A Seven-Square-Mile City in the Heart of the San Gabriel Valley
Covina was incorporated in 1901, though its roots trace to 1882 when settlers arrived and began citrus cultivation. Located approximately 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, it sits within the San Gabriel Valley at the intersection of major freeway corridors including Interstate 10, State Route 60, Interstate 605, and State Route 57.
With a population of approximately 51,000 residents, Covina retains a distinct civic identity as an independent city surrounded by West Covina, Glendora, Baldwin Park, and Irwindale. From citrus groves to suburban neighborhoods, Covina's history reflects the evolution of the San Gabriel Valley itself.
Covina occupies roughly 7.2 square miles of relatively flat valley land, with the San Gabriel Mountains visible to the north. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 500-600 feet above sea level, nestled within the broader Los Angeles Basin and San Gabriel Valley system.
Bordered by West Covina to the south and west, Glendora to the northeast, Baldwin Park to the west, and Irwindale and the City of Industry to the south, Covina functions as part of a dense network of incorporated cities that together form the eastern San Gabriel Valley.
Covina's location within the San Gabriel Valley freeway network provides direct access to multiple regions of Southern California:
Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) runs along the southern edge of the city, providing the primary east-west corridor connecting downtown Los Angeles to the Inland Empire and points east. Exit access at Citrus Avenue and Barranca Street serves Covina directly.
State Route 60 (Pomona Freeway) passes just south of Covina, offering parallel east-west routing with connections to Orange County via State Route 57 and access to the Inland Empire cities of Pomona, Chino, and Riverside.
Interstate 605 (San Gabriel River Freeway) is accessible to the west, providing north-south connectivity from the San Gabriel Valley to Long Beach and the South Bay, as well as northern connections to the 210 Freeway and Pasadena.
State Route 57 (Orange Freeway) lies to the east, linking the San Gabriel Valley to Orange County and providing northern access to the 210 Freeway corridor.
Covina is served by multiple public transit systems that connect residents to the broader Los Angeles County transit network:
Metrolink Covina Station, located on Citrus Avenue, serves the San Bernardino Line with direct service to downtown Los Angeles (Union Station), Pomona, San Bernardino, and intermediate valley cities including El Monte, Baldwin Park, and West Covina. Weekday service provides commuter-oriented schedules with limited weekend service. For schedules and information, visit Metrolink.
Foothill Transit provides extensive bus service throughout the San Gabriel Valley, with multiple routes serving Covina. Key lines include the Silver Streak (Line 580) rapid bus service connecting Montclair to El Monte Station, as well as local routes connecting to Pomona, Pasadena, Azusa, and surrounding communities. Foothill Transit connects to LA Metro Rail lines at El Monte Station (Silver Line) and Azusa (Gold Line). Visit Foothill Transit for routes and schedules.
Through these connections, Covina residents can access downtown Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and other parts of LA County via public transit, though travel times often favor personal vehicles due to the region's suburban density.
From citrus groves to suburban city — a timeline of Covina's evolution
The area that would become Covina was part of Mexican land grants and later private ranches before American settlement. In 1882, Joseph Swift Phillips purchased land and began selling parcels to settlers, marketing the area for citrus cultivation. The name "Covina" is believed to derive from a romanticized combination of "cove" and "vine," reflecting the agricultural vision that early developers sought to promote.
By the 1890s, Covina was known for orange and lemon groves, with packing houses and rail connections supporting the citrus industry. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the development of irrigation systems made large-scale agriculture viable, attracting farmers and workers from across the United States and beyond.
Covina officially incorporated as a city on August 14, 1901. Early municipal infrastructure focused on water systems, roads, and civic institutions to support the growing agricultural community. The city's early economy was almost entirely based on citrus production and related industries including packing, shipping, and supply services.
City government established basic services including a volunteer fire department, rudimentary law enforcement, and public works to maintain roads and water infrastructure. The downtown area along Citrus Avenue became the commercial and civic center of the community.
