Temple City, California

The town of Temple originated on May 30, 1923, when Walter P. Temple (June 7, 1870 – November 13, 1938{{cite web|url=http://www.villageprofile.com/california/templecity/01/topic.html |title=Temple City, History, California, Walter P. Temple, Los Angeles, Historic Society of Temple City |publisher=Villageprofile.com |access-date=August 12, 2010}}) purchased {{convert|400|acre|ha|}} of land {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} east of San Gabriel which had been part of Lucky Baldwin's Rancho Santa Anita. The original townsite (Tract 6561, recorded with the LA County Tax Assessor in June 1923) corresponds to the present-day area bounded by Garibaldi Avenue on the north, Baldwin Avenue on the east, Live Oak Avenue on the south, and Encinita Avenue on the west.[http://www.templecity.us/DocumentCenter/View/839]{{Dead link|date=October 2018}}

Temple, the son and tenth child{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.temple-city.ca.us/rsvp.asp |title=City of Temple City |publisher=Ci.temple-city.ca.us |access-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805021614/http://www.ci.temple-city.ca.us/rsvp.asp |archive-date=August 5, 2010 |url-status=dead }} of Pliny Fisk Temple and William Workman's daughter Antonia Margarita Workman, was born on Rancho La Merced, which is today part of the city of Montebello.{{cite web |url=http://www.californiamissions.com/morehistory/sangabriel.html |title=More California Mission History: San Gabriel |publisher=Californiamissions.com |access-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227035131/http://www.californiamissions.com/morehistory/sangabriel.html |archive-date=February 27, 2010 |url-status=dead }} This was the site of the original San Gabriel Mission, founded by the Franciscan Fathers next to the rich bottom lands of the San Gabriel River. Historically called "Rio de los Temblores", which means the River of the Earthquakes,{{cite web |author=Jerry Jambazian |url=http://www.templecitychamber.org/history.html |title=History of Temple City |publisher=Templecitychamber.org |access-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802055320/http://www.templecitychamber.org/history.html |archive-date=August 2, 2010 |url-status=dead }} it is today known as the Rio Hondo.{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofmontebello.com/about/history_/default.asp|title=Home – City of Montebello|website=www.CityOfMontebello.com|access-date=July 6, 2017}}

Temple envisioned building a community where average people could afford to live and own their homes. He then divided the area into lots and laid out the park facing Las Tunas Drive. He named other streets after friends and family: Workman, Kauffman, Rowland, Temple and Agnes. Bond issues initiated by Temple were responsible for street paving and electricity. Temple also petitioned the Pacific Electric Railway Company to extend its Los Angeles to Alhambra line to a depot adjacent to Temple City Park. The extension of the railway contributed to the steady growth of Temple City, and is commemorated by statues of railcar passengers along Rosemead Boulevard.

In 1925, the Women's Club of Temple City was founded.

The town was originally named "City of Temple" after its founder, Walter Temple, but the United States Postmaster General Harry Stewart New demanded a name change in 1926 because the mail was accidentally being directed to the Phoenix suburb of Tempe. It was officially designated "Temple City" but remained a city in name only until after the post–World War II population explosion followed by incorporation on May 25, 1960, which resulted in the redundant name: "City of Temple City". (This redundancy is shared with other cities in California, such as the City of California City.) Merrill Fitzjohn, the founder and original owner of Fitzjohn Jewelers on Las Tunas Drive, was appointed as the city's first mayor.{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/944931/docs/04437_tcty_connect_fall2016_linoac_ |title=I Sold Everything|publisher=www.templecity.us |access-date=June 30, 2017}}

In January 2009, the Los Angeles County District Attorney began investigating allegations that Temple City's mayor, Judy Wong, along with city council members David Capra, and former mayor Cathe Wilson{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/temple-citys-mayor-and-two-others-indicted-on-bribery-charges-.html |title=Temple City mayor, two others indicted on bribery, perjury charges |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 10, 2009 |access-date=August 12, 2010}} solicited bribes in exchange for support of the proposed $75 million Temple City Piazza mall project and both women were charged with lying on fair political practice commission disclosure forms.{{cite web|url=https://abc7.com/archive/6859958/ |title=Temple City shaken by bribery scandal |publisher=Abclocal.go.com |date=June 11, 2009 |access-date=August 17, 2012}} Randy Wang, developer of the Piazza project, made allegations that Wong, Wilson and Councilman David Capra demanded and received cash bribes for their support of the development. Wang raised the allegations as part of his counter-suit against the city, which sued him in April 2008, claiming he failed to meet contractual deadlines of construction on the {{convert|4|acre|m2|adj=on}} Piazza project. Temple City's lawsuit asks that the property, at Las Tunas Drive and Rosemead Boulevard, be returned to the city because of the delays after two groundbreaking ceremonies.{{cite web|url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_11408952 |title=Prosecutors seize tapes in Temple City bribery probe |work=Pasadena Star-News |date=March 9, 2010 |access-date=August 12, 2010}}

