Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
April 28, 2026
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:31 p.m. by Mayor Chase in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION
was offered by Dr. Fardad Mogharabi, Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Lakewood
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
was led by Girl Scouts 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 1) provided details relative to the traffic calming pilot program installed on Studebaker Road near Rynerson park, explaining a) the program is the result of an extensive study, including a traffic calming evaluation, which was driven by ongoing concerns of speeding, unsafe driving and pedestrian access in the area; and b) temporary materials have been utilized to evaluate how it functions, further noting that staff have been on-site monitoring the conditions to determine if modifications are needed; 2) highlighted that three hundred volunteers participated in the 29th Annual Lakewood Volunteer Day; 3) recognized Lakewood resident, Aida Lansangan, on her 100th birthday; 4) reported on her attendance at the a) Lakewood Youth Sports Coaches Recognition event; b) YMCA Youth in Government Recognition event; and c) Cal Cities Leaders Summit; and 5) noted that as the President of the Cal Cities Women’s Caucus, she hosted a conversation on childcare as infrastructure.
Vice Mayor Wood 1) recognized Norma Lopez as this year’s Older Adult Volunteer of the Year; 2) noted that he joined Council Member Arellano in presenting a certificate to City of Paramount’s Mayor, Brenda Olmos, for her year as President of the California Contract Cities Association; 3) highlighted the grand opening of Zoo Spicy Bistro located at 2450 E.
Carson Street; 4) reported on his attendance at the a) Volunteer Day work sites; b) Volunteer Day Application Luncheon; c) Aida Lansangan’s 100th birthday party; d) Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS) Coaches Recognition; and e) Water Walk Event held at Lakewood High School; 5) stated that the last home game for the Lakewood High School baseball team will be held on May 5, 2026, further noting that this will be the last game for long-time Coach Spud O’Neil; and 6) recognized Deputy City Manger Beltran for being selected by California State University Long Beach as a “49 under 49” honoree which is a City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
prestigious award that recognizesthe dedication, excellence and impact of alumni through their professional achievements.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS - Continued
Council Member Croft reported on his attendance at the OneLegacy Donate Life Run/Walk event held on April 25, 2026.
Council Member Rogers 1) provided details relative to the traffic calming pilot program installed on Studebaker Road near Rynerson park, stating a) traffic safety is a top concern amongst the residents; b) the City is required to meet the State of California traffic requirements; c) temporary materials have been utilized with the intent to monitor and evaluate its function, further thanking staff for their efforts on the implementation and evaluation of the program; 2) stated he is aware of the increased number of “youth bike mobs” in the community, noting that the City is developing strategies and implementing measures to alleviate the issues; 3) highlighted that Goodwill will be opening at the former Joann Fabrics & Crafts store located on Lakewood Boulevard and Candlewood Street; 4) explained that the City is bound by state law with regard to the building of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs); however, the City is continuing to work on minimizing the impacts of ADUs; and 5) noted that the demolition and remediation on Lakewood Boulevard and South Street has begun.
Council Member Arellano 1) commended staff for their efforts on the future development on Lakewood Boulevard and South Street; and 2) reiterated that he is aware of the increased number of “youth bike mobs” in the community, further encouraging residents to contact the City and/or law enforcement if an incident occurs.
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, 2026, to March 31, 2026.
At the request of Council Member Rogers and Council Member Arellano, Captain Holguin 1) confirmed that there is a shortage of Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies at the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station; however, academy classes are fully funded and eighteen trainees recently filled vacant positions at the station; 2) stated that Deputies are mandated to work six overtime shifts per month; 3) explained that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is working with the City Manager, Director of Public Safety, District Attorney, and School Districts in the City of Lakewood on enforcement of the youth bicycle mobs, noting that an education campaign will be conducted; and 4) confirmed that he will look into the possibility of beautifying the lobby at the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station. . . .
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS IN THE AGENDA - None
. . .
