West Covina, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids West Covina, California
City
Old Towne West Covina
Seal
Motto(s):  "Live, Work, Play."
Location of West Covina in Los Angeles County, California
West Covina, California Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area Show map of the Los Angeles metropolitan area West Covina, California Location in California Show map of California West Covina, California Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	Los Angeles
Incorporated	February 17, 1923
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
Area
• Total	16.09 sq mi (41.67 km2)
• Land	16.04 sq mi (41.55 km2)
• Water	0.05 sq mi (0.12 km2)  0.30%
Elevation	384 ft (117 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	109,501
• Rank	11th in Los Angeles County 63rd in California
• Density	6,805.5/sq mi (2,627.8/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (PST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP codes	91790–91793
Area codes	626, 909
FIPS code	06-84200
GNIS feature IDs	1652809, 2412219

West Covina is a suburban city in Los Angeles County, California, located 19 miles (31 km) east of Downtown Los Angeles in the eastern San Gabriel Valley and 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, and Walnut to the southeast.

History

West Covina was incorporated as an independent city in 1923 to prevent the city of Covina from building a sewage farm in the area. Walnut groves and orange groves continued to flourish during the subsequent decades. 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, with the population increasing 1,000 per cent from less than 5,000 to more than 50,000 citizens. The decades between 1960 and 2000 demonstrated steady growth, which slowed significantly by the time of the 2010 census.

The City of West Covina began the second half of the 20th century with new developments and projects, mostly brought on by big business. The City Hall and police facility were built in 1969 as the first phase of an example of a Joint Powers Authority in the County of Los Angeles. The Civic Center Joint Powers Authority, consisting of the County of Los Angeles and the City of West Covina, also completed a three-level parking structure in the Civic Center complex. The Civic Center complex includes the Los Angeles County Regional Library and the Citrus Municipal Court building and the city offices.

The first Redevelopment Agency project included a regional shopping center, the West Covina Fashion Plaza, with three major department stores and 150 shops in an air-conditioned, enclosed mall. It also included the revitalization of the older sections of the shopping center. The Fashion Plaza has provided the citizens of the San Gabriel Valley with convenient access to all shopping needs. In 1991 the mall was renovated adding a food court and additional shops, as well as the redecorating of the entire mall. The mall was renamed "The Plaza at West Covina". The Plaza opened a new 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m²). wing in October 1993 featuring 50 new stores including a new Robinson's-May and interior renovation throughout The Plaza.

The Redevelopment Agency's efforts have also resulted in several major office buildings in the city, such as "The Lakes", in addition to two new community shopping centers, freestanding retail developments, restaurants, residential projects, and the Auto Plaza.

Demographics

The 2010 United States Census reported that West Covina had a population of 106,098. The population density was 6,594.3 people per square mile (2,546.1/km²). The racial makeup of West Covina was 42.8% White (15.3% Non-Hispanic White), 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 per square mile (784.8/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.

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

West Covina is broken up into five districts.

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%.

Mexican and Filipino are the most common ancestries in West Covina.

Climate

The San Gabriel Valley region has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with summer temperatures averaging above 73 °F.

New and current projects

West Covina Sportsplex Project (Phase 2)

A project that is completed is the West Covina Sportsplex Project. It is made up of four components, which include the commercial development (completed), Big League Dreams Sports Park (completed), an 18-hole championship Public Golf Course (Phase 2), and a commercial office development (Phase 2). The 43-acre (170,000 m²) site commercial development has over 300,000 square feet (28,000 m²) of new high quality commercial retail space. The commercial area includes a Target, Home Depot, Verizon Wireless, Fresh & Easy, Petsmart as well as various other specialty shops and restaurants. Big League Dreams Sports Park features batting cages, a multi-use pavilion that can be used as a soccer field, ice hockey rink, and can be rented out as a hall. It also has 6 high quality ball fields that replicate sporting landmarks like Yankee Stadium, Tiger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Big League Dreams Sports Park is a city park. It is owned by the city and maintained and operated under contract by Big League Dreams. Phase 2, the 18-hole championship golf course and Corporate office buildings are both currently in the entitlement stage of development.

Westfield West Covina expansion

The expansion to Plaza West Covina is completed. It includes both cosmetic and structural renovation and expansion to the inside and outside of the mall that will include a new 45,000-square-foot (4,200 m²) Best Buy (completed), 32,363 added square feet of restaurant and retail space (under construction), and a XXI Forever Luxury Store (completed). The renovation is expected to be completed in the spring of 2011 and will bring a new assortment of shops, restaurants, and high-end stores to Westfield West Covina.