Wong, 55, the city's first Asian council member, was elected in 2003, was re-elected in 2007, and served as the city's first Asian mayor in 2007.{{cite web |url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/templecity/ci_14507725 |title=Indicted Temple City Councilwoman resigns from office |work=Pasadena Star-News |date=March 3, 2010 |author=Alfred Lee |access-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203181521/http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/templecity/ci_14507725 |archive-date=February 3, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Capra pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of failure to report a campaign contribution and agreed to resign as a condition for no prison time.{{cite web|url=http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_17994090 |title=Our View: Cathe Wilson: Pride before the pol's fall |work=Whittier Daily News |date= May 4, 2011|access-date=August 17, 2012}} Nine months after being indicted on charges of bribery and perjury, Wong resigned from office in March 2010; Wilson was voted out of office in spring 2009. In May 2010, Wong accepted a plea agreement of no contest for 10 counts of bribery and perjury. Wong served a 16-month sentence at Chowchilla after pleading no contest to 10 felony counts of bribery, solicitation of bribery and perjury, and she is required to pay $16,700 in restitution to developer Randy Wang. She will have to pay about $16,300 in fines and fees. The judge denied a request from Wong's attorney seeking probation for the one-time politician.{{cite web |url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_16041990 |title=Ex-Temple City Mayor Wong gets 16 months |work=Pasadena Star-News |access-date=August 17, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Cathe Wilson was charged with three counts each of perjury and bribery. The perjury charges included one count of lying to the Los Angeles County Grand Jury in 2008 and two counts of submitting false material in Fair Political Practices reports. Although she maintains her innocence, she chose not to plea, and her case was continued.{{cite web |url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15165705 |title=Former Temple City Councilwoman Judy Wong pleads no contest in corruption case, faces 16 months in state prison |work=Pasadena Star-News |date=March 9, 2010 |access-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608205308/http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15165705 |archive-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead }} On March 30, 2011, Wilson pleaded innocent to all charges. "Oh, yes, I've got to prove my innocence," Wilson, 78, said at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center when asked if she was going forward with the trial. "I wouldn't put my life savings … if I didn't believe in my innocence. It's all a crock."{{cite web|url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_17692490 |title=Former Temple City mayor Cathe Wilson maintains her innocence before court appearance |work=Pasadena Star-News |date=March 24, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2012}} In May 2011 she was convicted on six felony counts. She was sentenced on June 23, 2011, to four years in state prison and to pay more than $10,000 in restitution to the developer.{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/20110602/sentencing-delayed-for-convicted-ex-temple-city-mayor-cathe-wilson |title=Sentencing delayed for convicted ex-Temple City mayor Cathe Wilson |work=Pasadena Star-News |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2012}} She was released under an Alternative Custody Program in 2013.{{Cite web|date=May 9, 2013|title=Cathe Wilson, Imprisoned former Mayor of Temple City, released early under Special Program|url=http://www.templecitytribune.com/featured/cathe-wilson-imprisoned-former-mayor-of-temple-city-released-early-under-special-program/|access-date=November 16, 2020|website=Temple City Tribune|language=en-US}}

Former candidate Scott Carwile, Wilson's protege, pleaded guilty to felony perjury and was granted probation in exchange for testifying against Wilson.

As of August 2014, all persons sentenced to imprisonment in the Temple City Affair have been released.{{cite web|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20110517/ex-temple-city-mayor-judy-wong-released-from-prison-after-serving-sentence-in-corruption-case|title=Ex-Temple City mayor Judy Wong released from prison after serving sentence in corruption case|date=May 17, 2011|website=SGVTribune.com|access-date=July 6, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/government-and-politics/20140227/former-temple-city-mayor-cathe-wilsons-retirement-benefits-unaffected-by-felony-conviction|title=Former Temple City Mayor Cathe Wilson's retirement benefits unaffected by felony conviction|date=February 27, 2014|website=PasadenaStarNews.com|access-date=July 6, 2017}}

