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Your garage is your second front door—you use it every day and depend on it for convenience and safety. If your garage is experiencing any issues, it can be a sign of larger, more dangerous problems. But repairs and inspections don’t have to interrupt your day. When your garage door starts making odd noises or becomes jammed when opening, get help from the professionals at Optimal Garage Doors.
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Residential Garage Door Installation in Norwalk, California
Residential Garage Door Installation is a home improvement project that can add value to your property and make your life easier. A new garage door is also an important safety feature for your home, so be sure to invest in the latest technology.
Residential Garage Door Installation
Before deciding to install a new garage door, it's crucial to consider several factors: type of door, size and weather conditions. These will influence the time and labor costs for your project.
The most common types of garage doors include single panel, sectional and swing-out/sliding. Each type of door has its own unique features and benefits.
Single Panel
Composed of a single panel, a single-panel door is the least expensive to install. They're typically priced from $400 to $1,000, but can vary greatly depending on the style and manufacturer.
Swing-out/Sliding
A swing-out or sliding door is a more common type of garage door and usually includes a curved section that can be opened like a regular door. They can be as costly as $1,000 to $2,000, but can add significant visual appeal to your home.
Sectional
A sectional garage door is a popular choice and is the most commonly installed door in the United States. Each section of the door is connected with hinges that bend over a curved track. This allows the door to sit parallel to the ceiling when fully open and in line with the walls when completely closed.
Attach the upper and lower tracks to the wall with 5/16" x 1-1/2" lags. Ensure the upper and lower sections are parallel with the flag bracket at the top of the track. Next, secure the end bearing plate to the horizontal section with one 3/8" bolt. When tight, the flange should be even with the flag bracket and pointing away from the door.
BOTTOM SECTION
To complete the bottom section, first attach the hinges with 2 lags per stile, even with the bottom corner of the door section. Then, slip the looped cable ends onto their studs on the bottom fixtures. Once that's done, lag the rollers on each of the stiles with two lags, leaving an extra 1/2" at each end.
Winding the Springs
To wind up the springs, insert a bar into the hole on the casting and crank it out and up until you feel the cast end begin to move inward toward the shaft. Then, turn down the set screws until they contact the shaft, then 1-1/2 to 2 turns more.
When you're finished, tighten the set screws until they're snug. This will give you a good idea of how well the springs are tensioned.
If you're installing a spring-tensioned door, be sure to use the right size springs. The stronger the springs, the more force they'll require to open and close the door. Using the correct springs will save you money over time and help your door last longer.
Opener Repair in Norwalk, California
If your garage door opener isn't opening all the way, making strange noises or not working at all, you need to have it repaired immediately. Having your opener repaired can save you money, ensure safe operation and increase the lifespan of the machine.
Garage Door Opener Repair Symptoms
If the door won't open all the way or make a loud noise, it's likely an issue with your motor or chain drive. We'll repair the motor or chain drive to restore function so you can use your garage door opener again with ease.
Usually this is an easy fix and can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills.
The most common cause of a broken garage door opener is a bad main gear drive. This is the plastic gear that comes in direct contact with the worm drive on your motor. If your garage door opener makes a grinding noise but the door won't move, it's probably time for this component to be replaced.
This is a bit more complicated than the other repairs in this article but still fairly simple to do by yourself.
Besides repairing the main drive gear, you can also fix the trolley carriage and the rail that attaches to it. You'll need to remove your opener's header bracket and disconnect the trolley from the motor and then slide off the old one and replace it with a new one.
Another simple and affordable repair to make is to replace the weather stripping around your garage door. This helps to seal the gap between your garage floor and the door, which can prevent your opener from slipping off its track.
You should have your door inspected at least once a year to make sure it's in good condition. It's also a good idea to have it serviced by a professional to ensure there are no problems with the tracks, rollers or springs that will cause damage to your door or opener.
A broken garage door opener can be dangerous. The opener's motor hoists a heavy door up and down the tracks multiple times a day, so it can exert an incredible amount of stress on the parts.
