City Manager's Report September 2024

Keep Gardena Beautiful Day

Every 3rd Saturday in September, you can find Gardena residents and staff all over Gardena, as they work together to keep their City Beautiful!

The 2024 Keep Gardena Beautiful Day event had over 500 registered participants and included 14 locations.

Keep Gardena Beautiful Day is made possible by generous donations from local businesses, grant funding, and countless hours of work from Public Works staff.

The event concluded over at Mas Fukai Park with lunch from Giuliano's and raffle prizes.

911 Commemoration Ceremony

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, residents, staff, and elected officials gathered on the City Hall Lawn to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the devastating terrorist attacks that took place twenty-three years ago.

The Gardena Police Department's Honor Guard presented colors at the beginning of the ceremony and lowered the flag to half-staff.

Mayor Cerda stressed the importance of commemorating this day and Chief Saffell recognized all of the Southbay residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Residents and City staff look on as the commemoration ceremony took place.

14th Annual Food Wine & Brew Festival

The Gardena Food Wine & Brew event is always one of the best events of the year. All proceeds go to the Senior Citizens Bureau and Alzheimer's Support Program.

This event showcased tastings of delicious food, fine wines, and craft brews!

Those who attended enjoyed live musical performances by DW3, Elemental Funk, the Eagles Ronstadt Experience, and music by Mr. Quick.

Movie Night Under the Stars

Disney's Encanto took center stage at the Night Under the Stars event.

And of course, snacks were served!

Employee Recognition Day

The 2024 Employee Recognition Day was an Olympic themed masterpiece.

Awards were given for games to the best dressed departments and game winners received prizes.

Employees were recognized for their years of service.

But it was the food served by Department Heads and Supervisors that truly stole the show.

Citizens Leadership Academy

Participants of The Citizens Leadership Academy heard from Administrative Services, Transportation, and The Police Department.

The City of Gardena's Citizens Leadership Academy is an engaging six-session program that opens to the doors of local government to the community.

Transportation

Line 7X

Throughout the month of September, GTrans’ Green Team assisted football fans in navigating Line 7X on three consecutive Sundays, including the Chargers vs. Raiders, Rams vs. 49ers, and Chargers vs. Chiefs games.

The GTrans Green Team will be on hand to guide and assist riders taking Line 7X to Sofi Stadium every game day Sunday!

International Clean Air Day

On International Clean Air Day, GTrans announced the deployment of new zero-emission buses and launch of its state-of-the-art CNG station! GTrans is driving Gardena closer to becoming a zero-emissions city by the year 2034.

Join GTrans in their efforts to creating a greener future by riding public transportation!

Police Department

Coffee with a Cop

Many thanks to El Pollo Inka Gardena for hosting our latest Coffee with a Cop event.

It was great to see everyone and have many great conversations!

Situational Awareness & Personal Safety

Captain Osorio taught a situational awareness and personal safety class.

He covered situational awareness techniques, ways to stay safe while in public, and some self-defense techniques.

Memorial service for San Diego Police Officer Machitar

Members of Gardena PD attended the memorial service for San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar. Sadly, he was killed in the line of duty responding to a vehicle pursuit on August 26.

He was remembered as a second-generation law enforcement Officer, brother, a great co-worker and friend.

Public Works

Compost Giveaway

Residents and Public works staff loaded tons of compost for those who visited Rowley Park for the final Compost Giveaway of 2024.

Compost improves water retention, drainage, and attracts earthworms that aerate and add more nutrients to the soil. A big thanks to Public Works staff and Waste Resources for this event.

Construction in Progress

Gardena Aquatics & Senior Center Project

Underground Utility and Building Foundation Work

Rosecrans Community Center

Demolition Phase

New HAWK Crosswalk Vermont & 133rd St

A HAWK beacon (high-intensity activated crosswalk beacon) is a traffic control device used to stop road traffic and allow pedestrians to cross safely.