In the aftermath of the passage of SB9, a California State housing law that permitted owners of single-family housing to subdivide their houses into duplexes, local officials in Temple City enacted new regulations that sought to disincentivize homeowners from creating duplexes.{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Conor |last2=Karlamangla |first2=Soumya |date=2022-09-01 |title=California Fights Its NIMBYs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/01/business/economy/california-nimbys-housing.html |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Mai-Duc |first=Christine |date=2024 |title=Why a California Plan to Build More Homes Is Failing |url=https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/california-housing-zoning-law-sb9-impact-7ebdc434 |work=WSJ |language=en-US}} For example, the city required a 1,000-square-foot courtyard separating housing units, as well as other regulations. According to data reported to the state, there have been no applications for SB9 in Temple City.

California state housing officials have warned Temple City they are potentially in violation of state housing law. According to Temple City city manager Bryan Cook, the city is working in "good faith" with California state housing officials.

{{US Census population

|1960= 31838

|1970= 31034

|1980= 28972

|1990= 31100

|2000= 33377

|2010= 35558

|2020= 36494

|estyear=

|estimate=

|estref=

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=United States Census Bureau|access-date=}}
1860–1870{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1880-1890{{Cite web|title= 1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1890/bulletins/demographics/134-population-of-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}
1900{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1910{{Cite web|title= 1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1920{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-ca-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}
1930{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1940{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1950{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}
1960{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - General population Characteristics - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-c.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1970{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 1980{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}
1990{{Cite web|title= 1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}

2000{{Cite web|title= 2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}} 2010{{Cite web|title= 2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}
2020

}}

Temple City first appeared as a city in the 1960 U.S. Census as part of the Southwest San Gabriel Valley census county division.

According to the 2020 United States census,{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/templecitycitycalifornia/HSG651220|title=QuickFacts Temple City city, California|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=October 11, 2022}} Temple City had a population of 36,494.

The 2010 United States census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0678148|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715033504/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0678148|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Temple City city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}} reported that Temple City had a population of 35,558. The population density was {{convert|8,877.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Temple City was 11,941 (33.6%) White (22.8% Non-Hispanic White),{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0678148.html|title=Temple City (city), California quick facts from the US census bureau|access-date=August 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528073152/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0678148.html|archive-date=May 28, 2010|url-status=dead}} 283 (0.8%) African American, 150 (0.4%) Native American, 19,803 (55.7%) Asian, 31 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 2,316 (6.5%) from other races, and 1,034 (2.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6,853 persons (19.3%).

The census reported that 35,136 people (98.8% of the population) lived in households, 29 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 393 (1.1%) were institutionalized.

There were 11,606 households, out of which 4,402 (37.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 6,605 (56.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 1,714 (14.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 686 (5.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 404 (3.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 65 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,973 households (17.0%) were made up of individuals, and 844 (7.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03. There were 9,005 families (77.6% of all households); the average family size was 3.39.

The population was spread out, with 7,549 people (21.2%) under the age of 18, 2,887 people (8.1%) aged 18 to 24, 8,983 people (25.3%) aged 25 to 44, 10,778 people (30.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 5,361 people (15.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

There were 12,117 housing units at an average density of {{convert|3,025.1|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}, of which 7,453 (64.2%) were owner-occupied, and 4,153 (35.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.2%. 23,213 people (65.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 11,923 people (33.5%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States census, Temple City had a median household income of $97,082, with 5.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|4.0|sqmi|km2}}.

The City Council of Temple City has five members. They are each elected by citizens for four-year term and at-large instead of geographical district. The City Council elections are held during the California Primary election starting with the 2020 election. As a legislative body, it is the duty of the council to make the laws and establish policy. In March, the city council appoints one of its members to act as Mayor and one as Mayor Pro Tempore for a 1-year term. The Mayor presides over the council meetings and represents the city at civic functions. The Mayor Pro Tempore serves in the mayor's absence.{{cite web |url=https://www.usmayors.org/elections/election-results/ |title=2020 Elections Results by State |website=usmayors.org |date=2020 |access-date=July 31, 2020}}(Note: Temple City appoints mayor in March){{cite web |url=https://www.templecityphotos.com/facts.html |title=Facts and Figures - CITY HALL / MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT |website=templecityphotos.com |access-date=July 31, 2020}}

The current city council members are:{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.temple-city.ca.us/116/City-Council |title=City Council |website=ci.temple-city.ca.us |access-date=July 31, 2020}}

• Mayor: Tom Chavez {{cite web |url=http://ca-templecity.civicplus.com/378/Mayor-Tom-Chavez |title=Mayor Tom Chavez |website=ci.temple-city.ca.us |access-date=July 31, 2020}}
• Mayor Pro Tem: Vincent Yu {{cite web |url=http://www.ci.temple-city.ca.us/943/Mayor-Pro-Tem-Vincent-Yu |title=Mayor Pro Tem Vincent Yu |website=ci.temple-city.ca.us |access-date=July 31, 2020}}
• Council members: Cynthia Sternquist, William Man, and Fernando Vizcarra.

