City Manager's Report

MAY 2026

40th Annual Cinco De Mayo parade and celebration

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 40th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival! From the colorful parade entries and amazing performances to the delicious food and community spirit, this year's event was one to remember.

We are so thankful for our participants, performers, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and everyone who came out to celebrate and support this long-standing Gardena tradition.

Thank you to our participants, performers, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and everyone who came out to celebrate and support this long-standing Gardena tradition.

Memorial Day Celebration

Our community came together at Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Thank you to all who attended.

kids to park day Pop-UPs

We loved seeing so many families come together across Gardena for our Kids to Park Day Pop-Ups!

It was a day filled with laughter, play, discovery, and unforgettable memories in our beautiful neighborhood parks.

Willows Scavenger Hunt

Families joined us at the Willows Wetland Preserve for a morning of exploration, discovery, and outdoor fun during our Scavenger Hunt event!

Participants searched for hidden clues, created nature-inspired crafts, won prizes, and learned more about the incredible wildlife and habitat right here in Gardena.

healthy pet clinic

From vaccinations and pet licensing to dental cleanings and spay/neuter services, the Healthy Pet Clinic helped keep Gardena's furry friends happy and healthy!

The excitement didn't stop there—our World Cup Pawsport Stop brought out some incredible pet outfits as cats and dogs proudly represented their favorite countries and soccer-inspired styles.

Mother’s Day Brunch Paint & Sip

What a beautiful way to celebrate Mother's Day! Thank you to everyone who joined us at Rowley Park for an afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, music, and special memories.

From stunning paintings and delicious refreshments to live entertainment and exciting raffles, the event was a wonderful celebration of the amazing mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and loved ones in our community.

PACFEST

We had an amazing time at PACFEST 2026, a vibrant celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander traditions.

From the incredible cultural performances and live music to the delicious food vendors, unique merchandise, and family-friendly activities, the day was filled with energy, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Boys to Men Workshop

Thank you to all of the young men, mentors, speakers, volunteers, and community partners who joined us for this year's Boys to Men Workshop!

The evening was filled with meaningful conversations, valuable life lessons, leadership activities, networking opportunities, and plenty of fun.

Together, we created a space where young men could connect, learn, grow, and gain confidence as they continue their journey into adulthood.

Sounds & Bites

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Sounds & Bites Summer Series event!

From delicious food truck favorites and unique local vendors to great music and community fun, Gardena Boulevard was filled with smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

City Clerk's Week

The City Clerk's Office welcomed City Staff to celebrate City Clerk's Week with some sweet, and some sour treats.

We all enjoyed celebrating the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week!

Transportation

Line G to Manhattan Beach

GTrans is happy to announce that Line G service to Manhattan Beach is back! Line G will operate from June 13 through September 5, running Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9am to 6pm, providing convenient and free transportation to Manhattan beach throughout the summer. Visit RideGTrans.com/Line G to learn more.

Gold Award for Bus Security Excellence

GTrans received the Gold Award for Bus Security Excellence from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), recognizing the agency’s outstanding commitment to safety and security.

The award is part of APTA’s Bus Safety, Security, Emergency Management, and Safe, Effective, and Clean Transit Excellence Awards program, which honors transit agencies that demonstrate measurable success in advancing safety and security initiatives.

2026 International Bus Roadeo

GTrans was represented at the 2026 International Bus Roadeo in Salt Lake City, where bus operators and maintenance professionals from across North America demonstrated their skills in driving, safety, and technical repair challenges.

GTrans participants showcased the professionalism, dedication, and expertise that help keep public transportation safe, reliable, and efficient every day. GTrans extends its appreciation to all operators, maintenance personnel, supervisors, and support staff whose commitment to safety and service excellence made these achievements possible.

Metro’s On the Move Riders Program

During a guided visit to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, participants learned how to navigate the transit system, plan trips, pay fares, and transfer between GTrans and Metro services.

The program provides seniors with practical tools and hands-on experience to support independent travel and improve access to destinations throughout the region.

