Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
February 10, 2026
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 Candace Kelly, Acts Community Bible Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 88 For the record, in accordance and within the requirements of California Government Code Section 54950 et seq., Mayor Chase announced that she was attending the meeting via teleconference at Ojai Valley Inn, Business Center, 905 Country Club Road, Ojai, CA 93023.
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 1) announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of a) David Fender, retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Chief; and b) Samuel B. Johnson, father of Cerritos Mayor Pro Tem Lynda P. Johnson; 2) acknowledged February 2026 as Black History Month, highlighting that the City of Lakewood joins hundreds of public and private organizations in paying tribute to the commemoration and celebration of diversity in the community, further thanking the libraries in the City of Lakewood for offering special programming and a curated booklist for the occasion; and 3) pursuant to AB 1234, reported on her recent official travel to the 94th Annual Winter Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors on January 28 through January 30, 2026, in Washington D.C.
Vice Mayor Wood 1) acknowledged the passing of Chief Fender and Samuel B. Johnson; 2) provided details relative to the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board (SELACO) recruitment event to be held on February 20, 2026; 3) reported on his attendance to the first meeting of the Lakewood Leadership Academy; 4) highlighted that the 2026 Lakewood Pan Am Ambassador Scholarship and Poetry Poster Contest applications are available on the Lakewood Pan American Association website; 5) explained that The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Scholarship Program is now accepting applications and scholarships will be awarded to nine high school or community college students throughout the region; and 6) stated that he is aware of the increased number of “youth bike groups” in the community, further suggesting that the City work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Southwest Patrol to monitor City parks and the Los Coyotes Diagonal.
City Council Minutes
February 10, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS - Continued
Council Member Rogers 1) expressed his condolences to the family of Chief Fender; 2) explained that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to place a half-cent sales tax increase on the June 2, 2026, ballot; and 3) stated he is aware of the increased number of “youth bike groups” in the community, noting that the City is developing strategies and implementing measures to alleviate the issues.
Council Member Arellano 1) explained that a peaceful protest was held by high school students on January 30, 2026, and February 10, 2026, in the vicinity of City Hall, further stating that a) he witnessed respect and collaboration amongst the youth in the community; and b) school staff members were in attendances to assist with monitoring the student activity and keeping City staff informed as the protest progressed; and 2) acknowledged February 2026 as Black History Month and highlighted African American-owned businesses in the City.
For the record, Mayor Chase introduced Andrew Hall, Assistant Department Head, Los Angeles County Sanitation District, who 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of the sewer rate increases for 2026; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Council Member Croft and Council Member Arellano, Assistant Department Head Hall 1) explained that a partial collapse of a wastewater tunnel occurred in July of 2025, further explaining that the Los Angeles County Sanitation District is working with authorities to ensure the safety of the site before resuming construction; and 2) confirmed that fact sheets relative to the rate increases would be provided to the City Council and residents for reference.
For the record, 1) Vice Mayor Wood highlighted that the Los Angeles County Sanitation District offers public tours of their facilities; and 2) Council Member Arellano requested that the information relative to the low-water rebate program for residential and commercial users be included on the City’s website.
For the record, Mayor Chase introduced Captain Dan Holguin, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, who provided a verbal report pertaining to Part 1 crimes from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
At the request of Council Member Arellano, Captain Holguin confirmed that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department does not assist the Federal Government with immigration matters.
. . .
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS IN THE AGENDA
Alan Gafford, questioned why members of the public can only speak on items on the agenda during a specified time, further suggesting that the City conduct the public comment portion of the agenda as done in previous years.
City Council Minutes
February 10, 2026
ROUTINE ITEMS:
For the record, 1) Vice Mayor Wood requested Item RI-7 (Appointment to Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board) be pulled for discussion and separate consideration; and 2) Council Member Arellano requested Item RI-5 (Agreement for 2026 Pan Am Fiesta Amusement Rides) be pulled for comments only.
With regard to Item RI-5 (Agreement for 2026 Pan Am Fiesta Amusement Rides), Council Member Arellano highlighted that the Fiesta would begin on Friday, May 8, 2026, not on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Noting the removal of Item RI-7 (Appointment to Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board) from the Routine Items for separate consideration, it was moved by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Croft, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of the actions stipulated on the Routine Items:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meeting held January 27, 2026 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 Agreement for 2026 Pan Am Fiesta Amusement Rides RI-6 Approval of Water Main Easement Grant Deed for Dutch Bros. Coffee at 5809 Lakewood Boulevard
RI-7 [Pulled for separate consideration]
RI-8 Approval of Resolution No. 2026-7 - Amending an Existing Pay Rate in Attachment B of Resolution No. 2024-25
RI-7 • APPOINTMENT TO SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT BOARD (SELACO WDB)
With regard to Item RI-7, Vice Mayor Wood 1) introduced the item; 2) thanked Erika Prada for her service to the SELACO WDB; and 3) nominated Eddie Witt Jr. to fill the vacancy.