This can damage the tracks, causing them to bend or break. It can also make the door difficult to open and close.
Other possible signs that your opener needs to be repaired include a faulty keypad, remote control or wall control panel, damaged safety eyes, and a malfunctioning logic board. Having these components fixed or replaced by your Precision Garage Door Technician will help restore functionality and ensure your opener continues to operate safely.
Regardless of the type of garage door opener you have, Precision is always prepared to perform any necessary garage door opener repairs and maintenance. We have the tools and skills to provide quick and efficient service for a variety of brands, including LiftMaster, Wayne Dalton, Chamberlain, Genie, Stanley and more.
Opener Installation in Norwalk, California
The garage door opener is one of the most important parts of a garage door system. If it's not installed correctly, it can cause damage to other components and make your garage door more difficult to open and close.
How to Properly Install a Garage Door Opener
When buying an opener, choose the right type for your home — whether it's a belt-drive, chain-drive, or electric opener. The type of opener you choose should be based on the size of your garage and the style of the door it will be opening, as well as your budget.
1. Consider a Pro Installation
For heavy doors or those with tall, steep sides, it's best to hire a professional for opener installation. They'll be able to install the opener in a safe, fast, and efficient manner.
2. Check Your Spring and Rollers
It's a good idea to have a professional check out your current opener before installing a new one. They'll be able to diagnose any issues and ensure that your door is working properly.
If your door doesn't open as easily or loudly as it should, start by checking for broken or wobbly rollers and brackets. Also, check the torsion spring (mounted on the header above the door opening) for breaks in the coils. If you find a spring that is broken, replace it as soon as possible, or else your garage door may stop working completely.
3. Adjust Your Opening Force
If you have a manual opener, take a look at the instructions to see where the opening force adjustment screws are located. If the screw isn't in its proper position, turn it just a little to the left or right until you have the force you want.
4. Check Your Safety Systems
If your opener has a safety reverse system or an electric eye, it's important to make sure they're functioning properly. It's recommended to check them every month and readjust them if necessary.
5. Change Your Wires
If the wires that run from your opener to the photo eyes and the wall button are exposed, you should replace them with new ones. These wires have probably been in your garage for a long time and they're likely to be nicked or worn. It only takes about 15 minutes to run a new wire, but it's worth the cost and inconvenience to prevent damage to your garage door.
6. Test Your Remote Control
If you have a remote opener, test it to see if the button works. If it's not working, call a technician for repair or replacement.
7. Test Your Garage Door
Once you've had your new garage door opener installed, it's a good idea to test it out by opening and closing it manually. If you notice a significant amount of resistance when the door is opened, it could be caused by your finger getting caught in the track.
If you have any questions about your garage door or opener, don't hesitate to contact us at AAA Garage Door Inc. We'll help you get your door and opener in top working condition again.
Spring Repair in Norwalk, California
Garage Door Spring Repair Basics
Garage door springs are a major part of the operation of your garage doors. They extend and contract with the help of cables and pulleys to open and close the garage door. Unfortunately, they sometimes break, causing your garage door to either open or close improperly. If this happens, you can fix a broken spring yourself or call a professional. But before you start, it’s important to understand how they work and why they might need repair.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are used in most garage doors. They are mounted on the wall above the garage and extend or collapse with the help of cables and pulleys attached to the horizontal tracks that run through the ceiling of the garage. A damaged or broken torsion spring can cause the door to open or close erratically or not at all.
Depending on the size of your garage, you may have one or two torsion springs. If you have a single torsion spring, it will be attached directly to the door, while if you have a double torsion spring, it will be connected to the cable and pulleys in the track.
It’s a good idea to replace torsion springs as soon as they are damaged or break, and that includes the ones that are closest to the motor. If you do not, you could end up putting unnecessary stress on the motor and damaging it.
If you’re inexperienced with spring repairs, it’s a good idea to hire a professional. They have the proper tools and training to complete the job safely.