Throughout the early 20th century, Covina was one of the San Gabriel Valley's major citrus producers. The city developed a downtown commercial district along Citrus Avenue, with civic buildings, banks, and retail supporting the agricultural workforce. Covina participated in regional citrus marketing cooperatives and became known for high-quality Valencia oranges.
During this era, Covina's identity was deeply tied to agriculture. The city's population grew slowly but steadily, and civic institutions including schools, churches, and social organizations formed the foundation of community life. The Great Depression brought economic hardship, but citrus production remained relatively stable compared to other agricultural sectors.
Post-World War II, the San Gabriel Valley experienced rapid suburban growth fueled by freeway construction and population shifts from central Los Angeles and other parts of the country. Citrus groves gradually gave way to residential subdivisions, shopping centers, and light industrial development.
Covina transitioned from an agricultural town to a residential suburb while maintaining its independent municipal identity. The construction of Interstate 10 in the 1950s and 1960s fundamentally altered the region's geography, making Covina more accessible while also accelerating the conversion of agricultural land to urban uses.
Downtown Covina evolved into a mixed-use district with local businesses, government services, and community gathering spaces. The city government invested in parks, libraries, and public safety infrastructure to serve the growing population. By the 1970s and 1980s, Covina's transformation from agricultural center to suburban community was largely complete.
The city has focused on maintaining its historic downtown, investing in public safety, parks, and community services. Covina retains a balance of residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and civic institutions. The city has become more ethnically and economically diverse, reflecting broader demographic shifts in the San Gabriel Valley.
Recent decades have seen efforts to preserve historic buildings, support local businesses, and maintain community identity in the face of regional development pressures. Covina continues to function as an independent municipality within the dense network of San Gabriel Valley cities, managing its own public services while participating in regional planning and coordination efforts.
Essential civic institutions, public safety, and community resources
City of Covina
covinaca.gov
Address: 125 East College Street, Covina, CA 91723
The City of Covina operates under a council-manager form of government with a five-member city council elected at-large and a directly elected mayor. The city provides building permits, business licensing, code enforcement, planning and development services, recreation programs, and public works.
City Council meetings are held regularly at City Hall. Meeting agendas, minutes, and public records are available on the city website.
Covina Police Department
covinaca.gov/departments/police
Full-service municipal police agency providing patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing services to the City of Covina.
Fire Protection
Provided by Los Angeles County Fire Department under contract. Stations serving Covina include County Fire Station 20 and Station 48.
Additional Resources:
Covina-Valley Unified School District
c-vusd.org
Serves most of Covina with elementary, middle, and high schools including Covina High School.
Charter Oak Unified School District
cousd.net
Serves portions of eastern Covina.
Azusa Unified School District
azusausd.org
Serves small portions of northern Covina.
Covina Public Library
LA County Library - Covina
Located at 234 North Second Avenue. Part of the LA County Library system.
Covina Chamber of Commerce
covinachamber.org
The Chamber represents local businesses, hosts networking events, advocates for economic development, and provides resources for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Downtown Covina is the historic commercial district centered on Citrus Avenue, featuring a mix of local retailers, restaurants, service businesses, and civic buildings. The walkable downtown area includes municipal parking and hosts community events throughout the year.
Arts, landmarks, and the civic spaces that define local life
The Covina Center for the Performing Arts is a historic theater in downtown Covina, originally built in the early 20th century. The venue hosts community theater productions, concerts, film screenings, and cultural events, serving as a gathering space for arts and entertainment. The theater represents Covina's commitment to maintaining cultural infrastructure and providing public access to the arts.
Downtown Covina features preserved early-20th-century architecture reflecting the city's citrus-era origins. Heritage Plaza serves as a community gathering space for farmers markets, festivals, and public events. The area includes historic buildings that once housed citrus packing operations, early retail establishments, and municipal offices.
The downtown historic district represents Covina's evolution from agricultural town to suburban city, with efforts to preserve architectural character while supporting modern commercial activity.
