City Clerk's Corner
Follow-ups to City Council Meetings
City Clerk's Office Accepting Applications for Veterans Commission
- The Pico Rivera City Clerk's Office is accepting applications for the new Veterans Commission that was approved for formation by the City Council in March.
- Registered voters in the City of Pico Rivera are eligible to apply for the Veterans Commission. Terms for the Commission are for two years. Members will receive a $75 compensation for each meeting.
- For further information or to submit an application, contact the City Clerk's office at (562) 801-4389 or download the application from the City's website at Pico-rivera.org.
The Veterans Commission will serve as an advisory body to the City Council on matters important to veterans, families of veterans, and businesses in the City that are veteran-run or veteran-focused.
City Clerk's Office Accepting Applications for Sister City Commission
- The Pico Rivera City Clerk's Office is accepting applications to fill five vacancies on the Sister City Commission. Terms for the Commission are for two-years. Members will receive a $75 compensation for each meeting attended.
- For further information or to submit an application, contact the City Clerk's office at (562) 801-4389.
Advisory Boards provide recommendations to City Council on policy issues, provide recommendations to their functional area through their staff liaison, promote and provide citizen input as well as provides an opportunity for residents to participate in local government.
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Testing at Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station
- COVID-19 testing continues at the Pico Rivera Sheriff's station. No appointments necessary, minimal wait times.
- PCR Testing remains FREE, results are available within 24 hours.
- Rapid testing will now require a fee that is billed to your insurance, please ask site staff for details.
- New hours of operation for testing: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday - Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Vaccination and Booster Clinic at the Pico Rivera Senior Center
Vaccinations are provided by Pico Care Pharmacy, no appointment necessary. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays - 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
Departmental Updates
Office of the City Manager
Historic Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Program
- On May 10, 2022, the City Council approved a contract with CivicWell, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to provide program management support and robust communication services for the Historic Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Program.
- The City is undertaking a community-oriented planning and engagement process unlike ever before. The communications campaign will focus on empowering members of the community to participate in the process and share their thoughts, comments, and suggestions.
- We look forward to defining the future of this historic corridor together.
- Community meetings and engagement opportunities are expected to commence this summer and will continue throughout the life of the program.
This is once in a lifetime opportunity to help create a vibrant and exciting "uptown" district in Pico Rivera. The Historic Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Program is truly history in the making.
Virtual City Hall: A New City Website and Mobile App Undergoing Internal Testing
- Staff are currently testing and developing a new city website and mobile app designed to modernize the way residents, the public, stakeholders and businesses interact, transact and connect with the City of Pico Rivera.
- The Virtual City Hall platform is expected to be available to the public on July 1, 2022.
The all website and mobile app, dubbed Virtual City Hall, will create a high-quality, user friendly virtual option to engage in the civic process, improve organizational efficiency, establish a central hub for information and transactions with the City, enhance operations, streamline service delivery, reduce costs, and modernize business practices and communications.
Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME) Partnership with OhmConnect
- In anticipation of another summer full of extreme heat and constraints on the energy grid, PRIME is taking proactive action to encourage residents to reduce their energy usage at peak periods of energy demand.
- Through a partnership with OhmConnect, residents can receive a smart thermostat or two smart plugs for $0.99 when they sign-up for the OhmConnect service to receive alerts when energy is most expensive and polluting.
- Any smart devices that have been linked to the OhmConnect service will automatically adjust power to save energy. OhmConnect takes the unused energy saved by members’ smart devices and sells it back to the grid operator.
- Those proceeds are then distributed to OhmConnect members in the form of a monthly payout. Members receive points called Watts based on how much electricity they save during energy-saving events. Watts can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or chances to win big prizes such as a trip to Disneyland or your electricity bills paid for a year.
After a successful pilot program in October 2021, PRIME has continued its partnership with Ohmconnect. As a result, Pico Rivera residents are eligible to participate in a free energy bill-savings program.
Administrative Services
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Available to Low-Income Households in June 2022
- The California Department of Community Services & Development will provide $116 million in financial assistance, of which $87 million will be made available in direct household benefits for low-income families who require assistance with past due water or wastewater bills.
- LIHWAP drinking water and wastewater benefits are scheduled to be available in June 2022.
- The funds are intended to ensure low-income households have access to safe and clean drinking water and wastewater services.
- Households are eligible for assistance if total household gross income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income or a household member is a current recipient of CalFresh or CalWORKs.