Compression Springs
Coil springs, which are found on many vehicles, work in conjunction with shocks and struts to maintain suspension movement. They absorb shock and force, allowing the truck to smoothly shift over bumps and dips on the road.
These springs are not only essential in a vehicle’s suspension, but they also help to prevent the wheels from rubbing together. If a coil spring is damaged or worn, it will not be able to do its job effectively, and your vehicle’s suspension will fail.
To keep your coil springs in tip-top condition, it’s a good idea to spray them with a silicone-based lubricant three or four times per year. This will keep them from rusting, which can significantly shorten their lifespans.
You should replace your coil springs in pairs—for example, both front coil springs—to ensure the entire car rides evenly. This will allow your vehicle to run at its best.
If you don’t know what type of spring your garage door requires, it’s a good idea to ask the professionals at White’s Automotive Center. They will be able to provide you with the right replacement springs for your specific model of door.
There are three common types of extension springs: open-looped, double-looped and clipped. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. You can purchase replacement springs from your local hardware store or through a manufacturer. However, it is more cost-effective to buy them from a company that specializes in garage door springs. They will have them in stock and can easily answer your questions.
Garage Door Panel Repair in Norwalk, California
Garage Door Panel Repair - How to Fix a Dent
Panels form the mainstay of your garage door, keeping it safe and secure while adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Garage doors come in a range of materials, such as wood. Depending on the style and material of your door, you may have several options for repairing or replacing its panels.
1. DIY: Do It Yourself
If you are experienced working with tools and can perform minor repairs on your own, fixing a damaged garage door panel may not be too difficult for you. However, be mindful of safety precautions and make sure all necessary tools are available.
2. If you don't know how to tackle it yourself, contact a professional who can take care of the task for you.
3. Repairing a Dent: When It's Possible
When your garage door panel has been dented, it may be more cost-effective and easier to repair the affected area than replace the entire panel. Dents can be caused by hailstones or other storm debris, physical objects like balls that get kicked into the door, or even just from impact from cars.
4. If you don't have access to a hammer or other tool, heating the dent may be enough to straighten it out in its upright position.
5. Metal doors with dent can be repaired using adhesive.
6. If your wooden door is older, you may need to replace the entire panel.
7. If the dent is minor, you can use aluminum foil to apply heat to it and restore its original look. This will help straighten out the area and restore your car's paint job back to new.
8. If the dent is extensive, you can hire a company to repair it for you.
9. The most frequent cause of garage door denting is accidental impact from a vehicle.
Denting in your panel can be both frustrating and irritating. It could also lead to other issues, such as the door buckling or damaging other components of the interior.
It can be challenging to tell whether your panel is actually broken or just showing signs of wear and tear, so take the time to inspect it regularly.
Once you determine how severely damaged a panel is, it's essential to get it repaired promptly in order to avoid further harm and extend the lifespan of your garage door.
Once you know how much it needs replacing, begin searching for a replacement panel that matches your garage door's size and shape. Aesthetics are usually top of mind when selecting a new garage door, so finding one that matches what you currently have can be an advantageous move.
Panel replacement costs can range anywhere from $200 to $800, so it's essential that you consider the total cost when making your decision. Include labor, setup and mobilization fees as well as any extra charges associated with hiring a general contractor to oversee the project.
Garage Door Maintenance in Norwalk, California
Simple Garage Door Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
The garage door is an important part of your home, and it can be a safety hazard if you don't keep it maintained. If you haven't had a professional tune up your garage door in a while, there are some simple maintenance steps you can perform yourself to help improve your safety conditions and decrease repair costs for years to come.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection of the garage door is a must every six months. Look for peeling, fading or cracking that could affect your curb appeal and cause moisture to leak into your garage. Also, check your weatherstripping for tears or rips that can allow moisture to enter your garage and encourage mold growth.
Adjust the Photo-Eye Sensors
A common problem that causes garage doors to not automatically reverse is a misalignment of the photo-eye sensors. To fix this, remove any debris and clean the sensors. Then, realign them until the indicator light no longer flashes.
