City Manager's Report JULY 2024

Parks & Recreation Month

This year's theme — “Where You Belong” — celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

We celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

Sister City 50th Anniversary

The City of Gardena, California and Huatabampo, Mexico celebrated their 50th anniversary this year!

During the Parks and Recreation Month Celebration, Huatabampo Sister City President Saul Lugo and Mayor Tasha Cerda formally signed the Resolution commemorating the special occasion.
Their visit also included a full tour of City Hall.

Transportation

Members also toured the transportation facility and learned about CNG and zero-emission buses, charging stations, and the upcoming microtransit project.

They also had the opportunity to ride the Line G to Manhattan Beach trolley and visit the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Huatabampo Sister City members visited some of the best attractions in Gardena and surrounding areas.

Citizens Leadership Academy

The first ever Cohort of the Citizens Leadership Academy kicked off this month, and participants heard from the Recreation and Human Services Department and the City Manager's Office.

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.

Quarterly Employee Mixer

This quarter's employee mixer featured an ice cream bar with toppings and cones of your choosing. Public Works Department hosted a tantalizing Jeopardy style trivia game to get the afternoon going. Recent promotions and new hires were announced.

Fireworks Bash

4th of July in the City of Gardena is always a party. Throughout the day and evening, there were games and entertainment to help celebrate Independence Day 2024.

Residents both near and far gathered under the night sky at Rowley Park to enjoy the amazing fireworks show.

AC Green Youth Foundation- Leadership Academy & Sports Camp

Former professional basketball player, AC Green held a weeklong camp at Rowley Park that mentored young kids in various sports and life skills.

The camp was open to youth of all skill levels, ages 9 -15, and even included field trips and goodie bags.

Pitch Hit and Run

Youth with some big talent came out for the Annual Pitch Hit and Run to showcase their best baseball and softball skills in hopes of taking the W.

Summer Country Bash

Some of the finest country boots and hats flooded City Hall lawn for the Summer Country Bash.

The event was fun for all ages and showcased some great dance moves.

Police Department

Coffee with a Cop

Aunties Cafe off of Artesia and Normandie, hosted an amazing Coffee with a Cop event. Residents came out and met with Officers and City staff.

Good Shepherds Fold Preschool Visit

Officers Castellanos and Biscocho visited Good Shepherds Fold Preschool and spent some quality time with the students during their Law Enforcement Appreciation Week.

They had a great time sharing stories and laughing with the kids. Each child was given a goodie bag full of GPD merchandise.

23rd Annual Los Angeles County Police Canine Association (LACPCA) Demonstration

Gardena PD participated in the 23rd annual LACPCA Demonstration. A total of 31 teams joined in on the fun, showcasing their skills in various scenarios.

K9 Maxo took first place in the Call Off Scenario, impressing everyone with his top-notch performance!

The event featured a range of demonstrations, including the Fastest Dog, Toughest Dog, detection scenarios, and more. K9 Vito, did amazingly well in the Obstacle Course!

Public Works

Construction in Progress

Gardena Aquatics & Senior Center Project

Underground Utility and Building Foundation Work

Nakaoka Community Center HVAC Upgrade Project

Welding of vibration isolators and electrical work for new condensing unit.

Rosecrans Community Center

Demolition Phase