Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
August 11, 2026
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:31 p.m. by Mayor Wood in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Dr. Fardad Mogharabi, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of Lakewood
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Girl Scout Troop 70233
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Jeff Wood
Vice Mayor David Arellano
Council Member Cassandra Chase
Council Member Todd Rogers
Council Member Rudy Villarreal
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS IN THE AGENDA – None
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Wood 1) recognized Mary Alonzo on her 101
st birthday, noting that he and
Vice Mayor Arellano had the opportunity to join Senior Center staff and residents in celebrating her; 2) reported on his attendance at a) Lemonade Day held on August 1, 2026, expressing appreciation to the Lakewood Jaycees for organizing the event and providing young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to operate a business and raise funds for charities of their choice; b) Lakewood Youth Sports Awards Ceremony and Team Day; and c) National Night Out, further thanking members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Public Safety staff for their participation; and 3) congratulated newly promoted Captain Juan Briseno of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station.
Council Member Rogers 1) congratulated Captain Briseno on his promotion to Captain of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station; 2) recognized the outgoing commissioners and expressed appreciation for their longstanding commitment to the City; and 3) highlighted significant arrests made by the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, further expressing gratitude for the Sheriff’s Department’s hard work and dedication to the City.
City Council Minutes
August 11, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS – Continued
Council Member Villarreal 1) reported on his attendance at the a) Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board (SELACO WDB) meeting, noting that he had the opportunity to showcase SELACO’s work to State Senator Perez; b) Rotary Club of Lakewood and Project Shepherd’s annual summer backpack giveaway assembly; c) F&M Bank’s 60
th anniversary event; and
d) Lemonade Day; and 2) highlighted that he met with State Senator Gonzalez and Assembly Member Solache to discuss community priorities and visions for the future.
Council Member Chase 1) thanked the Lakewood/Long Beach Soroptimist International Club for its work in supporting women in the community and region; 2) highlighted Lemonade Day, describing the event as a testament to the leadership within the community and expressed appreciation to the Lakewood Jaycees for organizing the event; and 3) recognized the outgoing commissioners for their service to the City.
Vice Mayor Arellano 1) expressed appreciation to City staff and the Sheriff’s Department for their continued efforts to keeping the community safe and clean; 2) highlighted recent events organized by the Recreation and Community Services Department, noting that he received numerous compliments from residents and looks forward to future community events; and 3) shared his pride in his daughters for their accomplishments.
For the record, Mayor Wood introduced Captain Briseno, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, who provided a verbal report pertaining to Part 1 crimes.
Following discussion, 1) Council Member Rogers reiterated his appreciation for the work of the Sheriff’s Department; 2) Council Member Chase expressed appreciation for the work of the Sheriff’s Department, emphasizing that crime has decreased in certain areas; 3) Vice Mayor Arellano noted that Lakewood Center has been busier than in years past which may explain the slight increase in crime in the subject area; 4) Council Member Villarreal stated that the City Council is supportive of the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts, and expressed desire to see crime decrease around the Lakewood Center; and 5) City Manager McCormack explained that while crime has slightly increased, it is increasing at a slower rate than in previous years.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
It was moved by Vice Mayor Arellano, seconded by Council Member Chase, and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of the actions stipulated on the Routine Items:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Rogers, Villarreal, Arellano, Chase, and Mayor Wood
City Council Minutes
August 11, 2026
ROUTINE ITEMS – Continued
RI-1. Approval of Meeting Minutes held July 14 and July 28, 2026 RI-2. Approval of Personnel Transactions Report
RI-3. Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4. Approval of Quarterly Schedule of Investments
RI-5. Approval of Monthly Report of Investment Transactions RI-6. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-40 – A Resolution to vacate a portion of Cover Street located at Conant Street – It is recommended City Council adopt the proposed Resolution.
RI-7. Approval of Water Main Easement Grant Deed for 3420-3470 Conant Street RI-8. Approval of Resolution Nos. 2026-41 Through 2026-48 – Resolutions authorizing the destruction of obsolete City records more than two years old in accordance with State Law – It is recommended City Council adopt the proposed Resolutions.
RI-9. Approval of Notice of Completion – Drilling, Construction, Development, and Testing of Well 22B and Demolition of Well 22A – Public Works Project 25-04
RI-10. Approval of Adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration for Lakewood Civic Center Corner Lot Development
RI-11. Approval of Changes in The Right of Way – Removal of Caution Driveways Signage on Adenmoor Avenue at Rocket Street; Modifications to Curve Warning Signage Along South Street East of Bellflower Boulevard; And Changes to Lane Striping on Candlewood Street at Bellflower Boulevard RI-12. Approval of Notice of Completion – Highway Safety Improvement Program Traffic Signals, 12 Locations, State Funds – Public Works Project No. 2024- 01 RI-13. Approval of Purchase of Stacking Chairs for Mayfair Park RI-14. Approval of Water Rate Study
RI-15. Approval of Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference
City Council Minutes
August 11, 2026
1.1 COLLECTION OF NUISANCE ABATEMENT COSTS FOR 5557 GONDAR AVENUE. [Continued from July 14, 2026]
Mayor Wood introduced the item.
