The Alhambra official city seal was adopted on February 21, 1961, under Resolution No. 21538. It was designed by William Allen, architect of the present City Hall facility. Its cost was incorporated into the overall fee for the project. The explanation for the engraved design is as follows:

• American Eagle with outspread wings stands for the United States of America
• The California State Bear and Star are taken from the State of California flag
• The Scales of Justice symbolizes the balance of justice
• The five star-like symbols were copied from the Alhambra Castle in Spain, representing the city's Moorish influence
• The center section of the arch represents Alhambra's homes and factories
• The words are: City of Alhambra, California, incorporated July 11, 1903.