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City Manager's report

March 2026

2026 State of the City

Residents, local leaders, and other community members were among some of the attendees at the event on March 12, 2026.
The event brought together not only the residents but all those who work together to serve the Gardena community.
A special thank you to the Recreation & Human Services Staff and Public Works who worked around the clock to make this event happen. 

Girl Boss Workshop

Current and future women leaders gathered at the Nakaoka Community Center to empower one another through games, networking, and mentorship.
This inspiring event empowers young women to tap into their inner girl boss, build confidence, and explore exciting career paths. Thank you to all of the mentors who attended.

50th Annual Koi Show

ZNA Southern California Chapter (ZNA SoCAL), which began in 1972, held their annual event here at City Hall.
Many of the members of this chapter have been keeping koi for over 50 years and have a wealth of information, experience, and expertise to share.
The event featured these beautiful fish, koi products, and pond products, in addition to the koi judging and auction.

36th Annual gardena Orchid Show

The Gardena Orchid Club held their annual show which featured orchid sales and information on how to care and grow your own.

Spring Equinox

We celebrated the beginning of Spring with tours and highlights of the Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve as well as vendor, kids’ activities, and more! It was a great time.

Creativity filled the air at the event this year.

Casino Night

We had a fantastic time at Casino Night at the Nakaoka Community Center. It was a great event with Casino fun that also benefited our Senior Services program. We appreciate everyone who participated.

Youth Spring Camp

Spring Youth and Volunteen Camp was a success!

The kiddos had a great time at the parks, going on trips, and all of the fun activities.

Youth Basketball awards banquet

To close out an amazing season, participants celebrated with trophies, friends, and fun.

Transportation

South bay cities council of GOVERNMENTS general assembly

At the South Bay Cities Council of Governments General Assembly, GTrans joined regional leaders to explore how major events and continued growth are shaping the future of the South Bay, especially when it comes to transportation.
GTrans was proud to be part of the conversation, sharing how transit plays a vital role in keeping the South Bay moving, connecting communities, supporting major events, and helping residents and visitors get where they need to go.

Bus Stop Upgrades pilot program

GTrans is excited to announce that as part of the Bus Stop Upgrades Pilot Project, new lighting and real-time arrival information have been installed at select stops to enhance customer experience.

Key Pilot Improvements: Lighting Improvements – Brighter, energy-efficient lighting will be installed at select stops to enhance safety and visibility for customers and Operators. Real-Time Arrival Displays – Digital displays will provide up-to-the-minute bus arrival information to help riders better plan their trips.

 

Feedback from customers is being collected during the pilot phase and will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of these upgrades and guide future improvements systemwide. Please visit RideGTrans.com/BusStops for more information.

TRANSIT EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY

GTrans celebrated National Transit Employee Appreciation Day.
Employees received some luxurious chocolates to mark the special occasion and thank them for all their hard work.

Gardena Police DepartmenT

Baker to Vegas

The Gardena Police Department Baker to Vegas Run Team competed in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay, one of the toughest law enforcement relay races in the world.

Starting in Baker, California and ending in Las Vegas, Nevada, law enforcement officers from around the globe battle it out every Spring for the chance of winning the coveted cup trophy.

The team trained hard for months, pushing through early mornings and long miles to represent the department and our city.

120 miles of pavement, 20 stages, over 10,000 runners, guests, family members, and support staff.

Gardena PD worked hard and earned the coveted Baker to Vegas mug!

Officer Jonathan Barco

Please join us in welcoming our newest member of the Gardena Police Department family, Officer Jonathan Barco.
Over the coming months, he will be working alongside  Field Training Officers as he learns the streets, the people, and the proud traditions of the Gardena Police Department. We are proud to have Officer Barco join the team and look forward to the positive impact he will make in our community.

Denker avenue elementary visit

Students from Denker Elementary School got a special tour of the Police Station.
It was a blast showing them around and hanging out with such an awesome group.

Public Works.

Paper shredding event

Residents enjoyed the convenience of dropping off their confidential documents for safe and secure shredding.
More than 300 residents participated in this free event.
CIP PROJECT UPDATES

Gardena Aquatic & Senior Center Project

The pool was filled with water. Small details were added near the pool, and wood finishing work on the main building.

Artesia Boulevard Street Improvement

Configuration and activation of the traffic signal.
Mounting of the new Gardena street signs on signal pole arm.

Nakaoka Community Center Electrical System & Civic Center Outdoor Lighting Upgrades

Prepping of the new electrical equipment pad and trench excavation for the conduit runs.

Rowley Park Basketball Court Rehabilitation

Prep and painting of the basketball courts.

EV CHargers installation

18 EV chargers were installed at 1744 W. 162nd Street, in the lot just east of Justin Plaza (across from the Elks Lodge)

Wayfinding Entry Signs

Wayfinding Sign installed near Normandie and 162nd Street (across from Peary Middle School)