Following discussion, it was moved by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to approve the appointment of Eddie Witt Jr. to the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board of Directors:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase City Council Minutes
February 10, 2026
3.1 • LAKEWOOD YOUTH HALL OF FAME PROGRAM
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Assistant Director of Recreation and Community Services Bright 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the record, and without objection, the report was received and filed. . . .
3.2 • ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Deputy City Manager Beltran 1) provided a verbal report of the Agenda report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Council Member Arellano, Deputy City Manager Beltran confirmed that the Legislative Platform would be readily available on the City’s website following adoption.
For the record, 1) Council Member Rogers explained that the City recognized the need for an active state and federal legislative program to better protect the City’s interests in meeting the mandates required by the State, expressing the opinion that the Legislative Platform will assist with this; and 2) Vice Mayor Wood a) highlighted the work of City staff; b) requested that the Elected Representatives information on the last page of the Legislative Platform be made readily available to the public; and c) expressed the opinion that it is important that the City has an adopted Legislative Platform as it allows City staff to prepare position letters quickly on behalf of the Mayor and City Council.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt the Legislative Platform for 2026:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
3.3 • SHOPPING CART RETENTION AND RETRIEVAL PROGRAM (CRRP)
STATUS REPORT
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Community Development Cervantes 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report; and 2) along with Director of Public Safety Yordt, responded to Council Members’ questions.
City Council Minutes
February 10, 2026
3.3 • SHOPPING CART RETENTION AND RETRIEVAL PROGRAM (CRRP) STATUS REPORT - Continued
At the request of Council Member Croft, 1) Director Cervantes confirmed that there has been a reduction of shopping carts throughout the City; and 2) Director Yordt a) stated that citations are issued to those in possession of shopping carts as they are considered stolen property; and b) noted that if a shopping cart is confiscated in the City, staff make an effort to return the shopping cart to the retail owner; however, if the shopping cart belongs to a retail business outside of the City limits, it is sometimes difficult to determine the owner, further explaining that if the owner is unable to be found, the shopping carts are discarded appropriately.
In response to questions and comments provided by Vice Mayor Wood, Director Cervantes confirmed that the Dollar Tree located on 5209 Graywood Avenue is out of compliance as they have not provided the City with the required Cart Retention and Retrieval Application, further noting that City staff have provided the needed documentation multiple times to the owner but has yet to receive a response.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to 1) receive and file the report; and 2) direct staff to modify the CRRP regulations and procedures to remove laundry carts from the CRRP regulations:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
3.4 • RESOLUTION NO. 2026-6 – ADOPTION OF THE UPDATED LOCAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN (LHMP)
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Public Safety Yordt 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report; and 2) introduced Shireen Kulkarni, Technical Consultant of Risk Management Professionals, Inc. (RMP), who provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt the proposed Resolution adopting the draft City of Lakewood Local Hazard Mitigation Plan; and 2) direct staff to submit the approved Resolution to CalOES and FEMA:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
City Council Minutes
February 10, 2026
3.5 • FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-26 MIDYEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND ADJUSTMENTS AND PRESENTATION OF THE FY 2026-28 TWO-YEAR
BUDGET PREPARATION CALENDAR
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Gomez 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report; and 2) along with Director of Public Safety Yordt, responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the record, 1) Council Member Croft expressed the opinion that the City has been financially responsible and conservative which has enabled critical capital and infrastructure improvements within the City, further highlighting that the City is currently in the process of updating park infrastructure, including roof, electrical, and air conditioning improvements; and 2) Vice Mayor Wood a) expressed concern with the proposed half-cent sales tax increase on the June 2, 2026, ballot, further explaining that if the tax increase is approved, residents may make purchases outside of the County of Los Angeles to save on sales taxes which would affect the City of Lakewood; b) requested a presentation be made to the City Council by Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) relative to the fees imposed on residents and services being provided; c) questioned if AM radios are the latest technology available, noting that most residents do not own an AM radio and the proposed fees for the upgrades are costly; and d) requested the word “drone” be removed from the proposed semiquincentennial celebration event, expressing the opinion that the increase of funds in the amount of $20,000 should not be solely for the addition of a drone show.
