1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Emma Kelley, Parks and Recreation Director MEETING DATE: October 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Lomita Community Activities and Resources for Elders (Lomita CARES)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and File.
BACKGROUND
The City of Lomita is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging community for older adults. In response to feedback from residents and the growing needs of our senior population, staff has developed a new program geared toward the older adult population called the Lomita Community Activities and Resources for Elders, or Lomita CARES. Lomita CARES reflects the City’s commitment to offer community services to residents of all ages by connecting seniors to programs that promote wellness, social engagement, and accessibility to essential services.
DISCUSSION
In developing the Lomita CARES program, staff worked with the Parks and Recreation Commission to create a Senior Services Subcommittee comprised of two Commissioners. The Senior Services Subcommittee met with staff to discuss future programming items and contributed to the development of the Lomita CARES name.
Staff will begin promoting the new Lomita CARES offerings in our social media and newsletter outlets starting this season. These programs are designed for adults ages 55 and older. Below is a summary of the program lineup for the upcoming season.
Current and Upcoming Senior Activities
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 8a
2 • Badminton – Winter schedule coming soon. Stay active, meet new people and enjoy friendly matches. All skill levels are welcome.
• Balance & Memory – Winter schedule coming soon. A wellness class combining movement, brain games and mindfulness exercises.
• Cardio Salsa – Winter schedule coming soon. Latin-inspired dance fitness, including Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue, Line Dancing and Bachata. • Chair Yoga – Winter schedule coming soon. Flexibility, balance and strength with seated and standing poses. No floor work; chairs provided. • Gentle Yoga – Winter schedule coming soon. Learn postures, gentle stretches and breathing techniques.
• Lomita Good Timers – Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Tom Rico Center at Lomita Park. A social senior club with games, bingo, and conversation. For more information, contact Vicki at (310) 890-1831 or Sandy at (310) 953-5530.
New Programs Coming in Winter 2026
• Coffee, Crafts & Chat – Tuesdays, Jan. 6–Mar. 31, 2026 | 2–4 p.m. Bring your favorite craft, sip coffee, and connect with others.
• Blankets of Love – Wednesdays, Jan. 7–Apr. 1, 2026 | 2–4 p.m. Join the Blankets of Love South Bay group to knit and crochet baby blankets for newborns in need.
Alternative Programming
• Tax Services, Technology Help and Local Day Trips will also be introduced to support seniors in staying informed, connected, and active.
Lomita CARES Resources
• Dial-A-Ride – Affordable transportation for seniors and disabled residents within Lomita and to nearby destinations.
• Butterfli – Specialized transportation including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers.
• H.E.L.P. (Healthcare and Elder Law Program) – Counseling and referrals on healthcare, finances, and legal matters.
• Lomita Sheriff’s Station (Welfare Checks) – Free safety and wellness checks for residents ages 65+.
• Meals on Wheels – Fresh, nutritious meal delivery to homebound individuals. • Friendship Line – Free statewide phone service for adults 60+ and individuals with disabilities. Call (1-888-670-1360).
Through Lomita CARES, the City remains committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for our senior community. With a combination of wellness programs, social opportunities and essential resources, Lomita CARES helps seniors live vibrant and connected lives.
3 FISCAL IMPACT
Program costs for the current Fiscal Year are nominal and will be absorbed in the Parks and Recreation Department budget. For future fiscal years, staff will establish a separate Senior Services budget within the Parks and Recreation Department to support ongoing program development and sustainability. Some activities in the current year will be offset by program fees and sponsorships.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No. 3: Community Engagement & Communications - Building trust through open, inclusive communication.
OPTIONS
1. Receive and file.
Approved by:
______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
Emma Kelley, Parks and Recreation Director