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West Covina, California

Coordinates: 34°03′24″N 117°55′07″W / 34.05667°N 117.91861°W / 34.05667; -117.91861
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West Covina, California
City
West Covina City Hall at the Civic Center
West Covina City Hall at the Civic Center
Flag of West Covina, California
Flag
Official seal of West Covina, California
Seal
Motto(s): 
"Live, Work, Play."
Map
Map
Map
Map
Location in Los Angeles County, California
Location in Los Angeles County, California
Coordinates: 34°03′24″N 117°55′07″W / 34.05667°N 117.91861°W / 34.05667; -117.91861
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyLos Angeles
IncorporatedFebruary 17, 1923[1]
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager[2]
 • MayorBrian Calderón Tabatabai[2]
 • Mayor Pro TemTony Wu[2]
 • CouncilmemberOllie Cantos[2]
 • CouncilmemberRosario Diaz[2]
 • CouncilmemberLetty Lopez-Viado[2]
Area
[3]
 • Total
16.09 sq mi (41.67 km2)
 • Land16.04 sq mi (41.55 km2)
 • Water0.05 sq mi (0.12 km2)  0.30%
Elevation
[4]
384 ft (117 m)
Population
 (2020)[5]
 • Total
109,501
 • Rank11th in Los Angeles County
65th in California
 • Density6,800/sq mi (2,600/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP codes[6]
91790–91793
Area codes626, 909
FIPS code06-84200
GNIS feature IDs1652809, 2412219
Websitewww.westcovina.org

West Covina is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Located 19 miles (31 km) east of downtown Los Angeles in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, it is part of Greater Los Angeles. The population for the city was 109,501 at the 2020 census.

West Covina is bordered by Covina to the northeast, Baldwin Park and Irwindale to the northwest, La Puente and Valinda to the southwest, Industry to the south, Ramona to the east, and Walnut to the southeast.

History

[edit]

The Tongva were the earliest inhabitants of the San Gabriel Valley.[7] Governor Pío Pico sold much of the land of West Covina to John Rowland and William Workman in 1845.[8]

The first permanent settlers arrived in West Covina in 1905. Most famous among them were William Payne, Bob Dancer, Bender, Robinson and Larsen. They cleared the land of sagebrush and cactus. They also planted the first walnut trees in the area.[9]

West Covina was incorporated as an independent city in 1923 to prevent the city of Covina from building a sewage farm in the area.[10] Benjamin Franklin Maxson Jr. (1897–1928) initiated the incorporation process and was the first mayor. Walnut groves and orange groves continued to flourish.[10] The population in 1930 was 769 and blossomed to 1,549 in 1940. As a result of remarkable expansion during the post–World War II building boom, West Covina became one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities between 1950 and 1960, experiencing a growth in population of 1,025.69%, going from less than 5,000 to more than 50,000 citizens. The decades 1960 and 2000 demonstrated steady growth for West Covina, which had slowed significantly by the time of the 2010 census.[11]

A 2020 ranking of the fiscal health of California cities issued by State Auditor Elaine Howle's office placed West Covina as the ninth-worst in the state [12] The city was also audited by the state the same year, as the state auditor had determined that the city's poor finances put it at high risk for default.[13]

The world's largest collection of shoehorns is housed in the Shoehorn Museum in West Covina. [1] The state of California's largest hazardous waste landfill is also in the city.[14] The California Department of Toxic Substances Control currently estimates clean up of the landfill will cost nearly $1 billion. [2]

Geography

[edit]

Climate

[edit]

The San Gabriel Valley region has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with summer temperatures averaging above 23 °C (73 °F).[15]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1930769—
19401,07239.4%
19504,499319.7%
196050,6451,025.7%
197068,03434.3%
198080,29218.0%
199096,08619.7%
2000105,0809.4%
2010106,0981.0%
2020109,5013.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]

2020 census

[edit]
West Covina city, California – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[17] Pop 2010[18] Pop 2020[19] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 24,124 16,196 11,793 22.96% 15.27% 10.77%
Black or African American alone (NH) 6,314 4,260 3,713 6.01% 4.02% 3.39%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 304 232 217 0.29% 0.22% 0.20%
Asian alone (NH) 23,543 26,834 33,097 22.40% 25.29% 30.23%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 172 142 149 0.16% 0.13% 0.14%
Other Race alone (NH) 196 188 541 0.19% 0.18% 0.49%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 2,376 1,775 1,889 2.26% 1.67% 1.73%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 48,051 56,471 58,102 45.73% 53.23% 53.06%
Total 105,080 106,098 109,501 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

The 2010 United States Census reported that West Covina had a population of 106,098. The population density was 6,594.3 inhabitants per square mile (2,546.1/km2). The racial makeup of West Covina was 42.8% White (15.3% Non-Hispanic White),[5] 4.5% Black, 1.0% Native American, 25.8% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 21.3% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin were 53.2%.