This is a list of Temple City mayors by year.

• 1960 Merrill Fitzjohn
• 2007 Judy Wong.{{cite web |url=http://www.templecitytribune.com/featured/former-temple-city-mayor-judy-wong-released-from-prison/ |title=Former Temple City Mayor Judy Wong Released from Prison

|website=templecitytribune.com |date=May 18, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}

• 2009 {{cite web |url=https://www.sbsun.com/2009/03/18/temple-city-seats-new-mayor-council-members/ |title=Temple City seats new mayor, council members |website=sbsun.com |date=March 18, 2009 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/recognizing-asian-american-pacific-heritage-month |title=Recognizing Asian American Pacific Heritage Month |website=schiff.house.gov |date=May 12, 2009 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}
• 2011 Tom Chavez
• 2013 Cynthia Sternquist {{cite web |url=https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/kicking-off-the-100th-year-of-red-cross-service-in-pasadena/ |title=Red Cross Kicks Off 100 Years of Service in Pasadena Friday |website=pasadenanow.com |date=November 8, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2020}}
• 2014 Carl Blum {{cite web |url=http://www.templecitytribune.com/news/carl-blum-selected-as-temple-city-mayor/ |title=Carl Blum selected as Temple City Mayor |website=templecitytribune.com |first=Terry |last=Miller |date=March 21, 2014 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}
• 2015 Tom Chavez {{cite web |url=https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2015/03/22/temple-city-swears-in-newly-elected-officials-names-tom-chavez-mayor/ |title=Temple City swears in newly elected officials, names Tom Chavez mayor |website=Pasadena Star-News|date=March 22, 2015 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://www.templecitytribune.com/news/councilmember-tom-chavez-appointed-mayor-of-temple-city/ |title=Councilmember Tom Chavez Appointed Mayor of Temple City |website=templecitytribune.com |date=March 26, 2015 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.pcccourier.com/features/tom-chavez-professor-at-pcc-and-mayor-of-temple-city.html |title=Tom Chavez: mayor, lawyer, father, professor |website=pcccourier.com |date=September 17, 2015 |access-date=July 31, 2020}}
• 2017-2018 Cynthia Sternquist {{cite web |url=https://openpayrolls.com/cynthia-sternquist-53064626 |title=Cynthia Sternquist (2017) |website=openpayrolls.com |date=2017 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}
• 2018-2019 William Man {{cite web |url=https://local.nixle.com/alert/6869914/ |title=Advisory: Temple City Named Among California's 50 Saftest Cities |website=nixle.com |date=October 16, 2018 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}
• 2019-2020 Nanette Fish {{cite web |url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2019/12/11/temple-city-wont-have-an-election-in-march-after-all/ |title=Temple City won't have an election in March after all |last1=Yee|first1=Christopher|website=San Gabriel Valley Tribune|date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://cawp.rutgers.edu/levels_of_office/women-mayors-us-cities-2019 |title=Women Mayors in U.S. Cities 2019 |website=rutgers.edu |date=2019 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}

In the California State Legislature, Temple City is in {{Representative|casd|22|fmt=sdistrict}}, and in {{Representative|caad|49|fmt=adistrict}}.{{cite web

| url = http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html

| title = Statewide Database

| publisher = UC Regents

| access-date = December 30, 2014

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150201113744/http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html

| archive-date = February 1, 2015

| url-status = dead

}}

In the United States House of Representatives, Temple City is in {{Representative|cacd|28|fmt=district}}.{{Cite web |title=California’s 28th Congressional District - CA-28 Representatives & District Map |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/CA/28 |access-date=January 24, 2023 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}}

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Monrovia Health Center in Monrovia, serving Temple City."[http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phn/docs/HealthCenter/monrovia.pdf Monrovia Health Center]." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 27, 2010.