Tune Up Your Spring System
The springs on your garage door help it raise and lower. Regularly checking and maintaining the springs can keep them in good condition and extend the lifespan of your door. You can do a simple test to see whether or not your springs are properly balanced by pulling the release handle when you shut the door, then lifting it halfway up. If it stays in place, it's balanced; if it starts to slowly rise or drop, the springs are worn and need to be replaced.
Grease Your Overhead Springs and Chain or Screw
Keeping your garage door parts greased up will help them last longer and prevent corrosion. You can do this by spraying a white lithium grease, available at your local garage door specialist, on the opener's chain or screw. Then, you can add some spray lubricant to the springs.
Inspect the Tracks and Lift Cables
When your garage door is closed, it rests on the horizontal tracks that are attached to the wall on either side of your opening. The tracks can be damaged from rust or other damage, and they'll affect how your door opens and closes. Inspect the tracks for bending, rust or other signs of damage and contact a professional to repair them if necessary.
Install a Weather Seal Strip
The rubber weather seal strips on your garage door's bottom help keep water and other outside elements out of your garage. They're available at hardware and home improvement stores in different sizes, and can be installed in just a few minutes. They're a simple way to save energy and keep out unwanted drafts, insects and rodents.
Inspect Your Hinges and Vertical Tracks
When the hinges on your overhead door panels bend or sag, you'll need to replace them with new ones. Inspect the jamb brackets and strut that connect the vertical tracks to the framework on either side of your garage opening for excessive wear or dents.
If you notice a gap or tear in the weather seals or weather stripping, call a professional to have them replaced. This will ensure that you're not having to pay for repairs in the future, and will help keep out unwanted insects, critters and water from entering your garage.
Garage Door Repair in Norwalk, California
When you’re looking for a local garage door repair company, it’s important to do your research. Check their reviews, find out if they offer payment plans and look for one that has strong work guarantees.
Pros and Cons of Doing Garage Door Repair by Yourself
If you’re handy and enjoy working with your hands, do-it-yourself garage door repair might be a good option for you. It’s a great way to learn about the mechanics of your door and its parts, and you can save money on labor costs.
Some repairs are pretty easy to do, while others are more complex. Before you start, make sure your tools are the right size and you have enough time to complete the job. You should also have a list of tasks and a timeline for when you need to get them done so you can stay on top of it all.
For example, if your garage door is shaking when you open or close it, that could be a sign that the tracks are misaligned or damaged. You can try straightening them with a soft mallet, or you can call a garage door professional to do it for you.
Another common problem is that your garage door doesn’t seem to move when you press the button. You may need to adjust the limits on your opener to make it move a little more slowly when you open or close it.
This problem could be caused by a broken spring, which will need to be replaced. Replacement springs can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on their size, material and weight.
If the doors of your garage aren’t properly sealed, they can let in drafts and heat that can increase your energy bill. Replacing them with insulated polyurethane panels will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you a lot of money over time.
It’s also easier to replace a door with multiple cracked or rotting panels than it is to repair a single panel. If the damage to your garage is extensive, you’ll want to think about replacing it altogether so that you don’t have to worry about cracks spreading and compromising the structural integrity of your garage door.
Lastly, hiring a professional is always safer than trying to fix your own garage door. You don’t want to end up hurting yourself or your family. You should always follow the proper safety precautions and use the right tools when fixing your own garage door.
If you need garage door repair, don’t hesitate to give us a call here at The Woodlands Garage Door Service! Our technicians have the experience, training and knowledge to handle any type of door repair or replacement. We pride ourselves on quality work and a strong customer satisfaction rating. Contact us today to schedule a free quote!
Garage Door Installation in Norwalk, California
When it comes to Garage Door Installation, Texas has a wide range of options for homeowners to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something fancy or functional, our team of experts will work with you to find the best solution for your home or business in a timely manner.
