Honestly, if you live in Bell Gardens or even just drive through on Florence Avenue, you know this place doesn't always get the headlines it deserves. People usually just talk about the Bicycle Hotel & Casino and call it a day. But if you’re looking for the real Bell Gardens CA news, there is a lot more shifting under the surface right now than just the poker tables.
From massive shifts in how the city handles housing to some pretty intense drama over local water rights and public safety, 2026 is already feeling like a bit of a whirlwind.
The Housing Shake-up and New Building Codes
The city just moved into a new era on January 1st. Basically, the 2025 California Building Code (Ordinance No. 962) is now the law of the land here. You might think, "Who cares about building codes?" Well, if you’re planning on adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or renovating a garage, it matters a ton. The city has been tightening up how these "casitas" are built because, let's be real, the housing density here is already off the charts.
There's also been a huge push with the Sixth Cycle Housing Element. This is the city’s master plan through 2029. They are trying to figure out how to squeeze more affordable units into a city that is basically built out to its borders. One of the big ones people are watching is the development over on Eastern Avenue. There have been multiple development agreements—like the ones at 7821 and 6300 Eastern—that are finally starting to show movement.
The Drama at Central Basin
You might’ve heard some rumblings about "dirty water" or "red flags" lately. It sounds like a movie title, but it's actually about Juan Garza and the Central Basin Municipal Water District. There’s been a lot of heat from local investigative reports—shoutout to Los Cerritos Community News—about whether there’s a conflict of interest with his role in the California Cities for Self-Reliance JPA.
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Since Bell Gardens is part of this water ecosystem, whatever happens with these legal battles over "incompatible offices" eventually hits our kitchen sinks. The city is even looking into the possibility of selling or changing the management of the Bell Gardens Municipal Water System entirely. They put out an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the purchase of the system back in December 2025, and the deadline is coming up fast in February 2026.
Safety, Flock Cameras, and the Streets
Is Bell Gardens safe? It’s a question every neighbor asks on Nextdoor. Kinda.
The Bell Gardens Police Department has gone all-in on Flock Safety technology. If you see those black cameras on poles at major intersections, that’s them. They scan license plates in real-time. The department says it helps them catch "hotlist" vehicles—basically stolen cars or people with warrants—before they can disappear into the 710 traffic.
Speaking of traffic, if you’re tired of the potholes on Garfield and Eastern, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. The city just finished up a massive $1.3 million rehabilitation project on several arterial and residential streets. They’ve also been wrapping utility boxes to make them look less like... well, utility boxes.
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What’s Happening at Ford Park?
John Anson Ford Park is basically the heart of the city, and it’s getting some serious love. There’s a big project in the works for playground and restroom improvements (CIP No. 3926). They are also looking for new maintenance for the Regional Aquatics Center.
If you’re a senior, there’s a lot of specialized Bell Gardens CA news for you. The city has been hosting these "100 Seniors Said" game days—sort of like Family Feud—at the Veterans Park Senior Center. Also, keep an eye out for the Getty Museum excursion coming up this Spring.
The Food and Rent Crisis
It hasn’t all been park improvements and game days. Councilmember Jorgel Chavez recently flagged a pretty scary issue regarding SNAP benefits. After some system shutdowns, a lot of families and seniors in the Gardens have been struggling to get their food stamps. This has led to an uptick in local food drives at Veterans Park.
If you're struggling with the bills, the Emergency Rent Relief deadline is hitting on January 23, 2026. Don't sleep on that.
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Upcoming Dates to Circle
- January 14, 2026: City Council Meeting (Regular session starts at 7:00 PM at the Community Center).
- January 17, 2026: Family Food Program distribution at 10:00 AM.
- January 23, 2026: Free Farmer’s Market (note the date change for Jan!).
- February 7, 2026: Low-cost pet vaccine clinic at Veterans Park (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM).
Actionable Next Steps for Residents
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, don't just wait for the news to find you. You can actually sign up for the City Council Agenda Mailing List by emailing the City Clerk. If you're a renter or a landlord, make sure you check the new Annual Rental Registration portal on the city website—it’s mandatory now.
And seriously, if you’re planning any construction, go talk to the Planning Commission before you buy materials. Those new 2025 codes are strict, and you don't want to get hit with a "Stop Work" order because your ADU isn't up to the new seismic standards.
Stay safe out there, and keep an eye on those Florence Avenue intersections.