Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
October 28, 2025
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Chase in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Pastor Chris Kirish, Renovate Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Scout Troops 113 & 3433 ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Cassandra Chase
Vice Mayor Jeff Wood
Council Member David Arellano
Council Member Steve Croft
Council Member Todd Rogers
. . .
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Chase acknowledged the peaceful candlelight vigil currently taking place outside the Council Chambers and was organized by Lakewood Indivisible. She expressed appreciation for their continued commitment to peaceful expression and mutual respect stating that there was no doubt that the issues surrounding immigration enforcement were complex. She stated that it was not the role of the City to take a position on Federal immigration policy but it was a responsibility to ensure that every member of the community felt safe, respected and heard.
The Mayor announced that Lakewood's traditional Halloween Carnivals would be held on October 31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Bolivar, Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin parks. She cautioned drivers to be mindful of trick or treaters.
Vice Mayor Wood reported on his attendance at Teens in Lakewood Care clean up event; Lollipop Lane; ABCUSD Community Expo; Lakewood High School Homecoming, 88 for 28 Committee meeting. He stated that he had participated as a judge at the Madison PTA Trunk or Treat event. He also highlighted the L.A. County Gateway Bookmobile at Del Valle Park.
Council Member Croft noted as a follow up that the Homecoming fireworks at Lakewood High School had been approved by the City Council. He also encouraged residents to visit the Bookmobile and stated that library cards were now available in digital format.
Council Member Arellano thanked Mayor Chase for her comments regarding immigration enforcement. He stated his attendance at the grand reopening of Jimmy Johns and noted his participation in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Bellflower High School.
Council Member Rogers commended those involved in the success of the Lakewood Education Foundation fundraising efforts on October 17th. He noted that he would report back on the amounts raised and grants awarded at a future meeting. He also stated his appreciation for the Mayor’s comments pertaining to immigration enforcement.
City Council Minutes
October 28, 2025
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS: - Continued
Mayor Chase introduced Lieutenant Juan Briseno from the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, who presented the Quarterly Public Safety Report. He reported on the downward trend in certain crimes and provided statistics of the various incidents, operations, arrests and convictions.
He stated that based on current crime strategy efforts and the support of the City Council, continuing Part 1 crime reduction for the fourth quarter was anticipated. He concluded by thanking the City Council, the City Manager and Public Safety staff for their continued leadership, partnership, and support.
Lieutenant Briseno responded to questions and comments from Council Members regarding Flock cameras, crime trends and available resources for victims. . . .
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS IN THE AGENDA None
. . .
ROUTINE ITEMS:
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER ARELLANO
SECONDED TO APPROVE ROUTINE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 6.
RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meetings held June 10, August 12, September 9, and October 14, 2025
RI-2 Approval of Personnel Transactions
RI-3 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Approval of Meeting Reports and Authorizations Pursuant to AB1234 RI-5 Approval of Quarterly Schedule of Investments as of September 30, 2025 RI-6 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-61; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A PROPOSAL
UNDER THE ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ARDURRA FOR
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND LABOR COMPLIANCE SERVICES
FOR THE WEINGART SENIOR CENTER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers and Chase NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
City Council Minutes
October 28, 2025
1.1 • INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-3; PERTAINING TO HOUSING
ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Aldo Cervantes, Director of Community Development, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda regarding the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element noting that the Department of Housing and Community Development required changes to City development standards in order to implement the goals of the Housing Element. He concluded by stating that the Planning and Environment Commission recommended that the City Council hold a public hearing, introduce the proposed Housing Element Implementation Program Ordinance and approve the associated Categorical Exemption.
Mayor Chase opened the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on this matter.
Phillip Norris, Lakewood, spoke about the number of units allowed on residential properties.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-3; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAKEWOOD AMENDING THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING
TO HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS TO
THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS, SINGLE-ROOM OCCUPANCY UNITS,
MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, BY-RIGHT APPROVAL OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS THAT INCLUDE 20% AFFORDABLE
UNITS, UDPATING DENSITY BONUS REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES FOR
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, AND AUTHORIZES OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT was read by title by the City Clerk.
VICE MAYOR WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT SECONDED TO WAIVE FURTHER READING, INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 2025-3 AND APPROVE THE CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers and Chase NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.1 • APPROVAL OF WATER RIGHTS LEASE AGREEMENT TO CITY OF
CERRITOS
Derek Nguyen, Director of Water Resources, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda explaining that the Central Groundwater Basin Judgment allowed parties owning groundwater rights to lease excess annual extraction rights to other parties.
Staff recommended that the City Council approve groundwater rights lease agreement to City of Cerritos for 700 acre-feet each FY 26/27, FY 27/28, and FY 28/29 for $119,000 per year for a total amount of $357,000, and authorize the City Manager to sign the corresponding agreement in a form approved by City Attorney.
City Council Minutes
October 28, 2025
3.1 • WATER RIGHTS LEASE AGREEMENT TO CITY OF CERRITOS - Continued Staff responded to questions and comments from Council Members regarding the use of water revenues, pumping rights and replacement of wells.
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND VICE MAYOR WOOD SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers and Chase NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
SUCCESSOR HOUSING ACTIONS
1. Approval of Registers of Demands
VICE MAYOR WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER ARELLANO SECONDED TO APPROVE THE REGISTERS OF DEMANDS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers and Chase NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Linda Whitman, Lakewood, addressed the City Council regarding home based business code enforcement issues.
Ben Chavez, Lakewood, requested the relocation of a street sign, enforcement of stop signs and installation of speed bumps.
Phillip Norris, Lakewood, spoke about changing the RV permit process and parking issues.
Stephanie Terronez, Lakewood, commented on behalf of Lakewood Indivisible. . . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Chase adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m. to Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Executive Board Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Mayberry, CMC
City Clerk