Birthplace of the Los Angeles region, historic San Gabriel is uniquely poised to capitalize on the history, culture, and diversity of the region.

San Gabriel traces its history to 1771 when Mission San Gabriel, “Pride of the California Missions,” was founded -- the oldest settlement between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. Diversity is not new to San Gabriel which, in addition to thriving Latino and Gabrielino/Tongva communities, has developed a vibrant Asian/Pacific Islander population.  

The legendary Mission Playhouse hosts acclaimed performances while the Mission District’s restaurants, galleries and museums captivate visitors. The bustling Valley Boulevard district, San Gabriel’s “Golden Mile,” then tempts them with a rich array of shopping and dining cultures from Asia, Latin America, and Europe. 

The City’s agenda for success is being implemented daily. Strong municipal services distinguish San Gabriel; a stable, effective City Council works in partnership with staff to implement an ‘Agenda for the Decade’ including infrastructure, public safety, economic development, the arts, and quality of life. Here are three examples:

• Infrastructure First: The $450 million ‘San Gabriel Trench,’ a partnership with the Alameda Corridor East Authority, will depress rail lines, creating safer, quieter neighborhoods while enhancing infrastructure, aesthetics, open space and historic resources – part of a larger strategy committing $50 million to local needs including streets, sewers and lighting.
• Community Based Policing: San Gabriel’s acclaimed National Night Out features more than 40 simultaneous block parties hosted by an equal number of Neighborhood Watch groups, all in a community only 4.0 square miles in size. The recent launches of online crime data reporting for residents and Nixle communications technology round out the Police Department’s commitment to community policing.
• Renaissance for Parks: San Gabriel’s commitment to parks includes several initiatives: the renovation of scenic Vincent Lugo Park; preservation of the La Laguna de San Gabriel, the nation’s first preservation effort focused exclusively on a historic playground; and a $4.5 million State grant to build a new park in southern San Gabriel in partnership with the Garvey School District.
• Community and Culture: The legendary San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, one of the anchors of San Gabriel’s Mission District, is at the heart of a renaissance that brings together business, tourism, history, the arts and culture to forge a vital community.