- The LIHWAP will provide a maximum one-time payment of $2,000 on a first come, first served basis with no qualifying date or time period restrictions on the bill relief period.
Community and Economic Development
New Businesses and Developments
Crossroads Plaza - Chase Bank
- In April 2022, the City welcomed the grand opening of Burlington Coat Factory at Crossroads Plaza, located at the former Home Depot Site. In addition to Burlington Coat Factory, Ross Dress for Less (Ross) and dd’s Discounts (dd’s) will open soon.
- Ross is set to open Summer 2022 with dd’s following shortly thereafter in Fall 2022. This will be Ross’s second location in the City, while dd’s will be relocating from their current location at Rosemead Blvd and Mines Ave.
- Building permits have been issued for the new Chase Bank, which is estimated to be completed in early Fall 2022. The City plans to work with the property owner of the existing Chase Bank across Whittier Blvd to identify potential uses for the site once the bank relocates.
- The City and owner of the Crossroads Plaza property are also exploring potential retail users to fill the approximately 15,000 square foot former Home Depot Garden Center.
Carl's Jr. Rebuild Located at 9400 Slauson Ave
- The Carl's Jr. at 9400 Slauson Ave was destroyed by fire in December of 2020.
- The 2,500 sq. ft. location is currently in plan-check and will include a seating area with 42 seats.
- The Carl's Jr. will have an updated design, drive-thru lane with 18 vehicle capacity, and all new landscaping.
- Construction is tentatively scheduled for Summer of 2022 with a tentative grand opening date of fall/winter 2022.
Public Works and Citywide Project Updates
May 15th through 21st is National Public Works Week
- May 15 through May 21 is National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association. This year's theme is "Ready and Resilient".
- Pico Rivera's Public Works Department oversees all aspects of the City's infrastructure including: engineering, maintenance, operation of streets, sidewalks, street lighting, curbs, gutters, parkways, median landscaping, storm water systems, public parking lots, City-owned buildings, parks, water and sewer systems, street signs, traffic signals and traffic markings, graffiti removal, street sweeping, trash and recycling services.
National Public Works Week seeks to raise awareness about the important role Public Works has in maintaining and improving the systems and services that support healthy, safe, and thriving communities.
Durfee Avenue Grade Separation Project is Complete
- The Durfee Avenue Grade Separation and Underpass Project (Project) separates the street from the Union Pacific railroad tracks on Durfee Avenue. Both the railroad tracks and Durfee Avenue regularly experience high traffic volumes, which are anticipated to increase in the future.
- The Project is part of the $1.7 billion Alameda Corridor-East (ACE) program of 19 roadway-rail grade separations and safety improvements along the high-volume transcontinental ACE freight-rail corridor.
- The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) is the construction agency for the project and the contractor is Riverside Construction.
- The Project was made possible through partnership between the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), SGVCOG, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and the City of Pico Rivera.
- The road is scheduled to reopen May 26th.
By separating the street from the railroad tracks, the Project will: Improve traffic efficiency, significantly reduce delays for emergency responders, eliminate vehicle collisions at the intersection, improve roadway safety for hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists, reduce emissions from idling vehicles and eliminate locomotive horn noise in the area.
City Awarded $8.1 Million in Clean California Grants for Median and Parkway Beautification Projects
- On March 1, 2022, the City received notification that two grant applications under the Clean California Local Grant Program (CCLGP) had been awarded to the City.
- Awards were given to 105 projects statewide, only 30% of applications submitted were awarded, totaling nearly $300M in Clean CA grants.
- The two applications that we were awarded are the following:
- Rosemead Blvd Median and Parkway Beautification Project – Total award $3,916,167 with a total project estimate of $5,221,557.
- Pico Rivera – Major Corridors Median & Parkway Beautification Project - Total award $4, 216,167 with a total project estimate of $5,621,557
- Total grant awards $8,132,334.
- Proposed improvements include replacing/removing the existing ground cover, dead/dried shrubs and trees by planting new drought tolerant plants and trees, high efficiency irrigation system, and natural inorganic materials (decomposed granite, boulders, and cobble).
- Parkway improvements include trees planted on empty tree wells, adding bus benches and/or trash containers where needed, anti-litter signs, and other beautification signs or features that will improve the corridors. In addition to the physical improvements, the City will launch a “Keep your streets Clean” campaign including a community cleanup event day.
