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Visit your local Post Office™ at 396 S California Ave to find everything you need to send mail and ship packages. Explore our other products and services like money orders, Post Office™ boxes, passports, gift cards, and more
Numerous reviews highlighted rude and unhelpful staff, particularly mentioning specific employees like Anita and Ning, leading to a negative perception of customer service.
Efficiency
Customers reported long wait times and disorganization, with many expressing frustration over slow service and inadequate staffing.
Package Handling
There were multiple complaints about mishandled packages, including lost or misdelivered items, contributing to a lack of trust in the postal service.
Mixed Experiences
While some customers praised individual employees for their helpfulness, the overall sentiment leaned heavily towards dissatisfaction with service quality.
TT
TT
Dec 23, 2025
1.0
I came in 10 minutes late for my passport appointment, and the guy at the passport service told me I could no longer be seen. That’s fine, I understand rules are rules.
However, the walk-in process and the information given to me were extremely misleading and frustrating.
This guy told me they accept walk-ins on Tuesday and Thursday, and specifically said to come at 9:30 AM if I wanted to do a walk-in.
The next day, I arrived early at 8:50 AM. It was the same mid-age guy at the passport service window. I was told to put my name on the walk-in list, and the first available spot listed was “10:00–10:15.” I explained that I didn’t know about this timing, since the only instruction I was given the day before was “come at 9:30.” He then said he told me 9:30 just so I would arrive early, not because walk-ins actually start then.
At that point, I was already concerned because I needed to go to work. He told me, “If someone doesn’t show up, we can squeeze you in,” which gave me the impression I might be done by around 10:15.
While waiting outside, someone came in claiming they had a 10:00 AM appointment, which already conflicted with the walk-in slot I had been assigned. That felt off.
I asked another staff member what would happen if appointment holders kept coming and I never got “squeezed in.” She checked with the guy and came back to tell me that the next guaranteed open slot was actually at 11:00 AM, and that I might have to wait until then if all appointments showed up.
This raised a serious question:
Why wasn’t I told this upfront at 8:50 AM??!
Why give me false hope that I could be done by 10:15 , or even earlier, when there was already a known open slot at 11:00???
By 9:50 AM, the 9:30 appointment still wasn’t finished and the 10:00 appointment was already waiting. I realized I had spent AN HOUR waiting based on misleading information!! so I left to avoid wasting even more time.
The walk-in system itself is flawed, but the bigger issue is the lack of transparency and inconsistent information:
1. I should have been told clearly that walk-ins effectively start at 10:00, and even then are not guaranteed due to appointments.
2. I should have been told upfront that 11:00 was the next guaranteed opening.
3. Being told to “come at 9:30” without explaining that this was 30 minutes before walk-ins even begin is misleading and creates false expectations.
Seriously, how hard is it to mention upfront that I might need to wait up to two hours? A little honesty at the beginning would have saved everyone time, but apparently that wasn’t a priority.
CC
Chelsea
Dec 23, 2025
1.0
Some of their staff are very poor at explaining things, especially those handling passport services. It’s a complete waste of people’s time. I would suggest they provide better training.
DS
daniel s
Dec 13, 2025
1.0
This location is ok but problems are the front desk employee, me and my girlfriend both have very negative experience, Anita the female employee is very rude and inpatient, we decided to file a formal complaint against her, last week I was there try to mail my package that I sold on ebay( I was on my vacation so I was rushing to mail it on Monday)I printed out priority mail label via ebay website and rushing to the post office during my lunch break. Unfortunately Anita was at the desk, she speak in very rude tone with very disrespect manner, she told me I can't use the label and their usps box because I need to paid more, she told me go home take out the label and file refund and reprint, I told her I printed though ebay website with discounted price why I can't use it. She told me that there will be extra charge to my account if I decided to mail it. The package was successfully delivered with no problem 😊
JL
Jia Li
Nov 4, 2025
1.0
Rude front desk
XZ
Xuelin Zhu
Sep 29, 2025
1.0
I came to this post office to get a Change of Address form. I saw the clerk give one to the customer in front of me, but when it was my turn, she said there were no forms left. This felt very unfair and made me feel discriminated against. Very disappointed with the service.
Frequently Asked Questions About United States Postal Service
Can I get a passport application at this Post Office?
Yes, Thousands of Post Offices™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo. Please complete and print your passport application form before you apply.
Is an appointment needed for passport services?
Most Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using our online scheduler. We also offer limited Passport walk-in hours at select locations.
Does this location take the photo needed for passports?
For first-time passport and photo services, please make an appointment using our online scheduler.
What is the cost to take a passport photo?
The current fee for a passport photo at USPS is $15.
When does this location do walk-in passports?
We offer limited Passport walk-in hours at select locations.
Can I get a PO Box online?
Yes, you can search for available PO Boxes and reserve one online at https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm. The process is quick and secure, and you'll receive instructions for completing your setup in person.
How much is a small PO Box?
PO Box prices vary by location. You can check exact pricing for your area by visiting https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm and entering your ZIP Code.
Can you get to the PO Boxes in the lobby after hours?
Most USPS locations offer 24/7 access to PO Boxes in the lobby. Access hours may vary by location, so check with your local Post Office for specific lobby hours.
How can I get a PO Box?
You can apply for a PO Box online or in person at your local Post Office. Just bring two valid forms of ID and your completed application if applying in person. To start online, visit https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm.
What time can I check my PO Box weekly and on weekends?
You can check your PO Box during lobby hours, which often include extended hours or 24/7 access. Weekend access may vary. Check with your local Post Office for exact times.
What services can I find at the United States Postal Service at 396 S California Ave?
You can send mail and packages, get money orders, rent Post Office boxes, apply for passports, purchase gift cards, and more at this location.
Can I apply for a U.S. passport at this Post Office?
Yes, this Post Office accepts first-time U.S. passport applications and can also provide passport photos by appointment.
Do I need an appointment for passport services here?
Most passport services require an appointment which you can schedule online; limited walk-in hours may be available at some locations.
What are the operating hours of this Post Office?
The Post Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
Can I rent a PO Box at this location and how?
Yes, you can rent a PO Box by searching and reserving online or applying in person with two valid IDs and a completed application.
Is there 24/7 access to PO Boxes at this Post Office?
Most USPS locations offer 24/7 lobby access to PO Boxes, but hours vary; check with this location for exact access times.
What nearby places can I visit around the USPS at 396 S California Ave?
Nearby places include the West Covina Civic Center for arts and entertainment, California Fish Grill for dining, and LensCrafters for eyewear services.
Are there any shopping options near this Post Office?
Yes, nearby shopping options include Genesco shoe store, Macy's Backstage department store, and Pier 1 Imports furniture store.
What local dining spots are close to the USPS location?
You can enjoy meals at Rero's Burrito Co for Mexican food, Round Table Pizza for pizza, or S'Moreology bakery and ice cream shop nearby.
How can nearby services like CER Construction or Gold's Gym enhance my visit to the Post Office?
While at the Post Office, you can easily access nearby professional services like CER Construction for your real estate needs or visit Gold's Gym for fitness activities.