West Covina outlines code‑enforcement approach; officials highlight commercial corridor cleanups

City staff presented an overview of the Public Safety Department’s code‑enforcement and outreach work on Oct. 7, emphasizing an education‑first approach to encourage voluntary compliance and listing several corridor projects aimed at reducing blight.

Matthew Araiza, the city’s public safety manager, told the council the department prioritizes communication and voluntary compliance before moving to citations or legal remedies. “Our department's mission is simple, to ensure that West Covina remains a safe, clean, and vibrant community by upholding city codes, educating residents and businesses, and taking proactive measures to prevent blight and unsafe conditions,” Araiza said.

Araiza reviewed the most common commercial violations: deteriorated paint and stucco, graffiti and tags, overflowing dumpsters, unsecured vacant units, faded striping and missing accessible parking markings, and site‑vegetation and trash issues. He described the department’s enforcement sequence: courtesy outreach, written notices including photographs and code citations, reinspection, administrative citation and hearing, and—if necessary—referral to the city prosecutor for abatement or receivership.

Staff cited several ongoing improvement efforts: coordination with management at West Covina Village (Workman and Azusa) to enforce dumpster and landscaping rules and add planters in former water‑feature locations; planned landscape maintenance and painting at South Hills Plaza; graffiti mitigation and screening at The Heights shopping center; and work to reactivate and market a long‑vacant corner property known as Spotless Burger (400 S. Glendora Ave.). Araiza also reported efforts to upgrade alley lighting on the Glendora Avenue corridor and to pursue partnerships with community organizations, including West Covina Beautiful, for volunteer cleanups.

Councilmembers asked operational questions and suggested additional partnerships. Mayor Pro Tem Lopez Villalto asked whether photographs accompany notices, and Araiza confirmed photos are attached to notices and the city provides contact information for follow‑up. Councilman Contos praised Araiza’s responsiveness and noted a Boy Scout troop has offered service hours to assist residents with yard work.

Araiza said the department plans enhanced outreach to businesses in 2026, a renewed focus on corridor aesthetics and additional community education campaigns. He summarized the objective as balancing transparency and accountability while minimizing punitive enforcement where voluntary compliance is possible.

This item was a presentation; there was no formal council vote.