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 The
City of Pico Rivera traces its beginning to the 1870´s
as the communities of Pico and Rivera when the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe and the Union Pacific completed rail lines throughout
the area. Fabulously fertile farmlands of citrus, avocado
and walnut groves were cultivated between the Rio Hondo and
San Gabriel Rivers. During the first four decades of the 20th
century, these two country towns grew slowly in an agricultural
atmosphere.
Following the end of WWII, the sudden demand for housing
attracted subdividers to the pleasant, peaceful locale. In
the 1950´s, large parcels of land were purchased and
cleared. Developments of tract homes appeared. New homes,
schools and churches were built. Nearby, commercial enterprises
were rapidly being established.
As subdivisions sprang up, young families quickly filled
the area and drew the older neighborhoods of Pico and Rivera
closer together. Local residents were inspired with a stronger
sense of civic awareness as "annexation fever" developed
in neighboring cities.
By mid-1950´s, leaders from both communities started
to voice strong support for incorporation. In an election
on January 7, 1958, incorporation was favored by 56 percent
of the voters. A Council-Manager form of government was approved,
the name "Pico Rivera" was confirmed for the new
city and five citizens were chosen from a field of 24 candidates
to serve as members of the first City Council. It was then
that Pico Rivera officially became the 61st city in Los Angeles
County.
At present, the City boasts a population in excess of 65,200.
Aided by annexations, it has grown to approximately nine square
miles with an assessed valuation of over $2 billion.
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