Alhambra · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alhambra public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Urban forestry grant and nonprofit selection controversy
Alhambra's participation in the Tree City USA program gets a spotlight. The recognition reflects the city's tree-planting and care standards in parks and public spaces — the shade and greenery residents rely on.
Commercial Outdoor Dining Expansion
Kopan Sushi & Ramen has applied to build a covered outdoor dining patio in its parking lot. The board will review the design to ensure it meets city visual and safety criteria.
Janitorial contract for downtown parking structures
Preferred Parking Enforcement Expansion
The Council is reviewing recent expansions to preferred parking districts around Midwick Park, Alhambra Hills, and Hellman Avenue. Residents and officials are weighing enforcement hours and staffing resources to balance neighborhood parking access with event spillover.
Traffic Calming at Granada Avenue and Grand Avenue
Residents are concerned about speeding vehicles near apartment complexes on Granada Avenue. City engineering staff evaluated traffic conditions and collision data to recommend potential safety measures.
Community Art Projects and Public Art
The commission is looking at new ideas and proposals for public art to beautify Alhambra and engage residents.
7-Eleven ABC License Upgrade at 1723 W. Main St.
A local 7-Eleven store is legalizing its long-standing retail use and upgrading its alcohol license to sell hard liquor for off-site consumption.
Animal Control Services and Facility Location
Alhambra's animal control comes from a county shelter all the way in Downey, and residents are frustrated with slow response times, dead animal pickups, and short holding periods for lost pets. The council wants staff to bring back other options, possibly Pasadena Humane Society.
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
The council accepted a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety to fund overtime patrols, DUI checkpoints, and targeted enforcement on speeding and distracted driving. Police plan to apply for increased funding next year to double operations.
Alhambra dog park permitting delay
The long-planned dog park hit a last-minute requirement for DTSC clearance on the old landfill site, potentially adding 12-18 months; Senator Pérez agreed to ask state agencies to speed it up.
Freeway noise mitigation for I-10-adjacent homes
Councilmember Wang asked the city to write Caltrans about sound walls or other noise relief for homes near the I-10 — a long-game advocacy effort.
City Yard Infrastructure Upgrades
The city is planning to renovate the City Yard at 900 South New Avenue to fix uneven surfaces and replace old fencing. This project aims to make the facility safer and more efficient for daily operations.
110 S. Chapel Ave. code enforcement dispute
A retired builder says the developer there demolished 10 garages and built a retaining wall without permits nearly two years ago, and is now adding ADUs on top of an approved 60-unit apartment project. He wants no new permits or approvals until violations are resolved.
Parks and Recreation Programs and City Events
The annual fireworks show is locked in for three more years thanks to a $165,000 contract with Garden State Fireworks.
Council Leadership Rotation
Per the City Charter, the gavel changes hands every nine months. Adele Andrade-Stadler is now Mayor and Ross J. Maza Vice Mayor, with Jeff Maloney stepping down after a term marked by the sustainability plan, immigration controversy response, and major infrastructure investments.
Marengo Reservoir drinking water treatment
The city hired engineers to design a chlorination system for Marengo Reservoir, part of keeping the drinking water supply safe.
Historic Preservation Commission Training and Procedures
Commissioners were scheduled to receive training on local historic preservation project review procedures, helping ensure consistent application standards for historic properties in Alhambra.
Election of Commission Officers
The commission was set to choose new leadership for the 2026-2027 term, guiding local art programs and cultural events.
CDBG and HOME Program Progress Reports
The committee reviewed performance data for city programs funded by federal grants, including senior case management, code enforcement, housing rights support, and home rehabilitation.
Commemorative Historic Plaque Program
Alhambra is moving forward with a standardized plaque program to recognize historic properties across the city. Property owners will have access to a uniform, high-quality bronze marker to display their building's heritage.