The Census reported that 105,424 people (99.4% of the population) lived in households, 351 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 323 (0.3%) were institutionalized.

There were 31,596 households, out of which 13,670 (43.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 17,650 (55.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 5,402 (17.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2,308 (7.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,664 (5.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 202 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,795 households (15.2%) were made up of individuals, and 2,164 (6.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.34. There were 25,360 families (80.3% of all households); the average family size was 3.68.

The population was spread out, with 26,075 people (24.6%) under the age of 18, 11,326 people (10.7%) aged 18 to 24, 28,860 people (27.2%) aged 25 to 44, 26,974 people (25.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 12,863 people (12.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.

There were 32,705 housing units at an average density of 2,032.7 units per square mile (784.8 units/km2), of which 20,703 (65.5%) were owner-occupied, and 10,893 (34.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.8%. 70,474 people (66.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 34,950 people (32.9%) lived in rental housing units.

During 2009–2013, West Covina had a median household income of $67,088, with 10% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[5]

In 2017, there were more than 10,000 Filipino Americans living in West Covina;[20] they make up the majority population in the south side of the city.[21]

West Covina is broken up into five districts.[22]

Most of the foreign-born population in West Covina were born in Mexico 27.3%, Philippines 18.9%, Mainland China 13.7%, Vietnam 9.6% Taiwan 5.5%, El Salvador 3.1%, Hong Kong 2.7%, Guatemala 1.5%, Korea 1.3% and Indonesia 1.2%.[23]

According to the 2000 Census, Mexicans and Filipinos were the most common ancestries in West Covina. Mexico and Philippines were the most common foreign places of birth.[24]

The most common ancestries in West Covina are Irish, German, English, Italian, and French. The most common non-English languages spoken are Spanish and Chinese.[25]

Homelessness

[edit]

In 2022, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count counted 112 homeless individuals in West Covina.[26]

Homeless population
YearPop.±%
2016 47—    
2017 165+251.1%
2018 264+60.0%
2019 147−44.3%
2020 124−15.6%
2022 112−9.7%
Source: Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

Economy

[edit]
The 14-story Eastland Tower, the tallest building in the city and in the San Gabriel Valley. Previously leased by Wells Fargo.

Top employers

[edit]

According to the city's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[27] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Citrus Valley Medical Center – Queen of the Valley Campus 1,464
2 West Covina Unified School District 1,398
3 Target 455
4 City of West Covina 372
5 Merakey Allos 335
6 Porto's Bakery 298
7 Walmart 249
8 Interspace/Concorde Battery Corporation 231
9 The Home Depot 198
10 JCPenney 165

Retail

[edit]

There are three major shopping centers in West Covina: Plaza West Covina, Eastland Center, and The Heights at West Covina.

Plaza West Covina

[edit]

Plaza West Covina is a regional mall that has 208 shops, stores, and restaurants. The mall is two levels and is anchored by Macy's (180,000 sq ft.) to the east, JC Penney (193,963 sq ft.) to the south, Sears (137,820 sq ft.) to the west, Best Buy (45,000 sq ft.) to the north, and the XXI Forever flagship store, also to the north. There is a food court on the second level as well as other restaurants, and food and drink kiosks throughout the mall. The mall is known for its many fashion shops and high-end fashion boutiques.[28]

Eastland Center

[edit]

The Eastland Center is a power center which has undergone major renovations since it opened in 1957. Eastland is two levels, with parking for the lower level on south side of the center and parking for the upper level on the north side. It has many department stores and is anchored by Target. (122,000 sq ft (11,300 m2)) to the east.

The Heights at West Covina

[edit]

The Heights at West Covina is a 340,000-square-foot (32,000 m2) retail shopping center located just south of the Sportsplex. It is anchored by The Home Depot to the north, and Target to the south. The center has many other stores and restaurants.

Jollibee

[edit]

Jollibee opened headquarters in West Covina in 2019.[29]

Parks and recreation

[edit]

West Covina Sportsplex

[edit]

The West Covina Sportsplex is a 315-acre (127 ha) commercial and recreational center opened in 2007. Built on a former landfill, the center includes a sports park, commercial development, and public golf course.[30]

Government

[edit]

In the California State Legislature, West Covina is split between the 22nd Senate District, represented by Democrat Susan Rubio and the 30th Senate District, represented by Democrat Bob Archuleta. In the California State Assembly, it is in the 48th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Blanca Rubio. In the United States House of Representatives, West Covina is in California's 31st congressional district, represented by Democrat Grace Napolitano.[31]

Education

[edit]

Primary and secondary schools

[edit]

Public schools in West Covina administered by the Covina-Valley Unified School District include:[32]

  • Grovecenter Elementary School
  • Mesa Elementary School
  • Rowland Avenue Elementary School
  • Workman Avenue Elementary School
  • Traweek Middle School
  • South Hills High School

Public schools in West Covina administered by the Rowland Unified School District include: [33]

Public schools in West Covina administered by the West Covina Unified School District include:[34]