Garage Door Installation - Choosing the Right Garage Door for Your Home or Business
Choosing the right garage door for your home can greatly enhance the curb appeal and property value of your location. Moreover, new garage doors can dramatically increase your energy efficiency, improve safety and security, and reduce the likelihood of damage to your home or other important assets from a faulty or malfunctioning unit.
The right garage door is one of the most important investments you can make for your home. Our experts will help you determine the perfect style, material, and function to fit your practical and aesthetic needs while also ensuring a high level of durability and performance.
You can also select from a variety of other features that will make your new garage door stand out from the rest. These include openers, sensors, door locks and more.
Our experts are well versed in all the latest and greatest technology that will ensure your new door is installed correctly, safely, and effectively. Additionally, our experts are highly experienced and trained to handle the most complex and delicate tasks.
We’ll even come directly to your property, outfit you with a brand-new garage door of a make, model, and style that perfectly matches your practical and aesthetic requirements – so that you can enjoy a functional and convenient new addition to your home or business without any hassles.
Top of the line products from leading manufacturers like Lift Master and Genie are sure to be a smart investment. These products are known for their nifty features, such as wireless remote-control capabilities and intelligent sensors that can detect a vehicle’s position and automatically close or open the garage door.
The best part about our top-of-the-line products is that they are all made to last! We’ll give you a manufacturer’s warranty, so you can rest assured that your new garage door will be a durable and reliable addition to your home or business for years to come.
Our company is a family owned and operated business, so you can be sure we will always take pride in delivering the best possible customer service. Our friendly and knowledgeable technicians will work hard to answer all your questions in a timely manner.
Weather for Norwalk, CA, US
About Norwalk
Norwalk is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 105,549 at the 2010 census and an estimated 103,949 in 2019. It is the 58th most densely-populated city in California.
Founded in the late 19th century, Norwalk was incorporated as a city in 1957. It is located 17 miles (27 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles and is part of the Greater Los Angeles area.
Norwalk is a member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. Norwalk’s sister cities are Morelia in the Mexican state of Michoacán, and Hermosillo, in the Mexican state of Sonora.
The area known as “Norwalk” was first home to the Shoshonean Native American tribe. They survived primarily on honey, an array of berries, acorns, sage, squirrels, rabbits and birds. Their huts were part of the Sejat Indian village.
In the late 1760s, settlers and missions flourished under Spanish rule with the famous El Camino Real trail traversing the area. Manuel Nieto, a Spanish soldier, received a Spanish land grant (Rancho Los Nietos) in 1784 that included Norwalk.
After the Mexican–American War in 1848, the Rancho and mining days ended. Portions of the land were subdivided and made available for sale when California was admitted into the union of the United States. Word of this land development reached the Sproul Brothers in Oregon. They recalled the fertile land and huge sycamore trees they saw during an earlier visit to the Southern California area. In 1869, Atwood Sproul, on behalf of his brother, Gilbert, purchased 463 acres (1.87 km) of land at $11 an acre ($2,700/km2) in an area known as Corazón de los Valles, or “Heart of the Valleys”.
By 1873, railroads were being built in the area and the Sprouls deeded 23 acres (93,000 m), stipulating a “passenger stop” clause in the deed. Three days after the Anaheim Branch Railroad crossed the “North-walk” for the first time, Gilbert Sproul surveyed a town site. In 1874, the name was recorded officially as Norwalk. While a majority of the Norwalk countryside remained undeveloped during the 1880s, the Norwalk Station allowed potential residents the opportunity to visit the “country” from across the nation.
The families referred to as the “first families” of Norwalk (including the Sprouls, the Dewitts, the Settles, and the Orrs) settled in the area in the years before 1900. D.D. Johnston pioneered the first school system in Norwalk in 1880. Johnston was also responsible for the first real industry in town, a cheese factory, by furnishing Tom Lumbard with the money in 1882. Norwalk’s prosperity was evident in the 1890s with the construction of a number of fine homes that were located in the middle of orchards, farms and dairies. Headstones for these families can be found at Little Lake Cemetery, which was founded in 1843 on the border between Norwalk and Santa Fe Springs at Lakeland Road.
