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Lakewood

Your Community, More Completely.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · Permanent link to this edition
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November 3 · Election Day, vote centers open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.November 4 · Award of Valor luncheon at The CentreNovember 5 · Planning commission hearing on YMCA outdoor gymNovember 6 · Long Beach Unified AI surveys close
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Today in Lakewood

Election Day: six Lakewood vote centers are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and drop boxes close at 8 p.m.
Long Beach Unified elementary and K-8 students have minimum days today through Thursday, November 5, for parent conferences.
A Cleveland Elementary special education teacher faces misdemeanor child abuse charges and has pleaded not guilty, the Long Beach Post reported.
Caltrans overnight SR-91 closures, including Paramount Boulevard ramps, continue through Saturday morning, November 7.
The Award of Valor luncheon is at noon tomorrow at The Centre, and the first 2027 picnic shelter raffle opens at noon.
The Planning and Environment Commission holds a hearing Thursday, November 5, on an outdoor gym at the Carson Street YMCA.

NEW: newly reported developments or upcoming opportunities. UPDATE: later substantive information on a covered story. ONGOING: continuing useful information. RESOLVED: the reported issue has ended. BACKGROUND: dated historical context, not a new development or confirmation of current availability. UNCONFIRMED: a story, continuing story or detail that could not be confirmed against its cited source on the edition date; the note under the headline says what is not confirmed. Today and countdown lines carry "(unconfirmed)" for the same reason. All local times are Pacific Daylight Time.

City, Roads & Planning

ONGOING

Studebaker Road traffic-calming work expected to run through November

Construction on Studebaker Road from Del Amo Boulevard to Centralia Street, and on Centralia Street from Studebaker Road to the I-605 overpass, is expected to continue through the end of November, the city said in its September 23 project update. The work includes resurfacing, concrete medians and bulb-outs, hardscaped roundabouts and a new sidewalk from Gridley to Rynerson Park.

Crews work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays and weather permitting, with one lane open in each direction. Parking stalls on Studebaker Road south of Rynerson Park's main driveway remain closed through the end of the project, and street sweeping on Studebaker is paused during paving. Questions go to the city at 562-866-9771, extension 2140.

ONGOING

Water main work on Hayter Avenue runs through November 18

The city's water main replacement project is now on Hayter Avenue between Del Amo Boulevard and Hardwick Street, where work began Monday, October 26, and is scheduled to run through Wednesday, November 18. Crews work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no work on weekends, holidays or Veterans Day, November 11.

Parking is prohibited on that stretch of Hayter from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The city says residents may park during the day on the Del Amo Boulevard frontage road between Verdura and Hayter avenues and on Hardwick Street between Verdura and Hayter, and overnight on that part of the frontage road and on Coke and Minturn avenues. Street sweeping is suspended on Hayter, Minturn and Coke avenues and the Del Amo frontage road during construction.

The project continues in phases through Levelside, Castana, Oliva and Pimenta avenues, Allred and Deerford streets and Downey Avenue, ending with Del Amo Boulevard between Paramount Boulevard and Silva Street, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Questions go to the Water Resources Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2700.

ONGOING

Planning commission sets November 5 hearing on YMCA outdoor gym

The Planning and Environment Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 5, on a conditional use permit amendment for the YMCA at 5835 Carson Street. The agenda says the project would establish an outdoor gymnasium in conjunction with the existing commercial recreation use.

A second hearing that night covers a 2026 Lakewood Municipal Code Update Ordinance, which the agenda says would carry out new state law, and the commission is also set to receive a 2050 General Plan Update memo. The meeting is in the City Council Chambers at The Centre, 5000 Clark Avenue. A hearing is not a decision, and the commission has not yet acted on either item.

ONGOING

SR-91 overnight closures near Lakewood continue through November 7

Caltrans overnight lane, connector and ramp closures on State Route 91 from Cerritos to Gardena for its sign rehabilitation project continue tonight and each night through Saturday morning, November 7. Both directions are reduced to two lanes overnight between Vermont Avenue in Gardena and the Orange County line.

Ramps near Lakewood that may close include the eastbound Paramount Boulevard on-ramp, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Thursday night and 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. Friday night, the eastbound Paramount Boulevard off-ramp, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday night, and the westbound Downey Avenue on-ramp, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday night, with longer hours Friday night. Connectors between SR-91 and I-605 may also close overnight.

Caltrans says detour routes will be marked and the closures are subject to change. The $34 million project is expected to be finished in summer 2029.

