1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Lina Hernandez, Assistant City Manager
MEETING DATE: August 19, 2025
SUBJECT: All Departments Monthly Report
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the monthly report.
BACKGROUND
Graffiti Removal Efforts Off to a Great Start
Last month, the City Council approved an agreement with Graffiti Protective Coatings (GPC) to provide graffiti removal services. Under the agreement, GPC conducts proactive patrols three days a week - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - and provides unlimited graffiti removals with focus on City-owned properties, right-of-way, and commercial corridors. In July alone, GPC removed graffiti at a total of 106 locations.
GPC has also provided the City with a dedicated hotline for residents to report graffiti.
The City is currently developing informational postcards for distribution in areas that are frequently targeted. This information will be shared across all of the City’s public outreach avenues to encourage community participation in keeping Lomita clean and welcoming.
Lomita to Host Area G Emergency Management Meeting
The City of Lomita will host the September monthly meeting of the Los Angeles County Office of Disaster Management, Area “G” South Bay Emergency Coordinators.
Representatives from various cities and public safety organizations will come together to discuss ongoing and future emergency preparedness efforts, address current challenges, and coordinate plans to enhance community safety and emergency response.
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7d
2 Addressing Homeless Encampments
Our Code Enforcement team has been actively monitoring and addressing homeless encampment issues citywide. A recent encampment on Oak Street in front of Smiths Cycle, where personal belongings blocked the storefront, was causing concerns for the business owners. The occupants—a male and female couple— briefly left but returned and set up further into the shopping center. Through coordination led by Lomita Code Enforcement, our partners at SBCCOG and the Lomita Sheriff Department were able to provide the individuals with resources. Members of the task force will continue to monitor the area.
Accepting Names for Lomita’s Military Banner Program
The City of Lomita is now accepting applications for the Military Banner Program, which honors current and former residents who have served or are currently serving in the United State Military. Established to recognize and celebrate the dedication and sacrifice of our local service members, the Military Banner Program displays personalized banners along city streets.This visible tribute serves to remind the community of the bravery and commitment of those who have defended our nation. Applications are accepted yearround; however, to ensure banner installation in time for Veterans Day, all submissions must be received by October 1.
Collaboration with SBCCOG on an Energy Resilience Action Plan As part of the South Bay Cities Council of Government‘s (SBCCOG) Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) program, Lomita was selected as one of a few cities to receive a free customized Energy Resilience Action Plan (ERAP) to support the City’s resilience goals. This initiative provides a tailored roadmap for both near-term and long-term energy resilience strategies including energy efficiency improvements, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and solar energy implementation. Building on the City’s existing facility equipment inventory, the ERAP report will incorporate additional climate vulnerability data to be used in a technical analysis, helping identify projects and potential funding sources. The report will also serve as a valuable tool for preparing grant applications.
The first phase involved gathering resident feedback through a survey. Lomita received 41 survey responses and the COG anticipates presenting the survey responses to staff by the end of this month. These efforts will also contribute to the City‘s point total for the South Bay Energy and Climate Recognition Program.
Caltrans’ PCH Street Rehabilitation Project
Caltrans has completed the Asphalt Concrete (AC) paving work along Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH). The remaining curb ramp landings cannot be finalized until Southern California Edison (SCE) relocates nearby utility boxes. While the request has been submitted to 3 SCE, a completion date has not yet been determined. Loop installation is anticipated to being in early September, followed by final striping to complete the project.
Fence Replacement Adjacent to Lomita Park Baseball Fields Complete
Public Works has replaced the fence along Walnut Street adjacent to the baseball fields at Lomita Park. This replacement will enhance safety, improve the park’s appearance, and ensure the fence meets current durability and accessibility standards.
Launch of the Lomita Sports Pass Program
The Lomita Sports Pass Program, which provides a $45 voucher to Lomita residents, officially opened for in-person sign-ups on Monday, August 4th at 9:00 AM. The launch was met with enthusiastic community response and excitement.
Many residents learned about the program through social media, word of mouth, and visits to Lomita Park. Thanks to this outreach and strong community interest, all 120 vouchers for the Fall Co-Ed Youth Flag Football and Volleyball programs were claimed by Thursday, August 7.
Legislative Advocacy
In July, the City sent five legislative letters, opposing SB 707, SB 16, and SB 79, and taking “oppose unless amended” positions on AB 1206 and AB 11. These bills address topics including public meeting requirements, homelessness mandates, housing near transit, preapproved housing plans, and the creation of a state-run housing authority.
