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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Community Art Projects and Public Art
The commission is looking at new ideas and proposals for public art to beautify Alhambra and engage residents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Existing Litigation Review
The city council met privately to discuss ongoing legal cases and potential lawsuits involving the city. These closed sessions help city leaders navigate legal risks without tipping their hand to opponents.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
Alhambra transitioned its mayoral leadership, celebrating past sustainability and infrastructure wins while charting a course for affordable housing, small businesses, and community inclusion.
Fire and police equipment purchases
The council bought up to $340,000 in protective gear, rescue tools, and breathing apparatus for firefighters and police by piggybacking on cooperative contracts.
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.
Measure A homeless services funding
The county's half-cent homelessness sales tax sends Alhambra about $197,000 this year, keeping the HOME Team outreach and LA CADA support services going.
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.
Street Lighting Reliability
The city is moving ahead with a solar streetlight pilot on one circuit and studying solar options for Districts 4 and 5 — but at least one resident prefers the warmer existing light color, and the council asked staff to gather public input.
City Council Election
Eric Sunada is officially running for Alhambra City Council, adding a new name to the ballot. It’s time to start paying attention to his platform to see if his vision for the city aligns with your priorities.
710 Mobility Improvement Projects
Council approved additional funding for Kimley-Horn to conduct a standalone traffic analysis for the 710 stub arterial conversion, aiming to provide clarity before proceeding with major roadway changes.
Tenant Protection and Relocation Assistance
The city advanced an ordinance increasing tenant relocation assistance to three months' rent for no-fault evictions, balancing tenant security with concerns raised by small property owners.
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.