ROUTINE ITEMS:
It was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of the actions stipulated on City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
the Routine Items:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase ROUTINE ITEMS - Continued
RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meetings held March 24 and April 14, 2026 RI-2 Approval of Personnel Transactions
RI-3 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Approval of City Council Committees’ Activities
RI-5 Approval of Meeting Reports and Authorizations Pursuant to AB1234 RI-6 Approval of Monthly Report of Investment Transactions – March 2026 RI-7 Approval of Quarterly Schedule of Investments – As of March 31, 2026 RI-8 Approval of Justice Assistance Grant Program Funding Application RI-9 Approval of Proposal for Pavement Management Services with Bucknam Infrastructure Group Inc.
. . .
2.1 • SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-4;
AMENDING THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO PROVISIONS FOR THRIFT STORES AND AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 3
ARTICLE IX (DEFINITIONS) INCLUDING AN EXEMPTION FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(b)(3)
Deputy City Attorney Skolnik introduced the item.
For the record, Council Member Arellano reiterated that the City does not have the authority to prevent a thrift store from opening next to an established thrift store, further stating that though residents may not favor a specific business opening at a location, the occupancy of a vacant building can prevent homelessness.
Following discussion, it was moved by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Rogers, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-4:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
3.1 • QUARTERLY BUDGET REPORT OF MAJOR FUNDS – AS OF MARCH 31, 2026
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Gomez provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report.
For the record, Council Member Arellano expressed gratitude for the work conducted by staff.
For the record, and without objection, the report was received and filed. . . .
3.2 • AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL CONTRACT AUTHORITY AND APPROPRIATION
OF GENERAL FUNDS FOR BLOOMFIELD PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS (PW 2024-04)
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Public Works Pickler provided a verbal report of the Agenda report.
For the record, Council Member Croftstated that the Capital Improvement Program Committee recommended approval of the additional contract authority and appropriation of general funds for Bloomfield Playground Improvements.
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Croft, seconded by Vice Mayor Wood, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) appropriate $110,000 in General Fundsto support the additional work; and 2) authorize an increase in contract authority for Public Works Contract No. 2024-04 with Micon Construction Inc. in the amount of $171,734 and authorize staff to execute the change order for removal and replacement of the existing poured-in-place rubberized surfacing at Rynerson Playground:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
3.3 • PAN AM FIESTA PREVIEW
Mayor Chase introduced the item.
Director of Recreation and Community Services Frost provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report.
For the record, and without objection, the report was received and filed. . . .
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
LAKEWOOD HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY
1 • REGISTER OF DEMANDS
It was moved by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Council Member Arellano, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the register of demands:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Wood, Croft, Arellano, Rogers, and Mayor Chase . . .
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Mary Alice McLocghlin, resident, and Jamie Tarantini, resident, spoke regarding feral cat concerns and requested that the City of Lakewood 1) fund a voucher program for residents to get cats spayed and 2) support trap-neuter-return programs that some residents were currently organizing and funding themselves.
In response to the comments provided by Mary Alice McLocghlin and Jamie Tarantini, Mayor Chase suggested they speak with Deputy City Manager Beltran.
Ben Chavez, resident, 1) expressed gratitude for new crosswalks; 2) shared his concerns regarding traffic and parking in his neighborhood; 3) discussed speed bumps in Long Beach; and 4) inquired about trash and water for ADUs.
In response to the comments provided by Ben Chavez, Mayor Chase suggested he speak with Public Works Director Pickler.
Philip Norris, resident, 1) discussed street sweeping citations; 2) suggested law enforcement utilize residential security cameras; 3) inquired about a handicap ramp at Carson Street and the 605 freeway; and 4) noted that feral cats helped lower rat populations.
In response to the comments provided by Philip Norris, Mayor Chase suggested he speak with Public Safety Director Yordt.
. . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Chase adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Isabelle Schultz, CMC
Assistant City Clerk