Schools & Youth

ONGOING

Long Beach Unified board votes to close Gompers Elementary in Lakewood

The Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education voted Wednesday, October 21, to close Gompers Elementary School in Lakewood and Edison Elementary School in Long Beach at the end of the 2026-27 school year, the Long Beach Post reported. Board member Maria Isabel López voted to keep the schools open.

The district flagged both campuses as underutilized. Superintendent David Zaid said the closures are expected to save $2.8 million, about a tenth of what the district needs to cut this year, according to the Post.

A district letter to families said the Gompers attendance area would be consolidated with three nearby Lakewood elementary schools, Cleveland, Holmes and MacArthur, the Post reported in early October. Lakewood City Council members discussed the proposed closures at their October 13 meeting, according to draft minutes, and Council Member Rogers said the district did not adequately communicate information about them.

NEW

Cleveland Elementary special education teacher faces misdemeanor child abuse charges

A Long Beach Unified special education teacher at Cleveland Elementary School in Lakewood faces three misdemeanor counts of child abuse involving three students between February 1 and May 1, according to court documents cited by the Long Beach Post. A lawyer for the teacher said he pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.

The Sheriff's Department told the Post it opened an investigation in May after a classroom aide reported what she saw. Two mothers told the Post the teacher returned to his kindergarten and TK special education class at the start of the 2026-27 school year without explanation to parents, before being placed on administrative leave less than two weeks later.

District spokesperson Eric Mitchell told the Post the teacher remains on leave and called it a confidential personnel matter. The Post reported that the district has not answered its questions or responded to its public records requests.

ONGOING

Long Beach Unified elementary minimum days run through Thursday for parent conferences

Today, Tuesday, November 3, through Thursday, November 5, are minimum days for Long Beach Unified elementary and K-8 students, including those at the district's Lakewood elementary schools such as Gompers, for parent conferences, according to the district calendar. The minimum days apply to elementary and K-8 students only.

The Board of Education meets from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 4.

Elections

ONGOING

Six Lakewood vote centers are open until 8 p.m. today, Election Day

Today, Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day, and six vote centers in Lakewood are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library, 4990 Clark Avenue, Buena Vista High School, Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle, Lakewood Country Club, Lakewood First United Methodist Church and the Lakewood Youth Center.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than today. Official drop boxes at the Iacoboni Library, the George Nye Jr. Library at 6600 Del Amo Boulevard and the CVS at 6510 South Street stay open until 8 p.m. tonight.

Eligible residents who missed the October 19 registration deadline can still register and vote at any vote center through same-day conditional registration. The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk runs the election; the city clerk's office can help at 562-866-9771, extension 2200.

Business & Commercial Development

ONGOING

Discover Lakewood gift card launches with a 50% city bonus

The City of Lakewood announced October 28 that it is launching the Discover Lakewood community card for the holiday season, a digital gift card that can be spent only at participating independent Lakewood shops, restaurants and service providers.

For a limited time, the city adds a 50% bonus: a $25 card comes with $12.50 more, a $50 card with $25 more and a $100 card with $50 more. Bonus cards are available while promotional funds last, with a limit of three per person, and bonus cards are valid for six months.

Cards are delivered by email and can be added to a digital wallet for tap-to-pay. Independent businesses can sign up to accept the card through the city's Discover Lakewood page.

Community & Culture

ONGOING

Project Shepherd food help is by appointment at Burns and Palms Park centers

Food help from Project Shepherd's year-round emergency pantry is by appointment, not drop-in. Residents of ZIP codes 90712 and 90713 call Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue, at 562-925-7512. Residents of ZIP code 90715 call Palms Park Community Center, 12305 207th Street, at 562-865-6414. Utility bill help is also available to qualified applicants.

Project Shepherd, the assistance program run by the city and the Rotary Club of Lakewood, has helped neighbors since 1972. It also runs a December holiday program and a Teddy Bear Tree, which runs from mid-November through early December. Holiday donations are accepted at Burns Community Center and Lakewood City Hall.

ONGOING

Project Shepherd holiday registration runs November 2 to 15

Lakewood residents who need help with Thanksgiving and the December holiday can register with Project Shepherd at appointments now available through Sunday, November 15. Appointments are made by calling Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The program is for Lakewood residents who are low-income, unemployed or on public assistance. Applicants bring a current utility bill or government award letter and identification for each person in the household, including children.