Director of Community Development Cervantes 1) provided a verbal report of the Agenda report; and 2) along with Deputy City Attorney Skolnik, responded to Council Members’ questions and comments.
Following brief discussion, Mayor Wood opened the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on the matter.
For the record, City Clerk Wallace stated that no members of the public participating remotely wished to address the City Council on this matter.
There being no one in the audience wishing to address the City Council on the matter, Mayor Wood closed the public hearing at 8:11 p.m.
At the request of Vice Mayor Arellano, 1) Director Cervantes confirmed that a) staff work with property owners to achieve compliance prior to placing a lien on a property; and b) liens are collected upon the sale or transfer of property; and 2) Deputy City Attorney Skolnik confirmed that the property owner was aware of the Public Hearing and is not in attendance.
For the record, Council Member Rogers explained that Code Enforcement violations are often the result of complaints from neighbors, noting that the City approaches these matters with compassion and works with property owners to address concerns while ensuring they have the opportunity for due process; however, the City has a responsibility to preserve the quality of life and protect the well-being of all residents.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Vice Mayor Arellano, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-39 ordering the costs of abatement to be assessed as a lien for $4,890 against the parcel of land commonly known as 5557 Gondar Avenue, Lakewood, California:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Rogers, Villarreal, Arellano, Chase, and Mayor Wood
City Council Minutes
August 11, 2026
1.2 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF DC FAST CHARGING STATIONS.
For the record, 1) Mayor Wood introduced the item; and 2) Director of Public Works Pickler provided a verbal report of the Agenda report.
Following brief discussion, Mayor Wood opened the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on the matter.
For the record, City Clerk Wallace stated that no members of the public participating remotely wished to address the City Council on this matter.
There being no one in the audience wishing to address the City Council on the matter, Mayor Wood closed the public hearing at 8:17 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Vice Mayor Arellano, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 2026-49 – A Resolution approving findings pursuant to California Government Code Section 4217 for energy-related improvements at the Nixon Maintenance Yard and authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements for the purchase and installation of DC Fast Charging stations and making related findings and determinations; 2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-49; 3) authorize the City Manager to enter into an energy services agreement in the amount of $173,817 from the AB 2766 Air Quality Improvement fund with Baker Electric & Renewables for installation of the charging stations at Nixon Yard, in a form approved by the City Attorney; 4) authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Charge Harbor in the amount of $86,279 from the AB 2766 Air Quality Improvement Fund for the purchase of two ChargePoint Express 250 DC Fast Charging stations, including software support, activation, and warranty services, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 5) authorize a project contingency from the AB 2766 Air Quality Improvement Fund in the amount of $25,000:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Rogers, Villarreal, Arellano, Chase, and Mayor Wood
2.1 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-50 – A RESOLUTION APPROVING
APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COMMISSIONS.
For the record, 1) Mayor Wood introduced the item; and 2) City Clerk Wallace called for appointments to the City’s Commissions.
City Council Minutes
August 11, 2026
2.1 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-50 – A RESOLUTION APPROVING
APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COMMISSIONS – Continued
COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMISSION
Dave Smith by Council Member Rogers
Vinh Do by Council Member Villarreal
Juan Gonzalez by Vice Mayor Arellano
Armando Reyes Jr. by Council Member Chase
Catherine Tolentino by Mayor Wood
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
Georgia Mattera by Council Member Rogers
Terry Cole by Council Member Villarreal
Jerry Rowland by Vice Mayor Arellano
Jeremy Ancalade by Council Member Chase
Diego Garcia-Salas by Mayor Wood
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
Bert Johnson by Council Member Rogers
Eddie Witt by Council Member Villarreal
Jessica Allen by Vice Mayor Arellano
Dr. Shanetta Weatherspoon by Council Member Chase
Dave Allen by Mayor Wood
For the record, Vice Mayor Arellano recognized the outgoing commissioners and expressed appreciation for their longstanding commitment to the City.
It was moved by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Council Member Villarreal, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-50:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Rogers, Villarreal, Arellano, Chase, and Mayor Wood
2.2 APPOINTMENT OF MEASURE L CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
For the record, 1) Mayor Wood introduced the item; and 2) Deputy City Manager Beltran provided a verbal report of the item.