  • California Elementary
  • Cameron Elementary
  • Merced Elementary
  • Merlinda Elementary
  • Monte Vista Elementary
  • Orangewood Elementary
  • Vine Elementary
  • Wescove Elementary
  • Edgewood Middle School
  • Hollencrest Middle School
  • Walnut Grove Intermediate
  • Coronado High School
  • Edgewood High School
  • MT. SAC Early College Academy
  • West Covina High School

Charter School (Standalone)

Infrastructure

[edit]

Transportation

[edit]

Foothill Transit, based in West Covina, provides services across San Gabriel Valley with buses going to Downtown Los Angeles and Montclair. In addition to the bus services provided by Foothill Transit, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Agency, commonly known as Metro, provides services from El Monte Station to Cal Poly Pomona. The city operates the Go West shuttle bus system, with three routes that provide transportation to several West Covina destinations.[35] The city also provides a free shuttle bus to the Baldwin Park Metrolink station.

Healthcare

[edit]

Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina offers the following services: emergency room, surgery, maternity care, pediatrics, neurology, and diagnostic imaging.[36]

Notable people

[edit]
[edit]

West Covina and the San Gabriel Valley are the setting for the US television series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.[40]

The 1997 Nickelodeon film Good Burger was mostly filmed in West Covina.[41]

The USS West Covina was a Federation California-class starship operated by Starfleet in the late 24th century featured in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Sister cities

[edit]
See also: List of sister cities in California

West Covina's sister cities are:[42]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on February 21, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Mayor & City Council". West Covina, CA. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  3. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  4. ^ "West Covina". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
  5. ^ a b c "West Covina (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  6. ^ "ZIP Code(tm) Lookup". United States Postal Service. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
  7. ^ Cottrell, Wayne D. (June 2015). Best Bike Rides Los Angeles: The Greatest Recreational Rides in the Metro Area. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781493014712.
  8. ^ History of West Covina
  9. ^ Cheldin, Ted (August 2011). Fundamentally Crazy. Lulu.com. ISBN 9781257905300.
  10. ^ a b "Historical West Covina | City of West Covina". www.westcovina.org. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  11. ^ "West Covina Growth".
  12. ^ "State auditor releases updated rankings of California cities' fiscal health". November 19, 2020.
  13. ^ "California State Auditor - 2020-806 Audit Scope and Objectives". www.auditor.ca.gov. Archived from the original on August 13, 2020.
  14. ^ Jobst, Brian (July 1, 2024). The Strange Saga of California' Largest Toxic Landfill (1st ed.). West Covina, CA: Historical Society of West Covina. ISBN 9781955934411.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  15. ^ "West Covina, California Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.
  16. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  17. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – West Covina city, California". United States Census Bureau.
  18. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – West Covina city, California". United States Census Bureau.
  19. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – West Covina city, California". United States Census Bureau.
  20. ^ Baer, Stephanie K. (August 30, 2017). "In nod to thriving population, West Covina looks to designate Filipino business area as 'Little Manila'". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  21. ^ Baer, Stephanie K. (September 20, 2017). "Here's what voting districts could look like in West Covina". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  22. ^ "ArcGIS Web Application". Westcovina.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  23. ^ "West Covina California Demographics data". www.towncharts.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  24. ^ "Map". Los Angeles Times (in Kinyarwanda). Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  25. ^ "West Covina, CA Real Estate Market Data - NeighborhoodScout".
  26. ^ "Homeless Count by City/Community". LAHSA. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  27. ^ "City of West Covina ACFR". Westcovina.org. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  28. ^ "Directory". Plaza West Covina.
  29. ^ "Jollibee Opens New North American Headquarters in Los Angeles, California" (Press release).
  30. ^ "Sportsplex Projects Overview". City of West Covina. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  31. ^ "California Districts". UC Regents. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "School Directory". Covina-Valley Unified School District. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  33. ^ "Our Schools". Rowland Unified School District. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  34. ^ "Schools". West Covina Unified School District. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  35. ^ "Westchester Companies Of Value – Westchester NY Business Resource". Westcov.org. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  36. ^ "Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital". Emanate Health. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  37. ^ "Dan Haren of Los Angeles Dodgers would rather retire than pitch outside LA – ESPN Los Angeles". ESPN.com. November 19, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
  38. ^ "Deorro". Billboard.com. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  39. ^ "Video confirms Mr. Capone-E to be Pakistani Hazara". ANI News.
  40. ^ Guillermo, Emil (January 22, 2016). "Diversity, Authenticity, and Dinuguan: How 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' Is Changing TV". NBC News. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
    Shyong, Frank (January 8, 2018). "A diverse L.A. suburb finds love and songs of celebration in 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  41. ^ Dutta, Nishitha (January 9, 2021). "Where Was Good Burger Filmed?". The Cinemaholic. Gomsy Media LLC.
  42. ^ "West Covina Sister City Relationships". westcovina.org. City of West Covina. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
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