Local Scouts will also collect food for Project Shepherd. Door hangers go out Saturday, November 7, and Scouts return to pick up bags of nonperishable food Saturday, November 14. Unexpired food can also be dropped off at Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or at the Mayfair Park Swim Pavilion, 5720 Clark Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 14.

NEW

Teddy Bear Trees and holiday drives for Project Shepherd start November 16

Project Shepherd's Teddy Bear Trees go up Monday, November 16, at Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue, and in the Recreation and Community Services Department at Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Avenue, the city said November 1. Donors pick a paper ornament with a child's holiday wish, buy the gift and return it with the ornament to either location by Thursday, December 3.

Also starting November 16, residents can buy gifts from Project Shepherd's Amazon wish list at LakewoodCA.gov/PSAmazon. Other ways to help include mailing a check payable to Lakewood Project Shepherd to City Hall, sponsoring canned goods or a toy through the Virtual Canned Food and Toy Drive at Lakewoodca.gov/PSholiday, and dropping off $10 grocery gift cards at Burns Community Center before December 14. The city says more than 1,500 Lakewood residents rely on the program for the holidays. Information: 562-925-7512.

ONGOING

Used motor oil filter exchange set for November 14

Lakewood residents who change their own oil can trade a used oil filter for a new one at AutoZone, 4945 Woodruff Avenue, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 14. The limit is two filters per household, the voucher is worth up to $15 and supplies are limited.

Participants also get a free oil change recycling kit, and used motor oil will be accepted in clean containers of 5 gallons or less. The event is for Lakewood residents only, and proof of residency is required. Questions go to the city at 562-866-9771, extension 2500.

ONGOING

Thank a Servicemember cards collected through early December

Lakewood's annual Thank a Servicemember campaign is collecting cards, letters and drawings for U.S. military members stationed overseas through the beginning of December. The city sends them on through the military support group Operation Gratitude. Over 50,000 cards, letters and drawings have been collected since the campaign began in 2014.

Drop-off locations listed by the city include Lakewood City Hall, The Centre, Burns Community Center, the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library and the George Nye Jr. Library. Partners collecting cards this year include the Lakewood Family YMCA and St. Pancratius School.

City Hall is closed for Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. Trash pickup runs as usual that day, but there is no street sweeping and no DASH transit service.

ONGOING

Award of Valor luncheon honors deputies and firefighters November 4

Lakewood's annual Award of Valor luncheon, which recognizes sheriff's deputies, firefighters and civilians for heroism and service to the community, is at noon tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4, at The Centre. KTLA 5 traffic anchor Ginger Chan returns as master of ceremonies.

Tickets are $47 each; seats were not guaranteed after October 21. Information is available from Community Relations at 562-866-9771, extension 3123.

ONGOING

Lakewood Beautiful awards go to 41 homes

The city's Lakewood Beautiful Home Awards recognized 41 homes this year, chosen from 81 nominated residences, as the program marked its 43rd anniversary, the city announced Tuesday, October 27.

Eleven homeowners received the Lakewood Beautiful Award and one received an Honorable Mention, while 24 received the Neat & Tidy Award. Other homes were recognized with Transformation Awards, for major exterior or landscaping improvements over the past three years, and Water Wise Awards for efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant landscaping. Questions go to Community Relations at 562-866-9771, extension 3123.

ONGOING

Picnic shelter raffle for January 2027 weekends opens November 4

The city's online raffle for weekend picnic shelter reservations in 2027 begins tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4, at noon, for the January 2-3 weekend. That raffle closes Sunday, November 8, at 11 p.m., and raffles for later weekends follow a schedule the city has posted, about two months ahead of each weekend.

The raffle is open to Lakewood residents only, and proof of residency is required. Winners are notified the next business day, and any remaining dates are then released first-come, first-served. Help with the entry form is available at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

ONGOING

City recognizes Native American Heritage Month

The City of Lakewood has issued a proclamation recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month, the city announced Sunday, November 1. The city points residents to the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library and the George Nye Jr. Library for related activities.

Sports

ONGOING

Youth Sports Hall of Fame nominations due December 3

Nominations for the 45th annual Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame awards are due Thursday, December 3. Athletes must live in Lakewood or attend a school in Lakewood to be eligible.

Categories include Athlete of the Year, Performer of the Year by sport, the Larry Van Nostran Future Star Award for a high school freshman and an award for long-term contributions to youth sports. The awards banquet is Monday, February 22, 2027. Forms are on the city's website, and questions go to Recreation and Community Services at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

AI in Your Community

ONGOING

Long Beach Unified surveys families on AI in classrooms through November 6

Long Beach Unified, which runs Gompers Elementary and other schools in Lakewood, has surveys open asking students and parents what they think about artificial intelligence and screen technology in classrooms, the Long Beach Post reported. The surveys ask how classroom technology affects learning, well-being, privacy and attention, and close Friday, November 6.