Police DEPARTMENT

South Bay Medal of Valor

The South Bay Police & Fire Memorial Foundation held its 50th annual Medal of Valor Ceremony honoring the very best in public safety service throughout the South Bay. We are proud to share that Gardena Police Department’s own Officer Laurent Hentges was awarded the prestigious Sustained Superiority Award — a recognition reserved for individuals who consistently perform at an exceptional level and make a lasting impact on the profession.

For more than a decade, Officer Hentges has quietly dedicated himself to making officers safer, better prepared, and more professional in the field. From defensive tactics and use-of-force instruction to mentoring new officers and training law enforcement personnel across California and internationally, his influence reaches far beyond the City of Gardena. In 2025 alone, Officer Hentges spent over 150 hours training Gardena PD personnel while continuing his patrol duties, SWAT responsibilities, and academy instruction. His work has directly contributed to improved officer readiness, reduced injuries, better decision-making, and safer outcomes for both officers and the community.

What makes Officer Hentges truly special is his humility and commitment to the craft. He has never sought recognition or praise — only the satisfaction of knowing his training helped another officer safely resolve a critical incident. Officer Hentges represents the very best of Gardena PD and modern policing: professionalism, discipline, innovation, and service above self. Please join us in congratulating Officer Laurent Hentges on this well-deserved honor.

Remembering our Fallen

We came together alongside the Law Enforcement United riders to honor and remember three fallen members of the Gardena Police Department who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the Gardena community.

We proudly remember Donald Bacon (EOW 1956), Robert Melton (EOW 2003), and Toshio Hirai (EOW 2018). Their service, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Thank you to the Law Enforcement United riders for standing with us as we continue to honor their legacy.

Employee Appreciation Day

The Gardena Police Department came together for our 2026 Employee Appreciation Day — and it was a reminder of what makes this department so special.

We also had the honor of recognizing several outstanding employees, including our Officer of the Year. Their hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to the community represent the very best of Gardena PD.

Happy Correctional Officers Week & National Police Week

Happy Correctional Officers Week to all Correctional Officers who work tirelessly to maintain safety, order, and security every day. Your commitment does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate the sacrifices you make in service to your communities.

We recognize and thank the men and women who serve behind the walls with professionalism, strength, and dedication.

During National Police Week, we recognize the men and women of the Gardena Police Department who proudly serve this city every day.

Coffee with a Cop at Target

Great conversations, hot coffee, and strong community connections at Coffee with a Cop at Target. Events like these remind us of what policing is really about; being present, listening, shaking hands, and building relationships with the people we serve every day.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to talk with our officers, share concerns, ask questions, or simply say hello. Special thank you to Target for hosting us this morning and helping bring the community together.

Happy Mother's Day from PD

Behind every strong officer, detective, records clerk, and staff member… is a mom who helped shape who we are. The lessons, strength, patience, and love our mothers gave us continue to guide us every day, both in uniform and at home.

Public Works

EV Chargers

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the new EV Chargers at the parking lot adjacent to the Police Department on 162nd Street.

Shine Gardena

The cleanup event was held on May 2, 2026, with volunteers and city staff cleaning graffiti and stickers on light poles, streetlights, bus benches, signs, etc.

Oil Filter Exchange

Gardena residents who brought in a used filter were eligible for a voucher to receive a new filter and/or motor oil change kit.

The event was held at AutoZone on May 2, 2026.

Tire Recycling

The tire recycling event was held on May 9, 2026, at Rowley Park.

Approximately 150 residents disposed of used tires.

Wayfinding Signs

Wayfinding signs on southbound Western Avenue near 162nd Street.

CIP Progress

Senior Aquatics Center

Front desk area of the senior center building.

Outdoor exercise area with landscaping.

Nakaoka Community Center Electrical System & Civic Center Outdoor Lighting Upgrades

New transformer installation and Installation of electrical appurtenances.

Pedestrian Safety Improvement

Remediation of sidewalk to fix tripping hazards and remediation of curb ramps near Mas Fukai Park to meet ADA Standards.

City Message Board at 162nd & Western

Excavation of message board footing and placing reinforcements and pouring of the concrete footing of the future city message board.

Annual Sewer Improvements

Cleaning and video work.

Lining of sewers.