In response to questions and comments provided by Vice Mayor Wood, Director Yordt explained that multiple modes of communication are needed for disaster purposes, such as AM radios, further noting that an AM radio station has the capability of providing information to residents and is frequently used as an emergency preparedness tool.
Folling brief discussion, 1) Council Member Rogers a) noted that the increase of funds in the amount of $20,000 for the addition of a drone show and $50,000 for the City FIFA World Cup Watch Party are only proposed increases at this time, further suggesting that the City find sponsors to offset the costs; b) stated that the City Council made a commitment to voters that the Measure L tax is a “generational tax”, further explaining that the strategy is to put funds aside each year to ensure there is revenue in the reserve to offset a deficit; and c) suggested the City meet with SEAACA relative to the services provided to the residents, further explaining that he has received complaints from residents regarding the services; and 2) Council Member Arellano a) thanked Director Gomez for his work; and b) stated that SEAACA has a new Executive Director, further suggesting the City meet with the Executive Director to express the concerns of the residents.
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Council Member Arellano, to 1) adopt the noted changes for inclusion into the City’s FY 2025-26 Revised Budget; and 2) direct staff to make all related adjustments to the City’s budget appropriations.
City Council Minutes
February 10, 2026
3.5 • FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-26 MIDYEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND ADJUSTMENTS AND PRESENTATION OF THE FY 2026-28 TWO-YEAR BUDGET PREPARATION CALENDAR - Continued
For the record, relative to the motion on the floor, Vice Mayor Wood requested the word “drone” be excluded from the proposed semi-quincentennial celebration event.
Following brief discussion, Council Member Croft amended his original motion, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt the noted changes for inclusion into the City’s FY 2025-26 Revised Budget, excluding the word “drone” from the proposed semi-quincentennial celebration event in the amount of $20,000; and 2) direct staff to make all adjustments to the City’s budget appropriations:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
For the record and without objection, Mayor Chase recessed the meeting at 9:31 p.m. for a brief break.
For the record, Vice Mayor Wood reconvened the meeting at 9:37 p.m. with all members present.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
John Paul Drayer, expressed concerns relative to the protocols and declining enrollment of the Bellflower Unified School District.
Daphne Bell, resident, 1) submitted written materials for the record; and 2) expressed public safety concerns in the vicinity of the Los Coyotes Diagonal, stating a) “youth bike groups” have congregated in the area and have created public nuisances, noting that this has intimidated residents in the nearby area; b) youth often visit the area and do not pick up their trash, so residents have begun picking up the trash to keep the area clean and wellmaintained; c) the gate located at the end of the Los Coyotes Diagonal allows residents to enter and exit the walking trail; however, youth have utilized this as an “escape” from law enforcement, further suggesting that a “turn-style” gate be implemented to prevent bicycles from entering and exiting; and d) since the City does not have a designated area for youth to ride their bicycles, it allows for the “youth bike groups” to congregate in certain areas of the City, further suggesting that the City look into implementing a skate park at one of the established parks within the City to alleviate the concerns.
In response to questions and comments provided by Daphne Bell, Vice Mayor Wood suggested she speak with Director of Public Works Pickler regarding her concerns.
City Council Minutes
February 10, 2026
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Continued
Courtnie Belot, resident, expressed public health and safety concerns in the vicinity of Palo Verde Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard relative to a “feral cat colony” in the nearby flood control channel, stating 1) feral cats urinate and defecate on the front yards of nearby residences which causes odors and the inability to open windows for ventilation; 2) dead rodents are brought into yards and have created the presence of coyotes; 3) her young son was scratched and infected by a feral cat, further noting that she has installed “humane deterrents” to alleviate the issue, such as motion sensors and water sprayers, but it has not helped; and 4) she has contacted the City and Los Angeles County Public Health Department but has yet to find a resolution.
In response to questions and comments provide by Courtnie Belot, Vice Mayor Wood suggested she speak with Deputy City Manager Beltran regarding her concerns.
For the record, the following individuals addressed the City Council relative to their concerns regarding the use of Flock cameras and the presence and actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the City and throughout the Country: 1) Kathy Davis; 2) Heather Rodriguez; 3) Maegan Moo; 4) Pam Woody; 5) Simone Venhardt; 6) Kimberly Esslinger; and 7) Matthew Mikouri.
. . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Vice Mayor Wood adjourned the meeting at 10:11 p.m. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Chief David Fender and Samuel B. Johnson.
Respectfully submitted,
Dakota Wallace, CMC
City Clerk