Covina hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including parades, car shows, and seasonal festivals. These events bring together residents, local businesses, and civic organizations, fostering community identity and social cohesion.
Live music, arts programming, and cultural activities occur in public spaces including parks, downtown streets, and community facilities. The city's recreation department and local organizations coordinate programming designed to serve diverse community interests.
Covina's dining, nightlife, and social spaces
Covina has a diverse range of restaurants reflecting the San Gabriel Valley's cultural and culinary diversity. Citrus Avenue and surrounding streets feature family-owned restaurants, casual dining, cafes, and quick-service options. The city's food scene includes Mexican, Asian, American, and other cuisines representing the community's demographics.
Downtown Covina and commercial corridors along major streets provide both sit-down restaurants and take-out establishments serving residents, workers, and visitors. The food landscape ranges from long-established family businesses to newer concepts reflecting evolving tastes and demographics.
Local coffee shops and bakeries serve as neighborhood gathering spots throughout Covina. Downtown has several cafes that cater to residents, workers, and visitors seeking informal meeting spaces or places to work remotely. These establishments contribute to the social fabric of the community by providing accessible public-facing spaces.
Covina has a modest but active nightlife scene with local bars and venues offering social spaces for adults. Establishments throughout the city provide live music, DJs, karaoke, and other entertainment programming.
Katie Jakes Bar & Grill is a neighborhood bar and grill located at 750 Terrado Plaza in Covina. The venue offers food, drinks, live DJ nights, and community events, serving as one of Covina's nightlife anchors for residents and visitors from across the San Gabriel Valley. The establishment hosts regular events and provides a social gathering space with food service, a full bar, and entertainment programming.
For more information: Menu | Events Calendar | Nightlife Schedule
How Covina is covered in regional and local media
Covina's local news, civic issues, and community events are primarily covered by regional and county-wide media outlets serving the San Gabriel Valley and broader Los Angeles County.
San Gabriel Valley Tribune is the primary daily newspaper covering Covina and the central/eastern San Gabriel Valley. The Tribune covers city government, public safety, education, community events, and local issues affecting Covina residents. Visit sgvtribune.com for current coverage.
Pasadena Star-News also provides coverage of portions of the San Gabriel Valley including Covina, with focus on regional issues, government, and community news. Visit pasadenastarnews.com.
Los Angeles Times provides broader regional coverage of LA County including Covina, particularly for major stories with regional or county-wide impact. Visit latimes.com.
Various hyperlocal blogs, community social media pages, and online forums cover Covina-specific events, issues, and neighborhood news. These platforms often provide real-time updates on local happenings, community concerns, and civic discussions that complement traditional news coverage.
Common questions about getting to Covina and navigating the city
Take Metrolink's San Bernardino Line to Covina Station on Citrus Avenue. From downtown Los Angeles (Union Station), the trip takes approximately 35-40 minutes on weekday commuter schedules. You can also use Foothill Transit bus lines, including the Silver Streak (Line 580) and local routes connecting to downtown Covina from El Monte, Azusa, Pomona, and other valley cities.
Visit the City of Covina website at covinaca.gov. City Council meetings are held regularly at City Hall (125 East College Street). Meeting agendas, minutes, staff reports, and public records are available online. You can also contact City Hall directly at (626) 384-5412 for assistance accessing public documents.
Yes, Covina has local bars, venues, and gathering spaces offering nightlife options. Establishments like Katie Jakes Bar & Grill host live music, DJs, and community events. Downtown Covina also has restaurants and cafes that serve as social spaces in the evenings. While Covina's nightlife is more modest compared to larger urban centers, it provides local options for residents and visitors.
Covina has several parks including Covina Park, Jalisco Park, and others managed by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The city offers youth sports leagues, community programs, and public facilities for residents. Information about parks, facilities, and programs is available at covinaca.gov/departments/parks-recreation.
Covina is approximately 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. By car via Interstate 10, travel time is typically 25-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. By Metrolink from Union Station, the trip takes approximately 35-40 minutes on weekday commuter schedules.