At the turn of the 19th century, Norwalk had become established as a dairy center. Of the 50 local families reported in the 1900 census, most were associated with farming or with the dairy industry. Norwalk was also the home of some of the largest sugar beet farms in all of Southern California during this era. Many of the dairy farmers who settled in Norwalk during the early part of the 20th century were Dutch.
After the 1950s, the Hispanic population in Norwalk grew significantly as the area became increasingly residential.
In February 1958, two military aircraft, a Douglas C-118A military transport and a U.S. Navy P2V-5F Neptune patrol bomber, collided over Norwalk at night. Forty-seven servicemen were killed, as was a civilian 23-year-old woman on the ground who was hit by falling debris. A plaque commemorating the disaster and erected by the American Legion in 1961 marks the spot of the accident, today a mini-mall at the corner of Firestone Boulevard and Pioneer Boulevard.
Built in 1891 by the D.D. Johnston family, the Hargitt House was built in the architectural style of Victorian Eastlake. The Hargitt House Museum, located at 12426 Mapledale, was donated to the people of Norwalk by Charles (“Chun”) and Ida Hargitt.
Norwalk is located at 33°54′25″N 118°5′0″W / 33.90694°N 118.08333°W (33.906914, -118.083398).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.243 km (10 sq mi). 9.707 square miles (25.14 km2) of it is land and 0.039 square miles (0.10 km) of it (0.40%) is water.
Norwalk is bordered by Downey to the northwest, Bellflower to the southwest, Cerritos and Artesia to the south, and Santa Fe Springs and Whittier to the north and east.
67.7% of persons age 5 years+, 2014-2018 live in a home where another language than English is spoken.
The 2010 United States Census reported that Norwalk had a population of 105,549. The population density was 10,829.6 inhabitants per square mile (4,181.3/km2). The racial makeup of Norwalk was 52,089 (49.4%) White (12.3% Non-Hispanic White), 4,593 (4.4%) African American, 1,213 (1.1%) Native American, 12,700 (12.0%) Asian (5.3% Filipino, 2.5% Korean, 0.9% Chinese, 0.8% Indian, 0.8% Vietnamese, 0.6% Cambodian, 0.3% Thai, 0.3% Japanese), 431 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 29,954 (28.4%) from other races, and 4,569 (4.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 74,041 persons (70.1%)
The Census reported that 103,934 people (98.5% of the population) lived in households, 315 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 1,300 (1.2%) were institutionalized.
There were 27,130 households, out of which 13,678 (50.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 15,190 (56.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 5,045 (18.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2,348 (8.7%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,712 (6.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 178 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 3,417 households (12.6%) were made up of individuals, and 1,631 (6.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.83. There were 22,583 families (83.2% of all households); the average family size was 4.10.
The population was spread out, with 29,164 people (27.6%) under the age of 18, 12,026 people (11.4%) aged 18 to 24, 30,138 people (28.6%) aged 25 to 44, 23,790 people (22.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 10,431 people (9.9%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.
There were 28,083 housing units at an average density of 2,881.4 per square mile (1,112.5/km), of which 17,671 (65.1%) were owner-occupied, and 9,459 (34.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.8%. 70,180 people (66.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 33,754 people (32.0%) lived in rental housing units.
During 2009–2013, Norwalk had a median household income of $60,770, with 12.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.
As of the census of 2000, there were 103,298 people, 26,887 households, and 22,531 families residing in the city. The population density was 10,667.6 inhabitants per square mile (4,120.2/km2). There were 27,554 housing units at an average density of 2,845.5 per square mile (1,098.7/km). The racial makeup of the city was 44.82% White, 4.62% African American, 1.16% Native American, 11.54% Asian, 0.39% Pacific Islander, 32.75% from other races, and 4.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 62.89% of the population.
There were 26,887 households, out of which 46.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.2% were non-families. 12.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.79 and the average family size was 4.08.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.1% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $46,047, and the median income for a family was $47,524. Males had a median income of $31,579 versus $26,047 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,022. About 9.5% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.
