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Lakewood

Your Community, More Completely.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 · Permanent link to this edition
Edition archive
November 11 · City Hall closed for Veterans Day; picnic shelter raffle opens at noonNovember 12 · Palms Park renovation meeting, 6 to 8 p.m.November 14 · Used oil filter exchange; Scouting for Food pickupNovember 15 · Project Shepherd registration appointments end
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Today in Lakewood

Free sandbags, up to 15 per resident, are available at Mayfair, Boyar and Bloomfield parks.
City Hall is closed today for Veterans Day; there is no street sweeping or DASH service, and trash pickup runs as usual.
The picnic shelter raffle for the January 9-10, 2027, weekend opens at noon today and closes at 11 p.m. Sunday, November 15.
Hayter Avenue water main work continues through Wednesday, November 18; a second phase to Candlewood Street is expected November 19 to December 18.
Long Beach Unified moved students out of Monroe Elementary classrooms in Lakewood after reports of illness; new air testing results may come later this month.
The city's Palms Park renovation meeting is tomorrow, 6 to 8 p.m. at Palms Elementary School.
Project Shepherd holiday registration appointments run through Sunday, November 15.

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 project update. The work includes street resurfacing, concrete medians and bulb-outs, hardscaped roundabouts with mountable curbs and a new concrete 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 entrance are closed through the end of the project, and street sweeping on Studebaker is suspended during the paving phase. Questions go to the city at 562-866-9771, extension 2140.

UPDATE

Water main work on Hayter Avenue moves to a second phase November 19

The city's water main replacement project is 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., weather permitting, with no work on weekends or holidays, including Veterans Day today, November 11.

A second phase, Hayter Avenue from Hardwick Street to Candlewood Street, is expected to begin November 19 and run through December 18, depending on weather and other conditions. Parking is prohibited on the active 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 wider project then continues in phases through other streets, ending with Del Amo Boulevard between Paramount Boulevard and Silva Street, scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Questions go to the Water Resources Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2700.

ONGOING

City offers Rain Ready tips for getting your car ready for wet weather

The City of Lakewood's Rain Ready series, published October 28, suggests residents prepare their cars for wet weather. Tips include testing the battery and replacing it if needed, checking tires, windshield wipers and headlights, and keeping the gas tank at least half full or an electric vehicle fully charged.

The city also suggests an emergency kit for the car with a flashlight, first-aid supplies, a phone charger and other essentials.

ONGOING

Free sandbags available to Lakewood residents at three city parks

Lakewood residents can fill up to 15 free sandbags at city sandbag stations at Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Avenue, Boyar Park, 6600 Del Amo Boulevard, and Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Boulevard. The city says the stations opened Friday, November 6, and its post gives no end date. Residents should bring their own shovel. Empty sandbags are also available at Los Angeles County Fire Stations 45, 94, 122 and 34, while supplies last, according to the city. Residents who need help with mobility or transportation can call Public Safety at 562-866-9771, extension 2114.

NEW

City shares emergency kit and family plan tips as El Niño may raise storm risk

The City of Lakewood's Rain Ready series, in an article published Monday, November 9, says El Niño is potentially increasing the risk of heavy rain and flooding and urges residents to build an emergency kit and make a family plan.

The city suggests keeping enough water and nonperishable food for several days, plus medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a way to charge a phone. It also suggests waterproof storage for identification and insurance papers and smaller kits in vehicles or workplaces. For the family plan, the city says to decide how family members will contact one another and where to reconnect.

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 closures are expected to save $2.8 million, about a tenth of what the district needs to cut this year, according to the Post. The Post reported in early October that the Gompers attendance boundary would be consolidated with three nearby Lakewood elementary schools, Cleveland, Holmes and MacArthur. Lakewood City Council members discussed the proposed closures at their October 13 meeting, according to draft minutes, and, according to the minutes, Council Member Rogers said the district did not adequately communicate information about them.

ONGOING

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 charges are allegations.

The Post reported that the Sheriff's Department opened an investigation in May after a classroom aide's report, and that parents were told the teacher was placed on administrative leave.

District spokesperson Eric Mitchell told the Post the teacher remains on leave and would not provide further details, calling it a confidential personnel matter.

ONGOING

Students moved out of Monroe Elementary classrooms in Lakewood while air testing continues

Long Beach Unified moved students and teachers out of eight fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms in one building at Monroe Elementary School in Lakewood on October 26 after parents reported headaches, nosebleeds, nausea, fatigue and dizziness, the Long Beach Post reported November 5. Parents told the Post the symptoms improved or stopped afterward. The campus is a temporary site for some Patrick Henry Elementary students while their school is remodeled. The district has agreed to test for formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, take mold air samples and use an infrared camera to check for moisture in walls. Parents are awaiting results, which the district may share later this month. An earlier test found high temperatures and higher than recommended humidity, and low mold spores.

