Since Walter P. Temple founded Temple City in 1923, it has developed rapidly from the small town it once was. Now, a neighborhood in which its residents take pride in, the city has become a center of community and involvement.
Over the years, Temple City has adopted several traditions and events, including the annual Lunar Festival, Halloween Festival and Relay For Life.
The Camellia Festival, for instance, started in 1944 to encourage youth involvement. The city holds the festival at the Temple City Park, which features a parade accompanied by a three-day long fair. The event allows younger community members to build parade floats, run booths at the fair and connect with friends and family.
Temple City’s small-town atmosphere attracted City of Temple City Mayor Pro Tem Tom Chavez and led him to move to the city in 1990. He takes note of the trust between community members, and he encourages them to attend city commissions and events as a way of getting to know fellow locals.
“I believe our residents are ready to speak out on issues that concern them because they know our city council will listen and act,” Chavez said. “That’s local government at its best. We are also blessed to have a loyal and hard working staff that implement policy decisions by council.”
In recent years, local businesses helped bring a sense of community among residents. Family-owned restaurants, cozy cafes and tea shops act as hosts for social gatherings for people of all ages and are part of the commercial revival of businesses along Las Tunas Drive.
For instance, owner Joshua Wataru’s parents founded Fanny’s Flowers 60 years ago. Today, it is a testament to how local businesses have brought together the community.
“I think it’s a wonderful city that’s got a small-town feel to it,” Wataru said. “It’s always great to see new businesses come in, do well and thrive. There’s a lot of good food and new places to try out, and I think that it brings some good attention to what’s happening here in Temple City.”
The next major community event this year is Lights on Temple City on Dec. 6. The annual celebration includes community organizations running booths and games for children.
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