Norwalk operates under a Council/Manager form of government, established by the Charter of the City of Norwalk which was drafted in 1957. The five-member City Council acts as the city’s chief policy-making body. Every two years, Council members are elected by the citizens of Norwalk to serve four-year, overlapping terms. Council members are not limited to the number of terms they may serve. The Mayor is selected by the Council and serves a one-year term.
According to the city’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city’s various funds had $78.2 million in Revenues, $79.1 million in Expenditures, $107.2 million in Total Assets, $48.7 million in Total Liabilities, and $54.8 million in Cash and Investments.
The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:
Norwalk is a contract city, in which the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provides police services. It maintains its own station, which also provides police services to La Mirada and unincorporated South Whittier. At one time the station also provided contracted police services to Santa Fe Springs, but those services ended when the city entered into a contract with the Whittier Police Department. The station is staffed with 206 sworn personnel.
Fire protection in Norwalk is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department with ambulance transport by Care Ambulance Service.
Norwalk is the home of the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder. The Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office is responsible for the registration of voters, maintenance of voter files, conduct of federal, state, local and special elections and the verification of initiative, referendum and recall petitions. There are approximately 4.1 million registered voters, and 5 thousand voting precincts established for countywide elections. The office also has jurisdiction over marriage license issuance, the performance of civil marriage ceremonies, fictitious business name filings and indexing, qualification and registration of notaries and miscellaneous statutory issuance of oaths and filings. The office issues approximately 75,000 marriage licenses and processes 125,000 fictitious business name filings annually. The Recorder’s Office is responsible for recording legal documents which determine ownership of real property and maintains files of birth, death and marriage records for Los Angeles County. It serves the public and other County departments such as the Assessor, Health Services, Public Social Services and Regional Planning. The office processes 2 million real and personal property documents and 750,000 birth, death and marriage records annually and services approximately 2,000 customers daily.
In the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Norwalk is in the Fourth District, represented by Janice Hahn.
In the California State Senate, Norwalk is in the 32nd Senate District, represented by Republican Kelly Seyarto. In the California State Assembly, it is split between the 57th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Reggie Jones-Sawyer, and the 58th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Sabrina Cervantes.
In the United States House of Representatives, Norwalk is in California’s 38th congressional district, represented by Democrat Linda Sánchez.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Whittier Health Center in Whittier, serving Norwalk.
The United States Postal Service operates the Norwalk Post Office at 14011 Clarkdale Avenue and the Paddison Square Post Office at 12415 Norwalk Boulevard.
The Southeast District of the Los Angeles County Superior Court is located in Norwalk.
The 162-acre (0.66 km) Metropolitan State Hospital, a psychiatric and mental health facility operated by the California Department of State Hospitals, is located in Norwalk. It has four different types of categories for patient intake. The four categories being; incompetent to stand trial (PC 1370), offender with a mental health disorder (PCS 2962/2972), not guilty by reason of insanity (PC 1026), and conservatorship lanterman-petris-short (LPS) Act.
Three freeways travel through the city. The Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) and San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) pass through and intersect just above its northern edge, while the Century Freeway (I-105) ends in Norwalk at Studebaker Road.
Norwalk Transit serves Norwalk and its adjacent communities. Six bus lines operate in Norwalk and adjacent cities, including Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, La Mirada and Whittier. Norwalk Transit Buses make connections with Los Angeles Metrorail Green Line from Route 2 and Southern California Metrolink from Route 7
Long Beach Transit provides service to the Metro Green Line Station via Studebaker Road from Long Beach.
The Los Angeles MTA (“Metro”) provides both bus and rail service from Norwalk. The Metro C Line (formerly the Green Line) light rail provides service from the Norwalk C Line station to LAX (via shuttle from Aviation Station) and Redondo Beach. Metro bus routes provide service to the west on Florence Avenue, Firestone Boulevard, Imperial Highway, and Rosecrans Avenue from the Norwalk C Line Station. Express routes also connect to Disneyland, El Monte Bus Station, Long Beach and downtown Los Angeles.