City Council Minutes
August 11, 2026
2.2 APPOINTMENT OF MEASURE L CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEMBERS – Continued
It was moved by Council Member Villarreal, seconded by Council Member Chase, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) approve the appointments of Joy Janes, Crystal Cantu, and Jose Lugo to the Measure L Citizens Oversight Committee; and 2) approve the amendments to the Committee’s bylaws:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Rogers, Villarreal, Arellano, Chase, and Mayor Wood
3.1 APPOINTMENTS TO GOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS,
ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEES.
For the record, 1) Mayor Wood introduced the item; and 2) City Manager McCormack provided a verbal report of the item.
Following discussion, it was moved by Vice Mayor Arellano, seconded by Council Member Rogers, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the proposed appointments:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Rogers, Villarreal, Arellano, Chase, and Mayor Wood
3.2 ADOPTION OF THE LAKEWOOD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC PLAN.
Mayor Wood introduced the item.
Director of Community Development Cervantes 1) provided a verbal report of the Agenda report; 2) introduced John Keisler, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Member, Sunstone Management, Inc., who provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Agenda report; and 3) along with City Manager McCormack, responded to Council Members’ questions and comments.
Following discussion, 1) Vice Mayor Arellano expressed support for the proposed Economic Development Strategic Plan (Plan), stating that it would assist the City with growth and help fill vacant business properties; 2) Council Member Chase expressed support for the proposed Plan; 3) Council Member Rogers a) stated that he is proud that the City is business-friendly, explaining that it is frustrating when properties remain vacant; however, the City does not have control over a landlord’s choice of tenant; and b) thanked staff for their work in maintaining quality customer service; and 4) Council Member Villarreal expressed support for the proposed Plan and encouraged residents to view it.
City Council Minutes
August 11, 2026
3.2 ADOPTION OF THE LAKEWOOD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC PLAN – Continued
For the record, Mayor Wood 1) requested the Plan be made available on the City’s website; and 2) without objection, requested that the proposed Economic Development Task Force Working Group (Task Force) a) consist of no more than sixteen members; b) meet at least quarterly; and c) provide reports to the City Council.
At the request of Mayor Wood, City Manager McCormack 1) confirmed that the Plan would be made available on the City’s website; and 2) explained that staff will bring forward proposed appointees and a draft scope of work for the Task Force at a future meeting for City Council consideration.
For the record, Council Member Rogers 1) stated, without objection, that details related to the proposed Task Force would be reviewed by the Economic Development Committee, consisting of Council Member Chase and himself, before returning to the City Council for consideration.; and 2) clarified that the proposed Task Force is a non-Brown Act working group.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Chase, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt the Lakewood Economic Development Strategic Plan (2025-2030); 2) direct the Community Development Department to use the Strategic Plan as the guiding framework for setting priorities, developing programs, implementing the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), and reporting on performance over the next five years; and 3) direct staff to return at the next City Council meeting with appointments for the Economic Development Task Force Working Group:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Rogers, Villarreal, Arellano, Chase, and Mayor Wood
LAKEWOOD HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY
1 REGISTER OF DEMANDS
It was moved by Council Member Rogers, seconded by Vice Mayor Arellano, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the register of demands:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS – Rogers, Villarreal, Arellano, Chase, and Mayor Wood
City Council Minutes
August 11, 2026
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Susan Singer, resident, 1) requested that Kay Ewing Donato, resident, be allowed to speak on her behalf; 2) explained that she had conducted research on Robert’s Rules of Order to identify suggestions that may help reduce stress and assist speakers with disabilities in communicating more effectively; 3) stated that she learned the City Council has researched the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that ADA-related recommendations may take precedence over Robert’s Rules of Order, subject to the discretion of the City Council, further encouraging the City Council to consider implementing the suggestions discussed and to further clarify equity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities; and 4) acknowledged and thanked the City for its efforts to accommodate residents with disabilities.
Philip Norris, resident, 1) requested that the City provide more quantitative measures and analysis in its reports and discussions; 2) questioned how frequently residents are reporting issues compared to how many issues the City has identified or addressed, further requesting that the City conduct additional analysis to determine how enforcement and services can be applied equitably across all communities; 3) expressed concerns about the City’s definition and enforcement of commercial vehicles, noting that the City’s definition does not appear to include the additional allowance for mirrors permitted under state law; 4) explained that the City’s ordinance concerning residential trash containers specifies that residents use twenty to forty gallon containers; however, many residents, including himself, use the green trash containers provided by EDCO; 5) requested quantitative analysis regarding the City’s response to homelessness, including information concerning the thirty-three dedicated homeless services employees; and 6) suggested the City communicate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department regarding access routes to areas north of Carson Street to ensure safety personnel are aware of the most appropriate routes.
Cindy Ehuan-Aila, resident, 1) submitted written materials for the record; and 2) expressed concerns regarding code enforcement and privacy compliance for the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) located at 11868 209th Street.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Wood adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m. to Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
Dakota Wallace, CMC
City Clerk