Fire protection in Temple City is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.{{cite web|url=http://local.yahoo.com/info-20773249-los-angeles-county-fire-department-temple-city |title=Los Angeles County Fire Department, Temple City, CA : Reviews and maps – Yahoo! Local |publisher=Local.yahoo.com |access-date=August 12, 2010}} The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates the Temple Station in Temple City."[http://www.lasd.org/stations/for1/temple/index.html Temple Station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130081607/http://www.lasd.org/stations/for1/temple/index.html |date=2010-01-30 }}." Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Retrieved on January 21, 2010.

Of notable interest is that even though the chain no longer has a store within city limits, Winchell's Donuts originated in Temple City, opening on October 8, 1948.{{cite web|author=Bryan Eggers |url=http://www.junkfoodnews.net/winchells.htm |title=WINCHELL'S DONUTS – Burgers, Pizza, Hot Dogs, Tacos, Fries, Candy, Fast Food |publisher=Junk Food News |access-date=August 12, 2010}} In addition, in the 1970s, Temple City was home to Pete & Jake's Hot Rod Repair,Street Rodder, 2/78, p.11. noted for custom cars, such as The California Kid.

A Beijing-based restaurant group established its first North American branch Bistro Na's at a strip mall in late 2016.{{Cite news |last=Chan |first=David |date=June 1, 2017 |url=https://www.laweekly.com/fine-chinese-dining-has-arrived-in-los-angeles/ |title=Fine Chinese Dining Has Arrived in Los Angeles |work=LA Weekly |access-date=December 28, 2021 }}{{cite web |first=David R. |last=Chan |date=September 12, 2019 |url=https://radiichina.com/chinese-takeout-a-dining-upheaval-in-las-san-gabriel-valley/ |title=Chinese Takeout: A Dining Upheaval in LA's San Gabriel Valley |access-date=December 28, 2021 |website=Radii China |publisher=Radii Media }} The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in June 2019.{{Cite news |last=Chang |first=Andrea |date=June 4, 2019 |title=24 L.A. restaurants receive Michelin stars |page=B-2 |work=Los Angeles Times |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|2234336924}} }}

A mural was mounted on the west exterior wall of the remodeled Temple City Library in the summer of 2011. The mural, which was painted by more than 20 Temple City students under the tutelage of West Los Angeles-based muralist Art Mortimer, is the first project of the city's public art advisory group formed in February. The creation of the 8-foot high, 28-foot wide mural was a partnership between the city, the advisory group, Los Angeles County and the Temple City Unified School District and designed by Temple City High school students. It shows famous authors, and is an "interesting and unique way of showing what's inside the library," Mortimer said. Further stating that "The way they depict famous writers throughout history, the things they put in the background, such as books with wings, and their ways of showing the importance of the library in the community was very charming the way they did it."{{cite web |url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_18571300 |title=Mural unveiled on Temple City Library wall |publisher=SGVTribune.com |date=January 22, 2010 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417143437/http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_18571300 |archive-date=April 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

History: In 1944 a contest held by the Woman's Club of Temple City brought forth a slogan "Temple City, Home of Camellias", from which stemmed the annual Camellia Festival. It was in recognition of the significance of family life that the Camellia Festival was founded. The festival, which has attracted national recognition in ensuing years, is sponsored by the City of Temple City. Its purpose is to encourage every youngster in the community to belong to one of recognized youth organizations and to participate in the affairs of their community. Only members of recognized organizations are eligible to enter the Camellia Festival Parade. The Royalty Coronation of two first graders is held the first Friday of February.

The annual Temple City Camellia Festival takes place the last weekend in February. A parade begins the celebration on Saturday morning. The parade commences at the corner of Las Tunas Drive and Rosemead Blvd. Commercial floats are not allowed in the parade, all work is done by the youth and carry the theme of the year. A carnival is part of the three-day festivities, where the public may enjoy the hometown atmosphere in Temple City Park, while they participate in games booths and food booths, run by local service and youth organizations. Varied Cultural entertainment events are open to the community and welcomed guests.http://74.6.146.127/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=temple+city+camellia+festival&fr=moz35&u=www.ci.temple-city.ca.us/Camellia%2520Festival/2009%2520Camellia/2009%2520Camellia%2520History.pdf&w=temple+city+camellia+festival&d=d4-3RO8_U5Cq&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=lazKXxuPLzbdNentgxQwEw--{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}

