivera is proud to announce the installation of eight (8) new Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) at Rio Hondo Park (2), Rivera Park (5), and the Parks and Recreation building (1).
  • The City secured incentives of over $115,000, nearly 100% of the project costs, through the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) Public Agency Programs offering. The City anticipates realizing approximately $7,000 in annual savings from the upgrades.

SoCal Gas Winter Pricing Text Communications

  • The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is offering customers to sign up for notifications to be alerted about winter pricing information via text message.
  • The Natural Gas Price Notice was launched on November 14th so that customers can be notified of any gas price changes of 20% or more.
  • Learn more and sign up for the Natural Gas Price Notice at socalgas.com/NotifyMe SoCalGas and PRIME encourage utility customers to take steps to save energy and money by signing up for the services and programs available.

OhmConnect Holiday Energy Savings Tips

  • Signup for OhmConnect and get the gift of energy savings all year round. OhmConnect is a free service that will alert customers when energy prices are expensive so that they can power down and save on energy bills.
  • A smart thermostat can save customers 10% to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling each year.
  • Imagine, if your thermostat also PAID you for saving energy. It's a real thing! Get rewarded $50 when you signup today.
Sign Up Here!

Fertilizer Distribution

  • Whittier Fertilizer will be providing FREE fertilizer on December 16th. So, grab a shovel and bin to collect some mulch for your home before the year ends.
  • The event will be located at the Whittier Fertilizer Company, 9441 Kruse Rd. from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information call (562) 801-4424.

Household Hazardous Waste Events

  • Southern California Edison (SCE) will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event on January 13, 2024, at 2244 Walnut Avenue, Rosemead, CA 91770.
  • Items being accepted include: E-waste, sharps, paints and solvents, and chemicals.
  • This event is open to Los Angeles County residents, and there is a limit of 15 gallons of Hazardous waste per trip.
  • For more information, scan the QR code above!

Compost Organic Waste this Holiday Season

  • What's Santa's favorite way to recycle? Composting, of course! He's all about that 'ho-ho-homemade' fertilizer.
  • As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of organic waste diversion. Festivities and gatherings generate a substantial amount of organic waste, including food scraps.
  • Separating and composting organic waste minimizes methane emissions from decomposing organic matter in landfills, while simultaneously producing valuable compost that enriches soil health.
  • This holiday season, let us embrace the spirit of sustainability by diverting organic waste, creating a positive impact on both the environment and our communities.

Pico Rivera Recycling Collection Event

  • The City of Pico Rivera will host a recycling event at Pico Park on January 27, 2024, from 10am to 2 pm.
  • The City will provide paper shredding, accept textile donations, e-waste, and used oil recycling.
  • Conveniently drop off items that need to be purged for a fresh start to the New Year! Call (562) 801-4244 for more information.

Community and Economic Development

Pico Rivera Comprehensive Zoning Code Update

The City continues to embark on its Comprehensive Zoning Code Update and has a few more scheduled study sessions ahead, as outlined below

YU-ME Japanese Restaurant Grand Opening

  • The much-awaited YU-ME Japanese Restaurant opened its doors at the start of this month at the formerly vacant Sizzler site at 6730 Rosemead Blvd.
  • The site was vacated in March 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. After many tenant improvements, it now boasts of a new, contemporary design with visually appealing upgrades and ambiance. The restaurant seats 152 patrons with hours of operation as follows:
  • Sun – Thurs from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Fri and Sat from 11 a.m. – midnight
  • Local social media accounts are raving about this new addition to the Pico Rivera family.
  • Join us in welcoming YU-ME to the Pico Rivera family!

8813 Gallatin Road

  • A 9-unit tri-level condominium development at 8813 Gallatin Rd. is now complete.
  • The addition of these units to the Pico Rivera community will help the City increase housing stock with new, quality building standards for residents to call home.
  • The units are substantial in size with 1,600-2,118 sq. ft., 3-4 bedrooms, include balconies, and two-car garages with direct access.

