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.
Meeting Schedule Adjustment
The Historic Preservation Commission's October meeting is cancelled, pushing any pending historic preservation reviews to the new year.
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.
Residential and Commercial Development Review
Three residential approvals — a porch rebuild, window swaps, and a rear addition — show the board steering home projects to match existing neighborhood character, especially the Craftsman-style guidance on the Cordova Street porch.
Environmental Sustainability
The city won a platinum-level Energy Champion award from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for 2024-2025, crediting its 100% renewable electricity default and sustainability plan. An implementation plan is expected soon.
Financial Reserve Policy and Pension Liability Strategy
The city is reviewing its financial reserve policies to ensure strong emergency funds and tackle long-term pension and benefit liabilities. These updates aim to safeguard Alhambra's economic stability against unexpected expenses and economic downturns.
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.
Municipal Appropriation Limit
The city is reviewing its financial reserve policies to ensure strong emergency funds and tackle long-term pension and benefit liabilities. These updates aim to safeguard Alhambra's economic stability against unexpected expenses and economic downturns.
City Manager Performance Evaluation
The City Council is reviewing the performance of the City Manager in a closed session. This evaluation affects city leadership, administrative direction, and municipal operations.
Historic preservation program fees deter applications
A year after the preservation ordinance passed, only one application has been filed and it's incomplete. Residents say fees of $5,000-$10,000 for designation and Mills Act applications are far higher than neighboring cities and are killing participation. The council directed staff to bring back fixes early next year.
Janitorial contract for downtown parking structures
Midwick/Alhambra Hills Parking
Student spillover parking from CSULA — and now LA Football Club games — has frustrated this neighborhood for years. The council shrunk the district's southern boundary and added weekend enforcement after surveying 376 households.
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.
Traffic Safety Enhancements on Hellman Avenue
Residents along Hellman Avenue requested studies on traffic conditions and potential safety controls between Cambell Avenue and Atlantic Boulevard.
Community Art Projects and Public Art
The commission is looking at new ideas and proposals for public art to beautify Alhambra and engage residents.
Citywide Transportation and Public Works Project Updates
Several street items moved forward: an added alley segment for the Area B rehab, formal completion of a $2.5 million resurfacing job, and the start of next year's SB1-funded street rehab.
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.
Commercial signage on West Main Street and Valley Boulevard
Two commercial sign approvals shape what storefronts look like on two of Alhambra's main corridors — East West Bank's branch signage and a medical office building's master sign program.
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.
Noise Ordinance Review
Councilmember Lee wants the city to consider lowering the allowable noise level for mixed-use buildings from 60 decibels, responding to residents who live above businesses. Staff will bring a broader report on the noise ordinance to a future meeting.
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.
El Niño Emergency Preparation
With a historic El Niño forecast, the city declared a local emergency so staff can quickly buy supplies, make repairs, and get reimbursed by the state if storms hit.
State Funding for Community Center & EOC
The city's $4 million federal loan application for the Community Center needs an environmental assessment, so the council added $6,000 to its HUD consulting contract.
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.
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.