The latest news, events and updates from the City of San Gabriel

New Online Booking System for Passport Services

To ensure a hassle-free travel experience this year, the Community Services department has launched a new online booking system for passport services. The appointments are reserved for the following categories: first-time passport applicants, passport renewals for minors (aged 0-15), adults who were minors in their previous passports, adults with passports issued over 15 years ago, and replacement of lost or stolen passports.

In-person appointments are available from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photo services are also available for all passport needs. Regular processing of the passport application takes 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited processing can shorten the timeframe to 2 to 3 weeks.

To schedule an appointment, individuals can visit the online scheduling system at CityofSanGabrielCommunityServicesDepartment.as.me/ or call 626-308-2875.

For more information, visit SanGabrielCity.com/Passports.

Join Chief Elizalde at "Talk of the Town" on March 21

The next "Talk of the Town" with San Gabriel Police Chief Elizalde will take place on Thursday, March 21 at the Alhambra/San Gabriel Elks Lodge located at 1373 East Las Tunas Drive from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This community engagement program aims to promote greater interaction between the police department and different groups in our community. "Talk of the Town" replaces "411 With The Chief" and will hold meetings on various dates, times, and locations. If you have any further questions, please contact the Community Engagement Bureau at (626) 451-5455.

Residential Plant Voucher Program

By the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District

Residents within Upper District's service area can now benefit from the Plant Voucher Program, offering vouchers redeemable for up to $250 to purchase climate-appropriate plants. This program encourages residents to create water-efficient landscapes. The Upper District are now accepting registrations on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested residents should apply at UpperDistrict.org/residential-plant-voucher-program/.

Don't Forget to Check Your Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are an essential part of any home's fire safety plan. In case of a fire, smoke can spread quickly, and a working smoke detector can provide an early warning signal that can help save lives. However, smoke alarms today come with different features, and their battery requirements can vary.

To ensure that all smoke alarms have working batteries, it is important to understand the different types of smoke alarms and their battery requirements.

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to last for up to 10 years. If the alarm emits a chirping sound, this indicates that the battery is low, and needs to be replaced right away.

• Smoke alarms with replaceable batteries require a new battery at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, it should also be replaced immediately.

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when replacing the battery. These instructions are specific to the type and brand of battery that should be used. Using a different type of battery may cause the smoke alarm to malfunction.

For more information on smoke alarms, please visit nfpa.org/smokealarms.

Teens Create Month: Blossom into Spring on March 22

Join the San Gabriel Library on Friday, March 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to learn the basics of planting and caring for potted flowers and welcome the new season. Teens aged 13 to 17 can attend this event and get a chance to decorate a mini ceramic terra-cotta pot using acrylic paint.

Interested individuals must register in advance at visit.lacountylibrary.org to secure their spot due to limited space.

Report A Pothole Online

If you see any potholes or other road problems, please submit them at SanGabrielCity.com/StreetProblem.

Report Code Enforcement Issues



To report any code enforcement complaint or violation, please submit a report to SanGabrielCity.com/NIS.

• All-City Pentathlon - Saturday, March 16 at Jefferson Middle School
• "Egg"straordinary Pancake Breakfast & Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 30 at Smith Park
• Talk of the Town with San Gabriel Police Department - Thursday, March 21 at the Alhambra/San Gabriel Elks Lodge 
• Active Streets Mission-to-Mission - Sunday, April 28 in San Gabriel, Alhambra and South Pasadena

Visit SanGabrielCity.com for more upcoming events.

City Council Meeting - March 5, 2024

Watch a replay of the March 5 City Council Meeting during which the below key actions took place:

• The City Council honored three women-run businesses for Women's History Month: Caribbean Gourmet owned by Yonette Alleyne, Lunas Restaurant owned by Roxane Guzman, and El Pavo Bakery and Restaurant owned by Carina Rivera.

• The City Council passed Ordinance No. 702, allowing medicinal cannabis delivery-only shops in specific zones. They placed a temporary stop on new shops for 45 days, later extending it for three months to set up regulations.

• The City Council agreed to host the 2024 Active Streets Mission-to-Mission event with neighboring cities. The event promotes walking and biking and will be held on Sunday, April 28.

• The city hired a polling firm to ask the public about potential property tax increases for a new safety headquarters and changes to business taxes. The results were presented at the Council meeting. A representative from FM3 Research presented the results.

• The City Council approved the annual report of Assembly Bill 481 and updated Policy 707 regarding military equipment. The second reading and adoption of the Ordinance is scheduled for the next regular Council meeting. Adoption of the ordinance would renew and update the policy, approve the Military Equipment List, and establish a new process for future changes.

View the full summary here.

Planning Commission Meeting - March 11, 2024

Watch a replay of the March 11 Planning Commission meeting.

Watch the State of the City Video Presentation for 2023

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