The Metrolink Orange County Line and 91 Line (which operate on the same track in this area) trains connect Norwalk (the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs station) with Orange County, Riverside County, and Downtown Los Angeles.
According to the City’s 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
Although Norwalk is credited with being the home to Cerritos College, only the east half of the campus is actually in Norwalk, the west half is in Cerritos. Founded in 1955, Cerritos College is a public community college serving an area of 52 square miles (130 km) of southeastern Los Angeles county. The college offers degrees and certificates in 87 areas of study in nine divisions. Over 1,200 students complete their course of studies each year.
Norwalk is served by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, headquartered at 12820 Pioneer Boulevard in Norwalk, as well as the Little Lake City School District, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs. Certain areas of Norwalk are served by the ABC Unified School District, based in Cerritos, and others by the Whittier Union High School District. Among the several parochial schools in Norwalk are Saint John of God School (Roman Catholic), Pioneer Baptist School (Baptist Christian), and Saint Linus School (Roman Catholic). It also contains The California distinguished school J.B. Morrison Elementary Magnet School.
KCAL-TV channel 9 was licensed to Norwalk for a year in 1989 during an ownership transfer as part of a settlement with the FCC by former owner RKO General; the one-year change in city of license was barely noted on-air (it returned to a city of license of Los Angeles in 1990), and the station never had any actual assets based in Norwalk.
- Ruth Asawa, sculptor
- Shirley Babashoff, swimmer, winner of eight Olympic medals and 1975 world championship, Norwalk High School graduate, 1973
- Dick Bass, born Richard Lee Bass, played professional football as running back for Los Angeles Rams from 1960 through 1969
- William Conrad (1920–94), actor, director and producer in film and television; lived in Bellflower, graduate of Excelsior High School
- Tiffany Darwish, 1980s singer and actress
- James Gattuso, analyst and pundit in Washington, D.C., who often appears on television and radio to give opinions on domestic policy; Excelsior High School Class of 1975
- Keith Ginter, MLB player for Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, and Oakland Athletics
- Bob Kevoian, radio host, The Bob & Tom Show, Norwalk High Class of 1969
- Joseph Marquez, professional Super Smash Bros. player for Cloud9, graduate of John Glenn High School class of 2010
- Ron McGovney, the first bass player of Metallica
- Lindsay Mendez, Broadway actress
- Alexandra Nechita, artist, considered youngest cubist ever discovered (at age 8) and nicknamed “petite Picasso”; attended Moffit Elementary School prior to her fame when she relocated outside of Norwalk
- Pat Nixon (1912–93), First Lady of United States 1969–74, wife of President Richard Nixon; graduate of Excelsior High School Class of 1929 (family bought a truck farm in Dairy Valley, formerly in Artesia, now part of Cerritos)
- Donald Novis, actor, died in Norwalk 1966
- Rashaad Penny, running back, Seattle Seahawks
- Ron Rinehart, lead singer, Dark Angel
- Poncho Sanchez, Latin jazz artist
- Cindy Sheehan, anti-Iraq War activist
- Gene Taylor, blues-rock and boogie-woogie pianist, Norwalk High Class of 1970
- Cristina Valenzuela, voice actress
- Delta Work, drag queen and stylist
- Nikki Schieler Ziering, Playboy Playmate, actress and Ian Ziering’s ex-wife
- Carmenita (South Norwalk)
- Civic Center (Central Norwalk)
- Norwalk Hills (North Norwalk)
- South Norwalk
- Studebaker (North Norwalk)
- Norwalk Manor (South East Norwalk) (not to be confused with Norwalk Manor, a major subdivision built in 1947 to 1949)
The Falcon Field is the largest venue by capacity (12,000) in Norwalk. It is the home of the public community college football team Cerritos Falcons and a major venue for track and field events.
- Official website
- Norwalk Chamber of Commerce
- Norwalk Municipal Code
- Norwalk QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