Other projects

A new 2½ star hotel is under construction, The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is a five-story, 110 bedroom hotel covering 57,028 square feet (5,298.1 m²), located at 3211 E. Garvey Avenue. Completion of the hotel was anticipated for 2010, however the site remained incomplete until the grand opening on April 12, 2011. The McIntyre Square is an existing shopping center on Citrus Avenue that consists of 60,470 square feet (5,618 m²) of retail and restaurant space on 6.37 acres (25,800 m²). It has been undergoing a facelift with additional landscaping since 2008.

Business

The 14 story Wells Fargo Building, tallest in the city.

Top employers

According to the city's 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Infrastructure

Transportation

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. The city also provides a free shuttle bus to the Baldwin Park Metrolink station.

Healthcare

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

In popular culture

West Covina and the San Gabriel Valley are the setting for and featured prominently in the US television series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Sister cities

West Covina has two sister cities:

• Ōtawara, Japan
• Wuhu, China

Economy

The 14-story 100 N. Barranca Building, tallest in the city

Top employers

According to the city's 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Shopping

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

Plaza West Covina

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.

Eastland Center

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 larger department stores like Burlington Coat Factory, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bed Bath & Beyond, and PetSmart. Eastland Center is anchored by Walmart to the west and by Target (122,000 sq ft (11,300 m²)) to the east.

The Heights at West Covina

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

Education

Primary and secondary schools

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

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

• Hollingworth Elementary
• Telesis Academy
• Giano Intermediate

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

Charter School (Standalone)

• San Jose Charter Academy

Notable people

• Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Haren, (born September 17, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Haren played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, and Chicago Cubs. He now serves as an executive with the Diamondbacks. Haren grew up in West Covina, California.
• Major League Baseball pitcher Rick Aguilera, a three-time All-Star who played in two World Series, attended Edgewood High School in West Covina.
• Drag queen Jackie Beat.
• Major League Baseball outfielder and coach Tom Brunansky attended West Covina High School.
• Actor Robert Buckley was born in West Covina.
• Jeff Cox attended South Hills High School. He has been a Major League Baseball player and coach.
• Electronic Dance Music producer and DJ Deorro currently resides in West Covina.
• Major League Baseball pitcher Joey Eischen was born in West Covina and graduated from West Covina High School and is from the Class of 1988. He lettered in football, basketball, baseball and tennis. He played in the majors from 1994 to 2006.
• Baseball pitcher Carlos Fisher was born in West Covina. He pitched for the Cincinnati Reds.
• Major League Baseball outfielder Jeremy Giambi attended South Hills High School. He played for four MLB teams and was featured in the film Moneyball.
• Major League Baseball first baseman Jason Giambi was born in West Covina and attended South Hills High School. He was voted American League MVP in 2000.
• Chinese Basketball Association basketball player Jonathan Gibson (basketball) was born in West Covina.
• Rock star Joan Jett, although born in Pennsylvania, moved with her family to West Covina when she was 15.
• Major League Baseball outfielder Jay Johnstone, although born in Connecticut, graduated Edgewood HS in 1960.
• Mystery novelist Lee Charles Kelley lived in West Covina from age 4 to 15.
• Major League Baseball infielder Mike Lamb was born in West Covina.
• Major League Baseball pitcher Cory Lidle attended South Hills High School. He was killed in a plane crash in 2006.
• Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Merritt attended Edgewood High School.
• Actress Nia Peeples was raised in West Covina; she attended and graduated from West Covina High School, class of 1980, and was also Homecoming Queen.
• Author Brigitte Secard was born and raised in West Covina.
• World record-breaking long jumper Mike Powell attended Edgewood High School.
• Major League Baseball pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes was born in West Covina. He has pitched for numerous teams.
• Actor and director Tim Robbins was born in West Covina. His films include The Shawshank Redemption, Mystic River, Bull Durham and Dead Man Walking.
• Major League Baseball outfielder Gary Roenicke attended Edgewood High School.
• Major League Baseball pitcher and manager Ron Roenicke attended Edgewood High School.
• Major League Baseball pitcher Aaron Small attended South Hills High School. He pitched for seven MLB teams.
• Brian Stewart defensive backs coach at the University of Nebraska, lived in West Covina from 1976 to 1982.
• Major League Baseball pitcher and executive Bill Stoneman attended West Covina High School.
• Chicano rapper Mr. Capone-E was born in Pakistan but he and his family moved to West Covina at an early age.
• Mexican-American singer Larry Hernández lives in West Covina.
• Gabe York (born 1993), basketball player for Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Basketball Premier League

See also

In Spanish: West Covina para niños