The district is forming a workgroup of teachers, students, guardians, administrators and industry experts that will review the results, district spokesperson Eric Mitchell told the Post. The findings, along with focus groups and research, may shape policy recommendations. Links to the student and caregiver surveys are in the Post's article.

BACKGROUND

Council voted in March not to continue Flock license plate camera system

At its March 24 meeting, the Lakewood City Council voted 3-2 not to move forward with a proposed agreement to continue parts of a pilot program using automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology from Flock Safety Inc., the city reported.

The pilot placed 59 license plate recognition cameras and 10 video cameras at high-traffic locations around the city. The city said the system was used as an investigative tool in a number of cases, including assisting with arrests, recovering stolen vehicles and generating investigative leads. The proposed agreement would have continued the system for one year, without its acoustic audio detection element and without automatic renewal.

More than 40 speakers shared perspectives on the technology and on Flock Safety as a company, the city said, including concerns related to privacy, data use and civil liberties. In September 2025, the city said the cameras could identify vehicles by color, make, model and other details even when plates were missing or obscured.

Three weeks later, on April 14, the council voted unanimously to buy license plate readers from Motorola Solutions instead (see the item below).

BACKGROUND

Council approved 44 Motorola license plate cameras in April

On April 14, the Lakewood City Council voted 5-0 to buy and install automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from Motorola Solutions for $979,496, plus $290,000 for preventive maintenance, for a total not to exceed $1,269,800, according to the meeting minutes. The vote came three weeks after the council declined to continue the Flock Safety pilot.

Public Safety Director Yordt told the council it would take three to four months to install the 44 cameras, and that the five-year term would begin once all of them were installed and working, the minutes say.

According to the minutes, council members were told the vendor would not have access to the data, only the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department could access the system, and the city would own the cameras and their data and could turn them off.

BACKGROUND

ABC Unified has updated guidance on AI use in its schools

ABC Unified School District publishes a guide to ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. The district says its AI Literacy Task Force updated the guidelines during the 2025-26 school year and presented the draft to the board of trustees on May 19.

An AI addendum to the district's technology agreement asks students to be open about using generative AI, cite the prompts they used, protect personal information and check AI output for accuracy. The district has held community roundtables on AI; the most recent one it lists was Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Gahr High School.

Still Developing

The latest confirmed movement, the open question and the next checkpoint.

OPENUNCONFIRMED

Rezoning of church-owned sites awaits City Council

Not confirmed against the source as of November 3, 2026: the number of properties (10), the addresses 4318 Bellflower Boulevard and the three Del Amo Boulevard sites, and that the change is citywide. Check the source before relying on it.

A citywide General Plan amendment and zone change (GPA 2026-1 and Zone Change 115) would change 10 properties, including 3507-3601 St. Pancratius Place, 4318 and 6150 Bellflower Boulevard and three Del Amo Boulevard sites, from single-family to multiple-family residential zoning. The Planning and Environment Commission was scheduled to consider recommending it to the City Council on October 1. The city says the state requires the rezoning of certain church-owned properties under Lakewood's Housing Element, that no church will be required to build housing or sell its land, and that no housing projects are proposed on the sites. More than a dozen speakers raised concerns at the October 13 council meeting, according to draft minutes. The rezoning was not on the October 27 council agenda.

First covered October 27, 2026.

Sources: City of Lakewood: public notice, GPA 2026-1 and Zone Change 115 (3507-3601 St. Pancratius Place); City of Lakewood: public notice, GPA 2026-1 and Zone Change 115 (6150 Bellflower Boulevard); City of Lakewood: What residents should know about church property rezoning; City of Lakewood: draft minutes of the October 13 City Council meeting; City of Lakewood: October 27 City Council agenda
OPEN

Future use of the Gompers Elementary campus

Long Beach Unified's board voted October 21 to close Gompers Elementary in Lakewood at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Board member Juan Benitez told the Long Beach Post in early October that the campus would not sit vacant and that additional uses would be proposed for Gompers. The district has not announced a new use for the site.

First covered October 27, 2026.

Sources: Long Beach Post: LBUSD moves to close 2 more schools as enrollment continues to fall; Long Beach Post: Gompers and Edison elementary schools will close at the end of the school year

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