Staff also participated in the “Crunch Time at the Capitol” webinar to review key bills expected to be on the CalCities agenda after the summer recess and has developed an Excel tracking sheet to monitor all current legislation, providing a comprehensive record of the City’s legislative efforts this year.
Quarterly Sales Tax Update
Lomita’s sales receipts from January through March were 8.5% higher than at the same period if 2024, or 7.7% higher excluding reporting anomalies. Growth was driven by multiple new businesses opening in general consumer goods, a surge is auto sales due to potential tariffs, and new dining options. Declines were seen in motor vehicle fuel consumption, building-construction due to a business closure, and several businessindustry categories amid economic challenges. Food and drug sales dipped slightly as consumers favor discount stores.
The City’s share of the countywide use tax pool increased 12.9%, with Measure L generating an additional $586,220. Meanwhile, taxable sales in Los Angeles County fell 4 1.6%, and the Southern California region remained flat. The complete HdL Companies summary is attached to this report.
Current Career Opportunities
The City is currently recruiting for the following positions:
• Human Resources Analyst
• PT Maintenance Aide in the Public Works Department
• PT Recreation Leader
• Water Service Technician I
• PT Water Service Trainee
• Community Safety Manager
Staffing
Julio Gonzalez accepted the position of Associate Engineer in the Public Works Department. He began his new position on July 14, 2025.
Julissa Monge was promoted to Recreation Coordinator in the Parks and Recreation Department. She began her new position on August 18, 2025.
Training
• The Public Works Streets, Parks, and Water Divisions attended Driver Safety Training on July 10, 2025. A JPIA-certified instructor conducted training. • Department Directors, Managers, and Supervisors attended a Personnel Issues refresher course on July 15, 2025. Some staff from neighboring agencies also participated. Mark Meyerhoff, a labor law attorney at Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, conducted training.
Annual Employee Appreciation Summer Luncheon
The annual staff “Happy New Fiscal Year” Bar-b-que was held on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Staff enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch, cold beverages, dessert, and a slide show featuring all employees, available for viewing on the City of Lomita’s Youtube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-zn6W9_JPM&t=16s.
Summer Special Events Recap
On July 11, we kicked off our summer concert series with Tiana y Su Nueva Era, which was well attended and received enthusiastic feedback from residents who enjoyed both the music and the band’s engaging community interaction.
On July 23, we hosted our first Movie Under the Stars, featuring the classic film Space Jam, providing a fun outdoor experience for families and community members. 5 Then, on August 5, we held our annual National Night Out at Lomita Park in partnership with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The event featured over 20 vendors, more than 20 classic cars, and live music by The Smokin’ 60s, creating a memorable evening for all who attended.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no financial implications resulting from this recommendation.
OPTIONS
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Upcoming Events List
2. HdL Sales Tax Report
Approved by: Prepared by:
_______________________ ______________________
Andrew Vialpando Lina Hernandez
City Manager Assistant City Manager
6 Attachment 1 – Special Events
August
Tues, Aug 19 City Council Meeting
Fri, Aug 22 Summer Concert, CH Front Lawn, 7pm
Sat, Aug 23 Lemmy Awards, Lomita Park, 1pm
Sat, Aug 23 Movies Under the Stars “ET”, CH Front Lawn, 8:30pm September
Mon, Sept 1 Labor Day – City Hall closed
Tues, Sept 2 City Council Meeting
Tues, Sept 16 City Council Meeting
Sat, Sept 20 Cornhole Tournament, Lomita Park, 10am-3pm Sat, Sept 27 Family Fun Day, LRRM, 11am-4pm
October
Wed, Oct 1 Coffee With a Cop, tentative
Wed, Oct 1 LAUSD’s “Walk and Roll” to School Day, details to follow Sat, Oct 4 Lomita Compost and Shredding Event
Oct 10-24 Halloween Home Decorating Contest
Tues, Oct 7 City Council Meeting
Tues, Oct 21 City Council Meeting
Oct 10 - 24 Halloween Home Decorating Contest
Fri, October 31 Halloween at Lomita Park
November
Tues, Nov 4 City Council Meeting
Tues, Nov 11 Veterans Day Ceremony, Veterans Park, 11am Wed, Nov 13 State of the City Luncheon
Thurs, Nov 14 Lomita Sheriff Station Anniversary Celebration Nov 21 – Dec 11 Holiday Home Decorating Contest
December
Fri, Dec 5 Annual Tree Lighting, Downtown Lomita, 5:30pm Sun, Dec 7 Railroad Museum’s Santa Event, 11am-3:30pm