State backs Eastvale’s efforts to get an exclusive ZIP code

Eastvale has a new ally in its battle with the U.S. Postal Service to obtain its own ZIP code: the state of California.

On June 15, the state legislature unanimously approved a Senate Joint Resolution sponsored by Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside. asking Congress and President Trump to approve legislation that will give Eastvale an exclusive Zip code.

A Senate Joint Resolution is used by the State Senate to expresses the state legislature’s position on a federal matter.

Although it does not create a ZIP code – a bill passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the president is required for that – Cervantes’ joint resolution is considered a major development in Eastvale’s battle to obtain its own Zip code. A similar resolution sponsored by then State Sen. Richard Roth, D-Riverside, was passed three years ago.

“We hope this speeds things up at the federal level,” said Alexander P, Fung, Eastvale’s deputy city manger. “It sends a message that the state of California unanimously supports a new and independent ZIP code for Eastvale. That does carry some weight.”

One year ago, the House of Representatives passed H.R, 672, sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, that would grant Eastvale its own ZIP code. It has yet to be voted on by the Senate.

“There are multiple ZIP code bills, including Calvert’s being considered in the Senate right now, including Rep. Calvert’s,” Fung said. “All we need is for one of those bills to pass.”

Eastvale has been trying to get its own ZIP code since it incorporated 16 years ago.

“Having an independent ZIP code is about more than mail delivery,” said Eastvale Mayor Jocelyn Yow in a statement. “It’s about identity, accuracy, economic opportunity, and ensuring Eastvale is properly recognized as the thriving community it has become.”

Currently, Eastvale (pop. 70,000) has two zip codes: 92880, which it shares with Corona, and 91752, which it shares with Jurupa Valley.

Combined Zip codes can cause a number of problems, starting with mail being sent to the wrong address.

Also, 9-1-1 calls can be sent to the wrong dispatch center, sales tax revenue can be credited to the wrong jurisdiction, and commercial development can end up in a city with only one ZIP code. Some residents might also have to pay higher insurance rates for some public services, like police and fire protection.

For example, Eastvale is not classified as a high-risk fire zone, but Corona does carry that designation. That means some Eastvale residents within the 92880 ZIP code have to pay higher fire insurance premiums based on Corona’s profile, and some can’t get any fire insurance.

How much sales tax revenue Eastvale has lost since it incorporated is impossible to say.

“We can only estimate, but we’re talking seven digits, literally millions of dollars in wasted time and resources,” Fung said. “Not just mail delivery or lost checks, but businesses charging incorrect sales tax rates, or insurance companies charging the wrong rate to our residents.”

Two or more ZIP codes in one city also makes it more difficult for businesses to operate and expand.

“Business attraction is a challenge because a lot of brokers and developers evaluate expansion opportunities based on ZIP codes,” Fung said. “Currently, our demographics are linked with our neighboring jurisdictions because we share ZIP codes. Different communities have different demographics, so when you categorize them by ZIP codes, you can lose out on attracting some businesses.”

Eastvale’s problems with multiple ZIP codes became so severe that, in April 2023, it joined forces with Castle Pines, Colo. (pop.15,600) to form the National Zip Code Advocacy Coalition, which lobbies the U.S, Postal Service for one ZIP code per city.

The group has 75 members in more than 20 states, and it maintains that more than one million U.S. residents must deal with more than one ZIP code, according to the organization’s website.
Its motto is “One City. One Zip Code.”

“Outdated ZIP code boundaries delay 911 calls, misallocate tax revenue, inflate insurance rates, and systematically harm over one million Americans,” the coalition’s website states.

Three years after it was formed, the coalition can claim some success.

Right now there are five consolidation bills – four in the House, one in the Senate – that address 232 cities with multiple ZIP codes. Should any of those bills pass both houses of Congress and be signed by President Trump, each of those municipalities will likely receive their own ZIP code.

Eastvale officials decided to form the coalition after realizing that trying to secure an exclusive ZIP code by itself was too difficult.

Meeting with a member of Congress, especially one from another state is difficult if you’re representing only your city.  However, if dozens of cities nationwide unite behind a common issue, they can develop the visibility and influence needed to bring about change, according to Fung.

“I believe that we have momentum and that progress is being made,” Fung said. “Rep. Calvert’s bill passed the House. A lot of the cities trying to get their own ZIP code have probably never imagined getting that far. But I’m not surprised it’s taken this long. The federal government works very slowly.”

Calvert’s bill, which passed in July 2025, wasn’t his first attempt to help Eastvale.

“He’s Introduced multiple bills since back in the 2010’s,” Fung said, “He would do it again and again because (the House) changes every two years. He would introduce the bill, it would die, and he would introduce it again two years later.”

The state resolution could help speed up the legislative process in Washington, D.C., Mayor Pro Tem Clint Lorimore said.

“It sends a message that we all want this matter resolved, and that’s important,” Lorimore said. “We all wanted to have this done yesterday.”