History of Pico Rivera, California in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2025

Pico Rivera is a city in Los Angeles County, California, situated about 11 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Located on the eastern edge of the Los Angeles basin and the southern edge of the San Gabriel Valley, it borders Montebello, Downey, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier. The city's population was 62,088 as of the 2020 census. Notably, Northrop Grumman's Advanced Systems Division, responsible for developing the B-2 Spirit bomber, was located in Pico Rivera.

1902: Pacific Electric's Whittier Line

In 1902, the Pacific Electric's Whittier Line was established through Rivera.

1950: Included in Whittier Township

Prior to 1960, in 1950, the area was included in the unincorporated portion of the now defunct Whittier Township.

1952: El Rancho High School Built

In 1952, El Rancho High School was built as part of the Whittier Union High School District.

January 1958: City Incorporation

In January 1958, the electorate voted for incorporation, approved a Council-Manager form of government, and established the name "Pico Rivera" for the new city, becoming the 61st city in Los Angeles County.

1958: Ford Plant Opened

In 1958, the Ford Motor Company opened the Los Angeles Assembly plant in Pico Rivera.

1960: First Census Appearance

In 1960, Pico Rivera first appeared as a city in the U.S. Census as part of the Whittier census county division.

1962: School District Unification

In 1962, El Rancho High School unified with the elementary schools.

1965: Municipal Golf Course Built

In 1965, the Pico Rivera Municipal Golf Course was built for the enjoyment of residents and golfers in the surrounding communities.

1966: CIF Championship

In 1966, the El Rancho Dons won a CIF Championship in football.

1980: Ford Plant Closed

In 1980, the Ford Motor Company's Los Angeles Assembly plant closed.

1982: Northrop Grumman Purchased Plant

In 1982, Northrop Grumman purchased the former Ford plant for its Advanced Systems Division.

1988: B-2 Spirit Bomber Unveiling

In 1988, it was revealed that much of the development for the B-2 Spirit bomber had occurred at the Northrop Grumman site in Pico Rivera.

2000: Census Data

As of the census of 2000, there were 63,428 people, 16,468 households, and 13,866 families residing in the city.

2001: Plant Demolished

In 2001, the former Northrop Grumman plant in Pico Rivera was closed and then demolished, becoming a retail center.

2009: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

According to the city's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were listed.

2009: Tax Increase

In mid-2009, the city's taxes were raised from 10.25 percent to 10.75 percent.

March 16, 2010: Earthquake Epicenter

On March 16, 2010, Pico Rivera was the epicenter of a magnitude 4.4 earthquake.

August 24, 2010: Senior Center Renovation

Since August 24, 2010, the newly renovated senior center, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the city's general fund, has housed four new pool tables.

2010: Population Census

In 2010, the United States census reported the population of Pico Rivera as 62,942.

2019: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

According to the city's 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were listed.

2020: Population Census

In 2020, the United States census recorded the city's population as 62,088.

2023: City Council Composition

As of 2023, the city council is composed of Mayor Erik Lutz, Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Lara, Councilmembers Gustavo V. Camacho, Dr. Monica Sanchez, and John Garcia.