PFAS Water Facility Projects - Construction Begins May 2022
- The City will begin construction activity for the PFAS Treatment System Project on May 2022.
- The first phase of this project will construct 14 PFAS filtration vessels at three city water facility locations. The City has selected Metro Builders & Engineers Group LTD as the contractor for this project.
The City of Pico Rivera is moving forward with its remedy to remove perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) chemicals, or “forever chemicals,” from the City’s water supply with the installation of special filtration systems.
Government Relations
Congresswoman Sánchez Delivers Ceremonial $2.5 Million Check to City Officials for the Advancement of the City's PFOS and PFOA Filtration Projects.
- On July of 2020, the City adopted a Water Master Plan that would address the water quality and treatment needs including the treatment for PFOS and PFOA chemicals. On November of 2020, the first major steps were taken when the design contract for a water treatment system was awarded for all of the City’s water treatment facilities
- The Citywide PFAS projects will be made possible with funding coming from multiple sources, including a $5.8 million grant secured from the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD).
- Construction of the first project is anticipated to begin in May of 2022.
Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez included $2.5 million in the House Appropriations Committee’s 2022 energy and water funding bill last Summer to help the City fund this project. Funding for this project was signed into law on March 15 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. On Wednesday, May 4 Congresswoman Sánchez formally delivered a ceremonial check to City officials for the advancement of the City’s PFOS and PFOA filtration projects.
Calrecycle Annual Review
- On May 12th, the Office of Sustainability met with CalRecycle for their Annual Conference Call to review the City’s compliance with mandatory recycling and organics recycling programs.
- This year, CalRecycle was heavily focused on reviewing the City’s efforts to implement mandatory commercial organics recycling and residential organics recycling as required by AB 1826 and SB 1383.
- The City has been proactive by enrolling customers into organics recycling services, establishing a food recovery program, and procuring recycled materials such as mulch, compost, and paper.
- CalRecycle congratulated the City of Pico Rivera for being one of the few cities that is meeting the conditions of AB 1826, SB 1383, and all other requirements mandated by the State of California.
Community Events & Programming Recap
Senior Center City Walkers Returns - May 3, 2022
- The Senior Center City Workers Program returned on May 3, 2022 following a two-year pause due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
- The program is now managed by Pico Rivera Senior Center staff and has been revamped this year to include benchmarks and rewards for program participants.
- The program is open for registrations and is free for individuals 50 years of age and older. The program is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
This Health & Wellness Program started in 2015 to encourage Senior Center patrons and community members to Get up, Get Out and Get Active while socializing with others.
National Day of Prayer - May 5, 2022
- The National Day of Prayer took place on May 5, 2022 in front of City Hall. An estimated 40 people were in attendance. Local pastors and patrons gathered and shared a moment of prayer with one another.
- The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths, socio-economic, political and ethnics backgrounds to pray for the nation.
Senior Center Mother's Day ParTea - May 12, 2022
- The Pico Rivera Senior Center hosted its annual Mother's Day ParTea event on May 12, 2022 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. A total of 90 participants enjoyed afternoon tea, games, and socializing.
- Attendees also participated in a hat contest and had the opportunity to pose for caricature artist portraits of themselves.
Certified Farmers Market Continues
The Certified Farmers Market continues and will be available Wednesdays from 5:00 - 9:00 PM through August 31, 2022. Approximately 30 vendors come out to sell their farm fresh produce and locally sourced products.
Upcoming Events
Summer Camp 2022
Pico Rivera Summer Camp is back! Registrations open online on May 9, 2022 for camps at Pico Park & Rio Hondo Park.
Memorial Day Ceremony - May 30, 2022
The City of Pico Rivera will host a special salute remembering the brave men and women who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Breakfast will be available from 8:00 - 9:45 AM followed by the ceremony at 10:00 AM. Please RSVP by Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Recreation@pico-rivera.org or (562) 801-4430.
The Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Pico Rivera Veteran's Memorial Plaza and Eternal Flame at 9001 Mines Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660.
City Excursion to Doheny Surf and Art Festival June 25, 2022
- The Department of Parks & Recreation will host an excursion to Doheny Beach for the annual Doheny Beach Surf and Art Festival on June 25, 2022.
- This will be the last excursion of the fiscal year. Deadline for registration is on May 27, 2022 and can be completed online.
- Patrons will enjoy a fun day at the beach where the festival will have surfing contests, many forms of art to view and purchase, entertainment, as well as a variety of food for purchase.