Pico Rivera’s new mayor said he will support businesses and environmental justice

Pico Rivera Mayor John R. Garcia said one of his main priorities is to promote economic development and attract new businesses.

As Latino-owned businesses are becoming the fastest-growing segment of small businesses in the United States, the new mayor aims to attract new businesses that bring jobs and opportunities to Pico Rivera, where 90% of its population is Latino, while also supporting the growth of our existing local businesses. 

According to the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, there are more than 815,000 Latino-owned businesses, all of which create more than 500,000 jobs. 

This upcoming Sunday, January 11, will mark one month since Garcia was appointed as the new mayor of Pico Rivera

Last month, the city announced that, through a unanimous decision by the Pico Rivera City Council, Garcia was selected to lead the city, taking over former mayor Andrew Lara.  

Situated on the eastern edge of the Los Angeles basin and the southern edge of the area known as the San Gabriel Valley, Pico Rivera is approximately 13 miles southeast of Downtown L.A. Formed by merging two historic communities, Pico and Rivera, the city was officially incorporated in January 1958 as the 61st city in L.A. County.

Today, the city is governed by a council-manager form of government, meaning that the voters of Pico Rivera elect a five-member city council, which in turn appoints a city manager, also known as the mayor, to carry out its policies and serve as the administrative head of the city organization.

CALÒ News talked to Garcia about his upcoming term as mayor, city plans and the importance of serving a Latino-majority city. 

Before being appointed mayor, Garcia was a council member for Pico Rivera since 2022 and has served on numerous city boards and commissions, including the City of Pico Rivera’s Parks and Recreation and Planning Commission over the last two decades.

“I'm very grateful and thankful that my colleagues on the council have entrusted me to serve as the mayor. I believe firmly that we have a great city council and we have some of the most dedicated staff in the city who continue to promote the goodwill of the residents of Pico Rivera,” he told CALÒ News. “As 2025 is now here, I know we can make Pico Rivera an even better place to live, work and thrive.”  

“Mom-and-pop [businesses] are the backbone of our community and we need to continue to invest in and support them in any way we can. As I see the city growing and moving in a futuristic direction, we got to continue to keep those mom-and-pop stores alive because there's not too many left,”  Garcia said. “I'm committed to creating a positive environment for Latino entrepreneurship, including those who are only [Spanish speakers].” 

One of the other top priorities on Mayor Garcia’s agenda is environmental justice. He will be stepping into the role of mayor during a time when the city stands strong in its ongoing commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and innovation through programs like the affordable solar energy and battery storage systems available to local businesses and residents through Pico Rivera's Innovative Municipal Energy's Power Choice Program. 

The Power Choice program signifies a strong relationship with Tesla, Inc. to install rooftop solar panels and Tesla Powerwall home batteries at no upfront cost. This allows homeowners to harness the renewable energy generated on-site and reduce transmission and delivery charges.

The program also provides environmental security by including and facilitating emergency backup power in the event of a public safety power shutoff or a disaster and will allow residents and business owners to use 100% of the solar energy their system produces at their homes. 

“Coming from a place that is very environmentally impacted, I think having solar equipment and reducing those energy bills is vital,” Garcia said. “We are executing to expand to more programs like these.” 

In December, the City of Pico Rivera was recognized for their ongoing commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and innovation through the Platinum Energy Action Award from the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, standing out among 27 competing cities in the region.

Assuming the role of Mayor Pro Tem is Gustavo Camacho, Garcia’s right hand as Mayor. As a 15-year veteran of the city council and a lifelong resident of Pico Rivera, Camacho has previously volunteered as a youth coach, assisting veterans, and serving on numerous boards and commissions. “This role represents an incredible opportunity to serve our vibrant community with dedication, integrity, and a shared vision for a brighter future,” Camacho said. “Together, we will continue to build upon our city's strengths, address our challenges, and create a place where all residents can thrive."

Garcia said working with Camacho, who has been in the city council for longer than he has, is an honor. “ He knows a lot about the city council’s past and present. I rely on his vast knowledge and experience daily,” Garcia said.  

Garcia, who is of Mexican descent and who started his terms as mayor in the wake of Donald Trump's reelection and against Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, said the City of Pico Rivera will also be standing as an educational and protective force for the immigrant and undocumented community. “We sympathize with the undocumented community and we want to continue to educate and bring in the resources to try to reduce some of the fear,” he said. “Nobody should be living in fear.“ 

According to Garcia, the city council is currently discussing bringing in a mobile immigration unit to assist the undocumented community of Pico Rivera with legal consultations or any immigration-related questions or concerns, something he expects to be ready by next month.