What began in 1944 started by the Women's Club of Temple City as a small parade of youngsters who tossed camellia blossoms to parade watchers, has now become a signature event in Temple City attracting an estimated 5000 children and more than 20,000 visitors to Temple City each year. The Camellia Festival is held on the last weekend in February which is only a part of the three-day festival. A carnival in Temple City Park as well as an Art show.{{cite web|last=Miller |first=Terry |url=http://templecitytribune.com/community/67th-camellia-festival-kick-off-breakfast-announces-grand-marshal-and-other-dignitaries/ |title=67th Camellia Festival Kick-Off Breakfast Announces Grand Marshal and other dignitaries |publisher=Temple City Tribune |date=November 6, 2010 |access-date=August 17, 2012}}

The annual Saint Luke's Parish Fiestal takes place at the St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in April. Located at Broadway and Cloverly Avenue, for three days, game booths, rides and food stalls are open to the community. Today, approximately 900 volunteers, young and old, work in the food and game booths throughout the weekend. Many of the volunteers worked when the first bazaars began more than 50 years ago. Every year, approximately 10,000 people enjoy the good food, rides, and entertainment throughout the weekend.{{cite web |url=http://www.stluketemplecity.org/id152.html |title=St. Luke Catholic Church |access-date=June 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429043500/http://www.stluketemplecity.org/id152.html |archive-date=April 29, 2010 }}

The Temple City's Farmer's Market is open every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the parking lot between City Hall and Temple City Park.

Most of Temple City is served by the Temple City Unified School District (TCUSD), although a significant portion of the resident students attend schools in Arcadia Unified School District and some attend school within the El Monte City School District. The Temple City Unified School District consists of seven schools, including La Rosa, Cloverly, Emperor, and Longden Elementary Schools; Oak Avenue Intermediate School; Temple City High School; and the Doug Sears Learning Center.

Cleminson Elementary School is physically located within the city limits of Temple City but is actually part of the El Monte City School District. Additionally, Emperor Elementary School, while part of the Temple City Unified School District, is physically located within an unincorporated region of Los Angeles County and carries a San Gabriel postal address.

The Temple City Board of Education proclaims their district as "A District of Distinguished Schools" because every school in the Temple City district has been designated a "distinguished school" by the state of California, at some time. This honor indicates that Temple City Schools are in a higher percentile in categories such as academics, deportment and other scholastic activities.{{cite web|url=http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/ |title=California School Recognition Program (CA Dept of Education) |publisher=Cde.ca.gov |date=July 16, 2010 |access-date=August 12, 2010}}

Saint Luke's Parish School, grades K–8, is located on the grounds of Saint Luke the Evangelist Church, at Broadway and Cloverly. It was founded in 1947. Temporary structures, which were formerly army barracks donated from a parish in North Hollywood housed the new school. A permanent school was opened in 1956 and by 1958 sixteen classrooms were completed.{{cite web |url=http://www.stluketemplecity.org/id121.html |title=St. Luke Catholic Church |publisher=Stluketemplecity.org |access-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703054322/http://www.stluketemplecity.org/id121.html |archive-date=July 3, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

• Clyde Beck, (1900–1988) - was an infielder in Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds from 1926 to 1931.
• Richard Drew, (b 1946) is an Associated Press photo-journalist. who photographed The Falling Man.
• Frank Finch (1911–1992) - sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times.{{cite news |title=Former Times Sportswriter Frank Finch Dies at 81 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-08-sp-4546-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 8, 1992}}
• Hal Finney and Dorian Nakamoto, suspected identities of Satoshi Nakamoto.
• David Klein, (b 1946) is an inventor of the Jelly Belly brand. In 1976, he was living in Temple City when he came up with the idea for the new candy company.{{cite web |title=Jelly Belly creator sour over lost legacy but sees sweet future |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2011-jun-22-la-me-adv-candyman-20110622-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |last=Knoll |first=Corina |date=June 22, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}(Required paid subscription)
• Steven Lindsey, (b 1960) - NASA astronaut who has flown five separate flights, including the last flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery from 1997 to 2009
• Xpecial, (b 1992) - is a well-known professional gamer in the North American League of Legends.

Temple City currently has Sister City relations with the following places:

• {{flagicon|AUS}} City of Hawkesbury, Australia (Since 1984)
• Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, Mexico

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{{Geographic location

| title=Destinations from Temple City

| Centre =Temple City

| North =Unincorporated Los Angeles County
Arcadia

| Northeast =Arcadia

| East =Unincorporated Los Angeles County

| Southeast = El Monte

| South = Rosemead
El Monte

| Southwest =Rosemead

| West = San Gabriel

| Northwest = El Monte

| image =

}}

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Category:Cities in Los Angeles County, California

Category:Communities in the San Gabriel Valley

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