Uncategorized - Covina

Posted on March 5, 2025March 5, 2025 by Gabriel Avalos

We are excited to share a list of the newest City housing-related laws that are important in understanding State of California Affordable Housing laws that apply to all jurisdictions within California, including the City of Covina. These laws are intended to expand opportunities for affordable housing, ADU construction, and mixed-use development. If housing projects are proposed in conformance with California affordable housing laws, The City of Covina is compelled to approve those housing projects that have demonstrated to be in compliance with the applicable California affordable housing laws. Understanding these State of California Affordable Housing laws is essential to understanding potential housing projects proposed within, or adjacent to, the City of Covina. It should be noted that affordable housing projects that comply with the applicable State of California statute(s) are not subject to discretionary review/approval by the City of Covina, those projects are still required to comply with California Building Codes and Fire Codes.

Please find our new webpage here: https://covinaca.gov/our-community/state-housing-laws/

Posted on November 26, 2024November 26, 2024 by Gabriel Avalos

Covina, CA – The City of Covina is pleased to announce that Ric Walczak has been selected as the City’s next Chief of Police following Chief David Povero’s announced retirement at the end of December. Chief Walczak will be responsible for continuing to provide responsive policing services, leadership for Covina Police Department team members and facilitating engagement with community stakeholders.
Chief Walczak has strong ties with the Covina community, starting as a Police Officer in 1996 and progressing through the leadership ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and most recently, Captain, where he has served since 2019. In the role of Captain, Walczak has overseen both the Operations and Support Services Divisions within the Department, leading a staff of 100 sworn and non-sworn team members and overseeing the Department’s operating budget. Through his 29-years with Covina Police Department, Walczak has participated in a variety of functions with the Department, including patrol operations, investigations, communications, crime prevention, administration and community relations.

In learning about his appointment to serve as Chief of Police, Walczak expressed his sincere appreciation to the men and women that serve in the Department, the City Council and the Covina community noting, “Covina has been home for my family over the last several decades. It is my privilege to work with our exceptional team and community to foster new opportunities and enhance the City’s reputation of being a great home town.”

Ric Walczak grew up in Covina, where he attended Northview High School and later received a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration at the University of La Verne and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership at the University of San Diego. A strong believer in training and education, Ric has also attained a P.O.S.T. Management Certificate and was a graduate of the California Police Chief’s Executive Development program. Outside of work, Ric enjoys spending time with his wife Mary, his sons Ollie, Andrew and Ricky, and his parents Richard and Mary Lou.
Please help us congratulate Ric on his appointment to Chief of Police, as he assumes this new role on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Contact:
Chris Marcarello, City Manager
cmarcarello@covinaca.gov
(626) 384-5410

Posted on October 25, 2022November 25, 2024 by Fernando Uribe

The City of Covina launches mobile phone applications for iPhone and Android to help residents report issues on the go and tap into local government around the clock

Covina, CA – Citizens and visitors to the City of Covina can now report potholes that need filling, traffic signal issues, and graffiti that needs removing form an app on their iPhone or Android smart phones, with the launch of the Covina At Your Service a new mobile work order application. Smart phone users simply open the application, select an issue, take a picture, and tap submit – the application picks up the exact location and sends the issue directly to the staff member who can fix it.

“The smart phone application is the latest enhancement to the City of Covina’s citizen relationship management (CRM) solution. Providing smart phone convenience with the ability to report issues to us whenever or wherever they prefer will be a great asset to our community,” noted Mayor Victor Linares and members of the City Council.

The GPS and camera features built into the iPhone and Android smart phones make it simple for residents to alert Public Works staff about a variety of issues around the clock while they’re mobile. Residents will know their issue went to the right person without ever going to an office or sitting down at a computer, and they can also receive status updates on their issues. This efficiency allows the City of Covina Public Works Department to improve our customer service and speed up the maintenance requests.

The Covina At Your Service smart phone application can be downloaded by searching the Apple App store, Android Market, or by going to the City of Covina website at: covinaca.gov/request-services?. There is no charge to download the application.

For additional information regarding the Covina At Your Service app, please contact the Covina Department of Public Works at (626) 384-5220 or at pw@covinaca.gov. For more information about the City of Covina, please visit our website at www.covinaca.gov.

Posted on October 25, 2022November 30, 2023 by Fernando Uribe

Rebate Programs
Residents and businesses are eligible for rebates on water conserving fixtures, landscaping equipment, flow monitors, and turf replacement. Visit www.bewaterwise.com to view available rebate programs.

Landscape Classes
There are a variety of landscape classes to help you save water and meet conservation goals without sacrificing your beautiful garden, trees and landscape. Classes are held virtually, and are free of charge. Visit Upper District to view class details and to register.

Water Use Restrictions
For allowable water days in your service area, please visit our Water Use Restrictions page.

Posted on October 25, 2022November 30, 2023 by Fernando Uribe

Take a comprehensive look at what the City of Covina is all about, and follow along as we carry out our mission of providing excellent customer service to our citizens and businesses. It is the highest priority of Covina’s Mayor, City Council, and City Manager to bring the whole Covina community together. We have so many opportunities for you to become part of the Covina family, whether you are a resident, business owner, City partner, or visitor who wants to help make a difference in our sprawling community!

Live in Covina! The City of Covina is just the right balance of family-friendly traditionalism, business-centric professionalism, and nightlife-focused modernization. This unique blend caters to the “live, work, play” ideals that set Covina apart, making it a leading community in the surrounding areas. Find schools, libraries, community activities, programs, and resources in your neighborhood.

Bring your business! The City of Covina is constantly reinventing itself, thanks in large part to its dynamic, varied, and thriving business community. Covina connects the City with companies, large and small, and entrepreneurs to cocreate an environment where innovation flourishes. With a vibrant Downtown and economically diverse culture, Covina offers business owners a place to build, expand and grow, with the help of a strong community of residents, government and other resources.

Join our Community! See what it’s like to be #CovinaStrong. Covina is a rich mix of residents, employees, government officials and business owners from all walks of life. A true melting pot of diverse educational backgrounds, ethnicities, employees, families, homeowners, locals, and transplants. Find activities, programs, and events provided by, or in partnership with the City.

Whatever you need, Covina is sure to have it! So welcome to our new website, and welcome to Covina!