Washington Boulevard TOD Specific Plan Community Workshop

  • The City held its second Community Workshop for the Washington Blvd. Transit Oriented Development Specific Plan on December 7th.
  • Community members came out to learn more about the goals of the Specific Plan and provided their input as to the land use, design, and mobility aspects they would like to see in the project area.
  • The City will continue to host these workshops as part of the public participatory process and expects to have a draft Specific Plan for public review in the coming months.

Public Works and Citywide Project Updates

Annual Sidewalk Improvement Project Update

  • The annual sidewalk improvement project was successfully completed in late summer of this year. The improvements completed were:
  • More than 5,300 square feet of sidewalk were improved.
  • 700 linear feet of curb and gutter were replaced.
  • Two ADA curb ramps were reconstructed.
  • The City will continue to make improvements in safety and quality of life.

Pico Rivera Regional Bikeway Project Update (Mines Ave)

  • The Regional Bikeway Project's first phase is ongoing with construction along the north side of Mines Avenue. Pavement operations along the north side are scheduled to commence in December.
  • A change in the temporary traffic patterns is anticipated during January. Traffic will be shifted to the north side of Mines Avenue to allow for construction activities on the south side of Mines Ave.
  • Please expect traffic delays when driving around Mines Avenue from Paramount Boulevard up to the east of Rimbank Avenue. Residents and commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes during construction.
  • Construction will be completed in phases to limit the impacts on the residents and businesses.
  • The project's overall goal 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.
  • The Project will utilize sustainable native and drought-tolerant plants, shrubs, and trees to limit water usage.
  • It is anticipated that the project will be completed in Summer 2024.

Community Events & Programming Recap

Veterans Day Ceremony - November 13, 2023

  • On November 13, the City held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony, complete with a breakfast and flyover, honoring our veterans past, present and future.

Senior Center Groundbreaking - November 27, 2023

  • On Monday, November 27th the City held a Groundbreaking for the Senior Center restroom renovation project. The Project is expected to be completed in February 2024.
  • Facility amenities, such as the Fitness Room, Billiard Room and Computer Lab are open for patron use.
  • The SASSFA Nutrition program switched to grab and go on Mondays (3 meals) and Thursday (2 meals).
  • All Senior Contract classes and Rio Hondo College sponsored classes are continuing as scheduled.
  • The Pico Rivera Senior Center remains open during the renovation project, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Portable restroom facilities are available to patrons during business hours.

Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival Event - December 3, 2023

  • On Sunday, December 3rd the City hosted their annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival event. The event took place in City Halls grounds and along Passons Blvd.
  • The event included over 35 tons of snows with sledding hills, train rides, crafts, face painting, balloon artist, artisan and food vendors, live entertainment for all to enjoy, Santa letters workshop and of course a visit from the Big Man himself.
  • With the support from all our city departments, including the Sheriff’s Department, we were able to provide another fun and successful event for the community.

Upcoming Events & Programs

Annual Holiday Food Giveaway - December 16, 2023

  • On Saturday, December 16th the Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with the Pico Rivera Christmas Baskets Committee will host their annual Holiday Food Giveaway.
  • The food giveaway begins at 10:00AM at Pico Park – 9528 Beverly Blvd. Food will be distributed on a drive-thru basis, no walk ups will be permitted.
  • Food will be distributed on a first come first serve basis and while supplies last.

Holiday Closure - December 25 through January 2, 2024

  • As the winter holiday closure approaches, we would like to remind you that our facilities will be closed on Monday, December 25th through December 28th, 2023.
  • We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024.
  • For emergency services, please contact the following:
  • SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: (562) 949-2421
  • PUBLIC WORKS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: (800) 873-2880
  • WATER EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: (800) 759 - 5569

Views of Pico Rivera

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

As the day comes to an end, we look over Crossroads Plaza in Pico Rivera.