Business & Commercial Development

ONGOING

Discover Lakewood gift card launches with a 50% city bonus

The City of Lakewood published details October 28 of its new Discover Lakewood community card, a digital gift card that can be spent only at participating independent local businesses, including 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 are valid for six months. Cards are delivered by email and can be added to a digital wallet.

Independent businesses interested in accepting the card can find merchant information on the city's Discover Lakewood webpage or email econdev@LakewoodCA.gov.

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 at 562-865-6414.

Project Shepherd is run by the City of Lakewood and the Rotary Club of Lakewood. It also runs a December holiday program that includes a Teddy Bear Tree. Utility bill assistance is also available to qualified applicants.

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. Scouts placed door hangers in some neighborhoods on Saturday, November 7, and 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.

ONGOING

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. 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 in care of Lakewood 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's article says over 1,500 individuals living in Lakewood need help 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 the AutoZone at 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 for recycling in a clean container no larger than 5 gallons. 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, which the city says concludes in the beginning of December, is collecting cards, letters and drawings for U.S. military members. Submissions go through the military support group Operation Gratitude. Over 50,000 cards, letters and hand-drawn pictures have been collected since 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 today, Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day. Trash pickup runs as usual, but there is no street sweeping and no DASH transit service.

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. Five received Transformation Awards, for exterior or landscaping improvements over the past three years, and the city says Water Wise Awards went to five homeowners across the three categories for efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant landscaping. Questions go to Community Relations at 562-866-9771, extension 3123.

ONGOING

City recognizes Native American Heritage Month

The City of Lakewood has issued a proclamation recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month, according to a city post dated Sunday, November 1.

ONGOING

City to hold November 12 meeting on Palms Park renovation ideas

The City of Lakewood will hold a community meeting tomorrow, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 12, at Palms Elementary School, 12445 207th Street, on a potential renovation of Palms Park's outdoor recreation spaces. The city says it is in the early planning stages.

Input will help set priorities for amenities, recreational features and playground equipment. Residents can RSVP at LakewoodCA.gov/PalmsMeeting or share feedback through a survey at LakewoodCA.gov/PalmsSurvey.

ONGOING

Cocoa with a Deputy and toy drive set for December 16 at Starbucks on South Street

The City of Lakewood's Public Safety Department will hold its annual Cocoa with a Deputy from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, at Starbucks, 6420 South Street. Attendees can get free hot cocoa or coffee, meet sheriff's deputies and public safety staff and ask safety questions. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Lakewood Project Shepherd's holiday program.

ONGOING

Picnic shelter raffle for January 9-10, 2027, weekend opens Wednesday, November 11

The city's online raffle for picnic shelter reservations on the January 9-10, 2027, weekend is scheduled to open at noon today, Wednesday, November 11, and close at 11 p.m. Sunday, November 15, according to the city's 2027 raffle schedule. Raffles open on Wednesdays at noon and close the following Sunday at 11 p.m. The raffle is open to Lakewood residents only, and proof of residency is required. Winners are notified the next business day after the raffle closes. Help with the entry form is available at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

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, the Larry Van Nostran Future Star Award and awards for outstanding sustained contribution 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

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 on March 25.

The pilot placed 59 license plate recognition cameras and 10 video cameras at high-traffic locations around the city. The city's recap of the meeting, citing the staff report, said the system was used as an investigative tool in a number of cases. 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 use of the technology, the city said.

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 unanimously to buy and install automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from Motorola Solutions for $979,496, plus $290,000 for preventative maintenance services, 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.

Staff estimated it would take three to four months to install the 44 cameras, the minutes say.

According to the minutes, City Manager McCormack told the council the vendor would not have access to the data and the city would own the cameras and all of their collected data.

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's page says its AI Literacy Task Force updated the guidelines in 2025-26 and that a draft was presented to the board of trustees on May 19. The district's AI addendum to its technology agreement sets out six principles: respect, integrity, attribution, privacy, critical thinking and responsibility. The district's page also says it planned quarterly community roundtables on AI during the 2025-26 school year.

ONGOING

Long Beach Unified surveys families on AI in classrooms

Long Beach Unified, which runs Lakewood High School and the city's other Long Beach Unified schools, opened surveys of students and families about artificial intelligence in classrooms, the Long Beach Post reported October 27. The surveys closed November 6.

District spokesperson Eric Mitchell told the Post a workgroup of teachers, students, guardians, administrators and industry experts will review the results once the survey closes. The Post reported that grassroots groups have pushed the district and school board to cut back on technology in schools and that the district may soon develop new technology policies. The Post's report does not describe an adopted policy.

Still Developing

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

OPEN

Rezoning of church-owned sites awaits City Council

A citywide General Plan amendment and zone change (GPA 2026-1 and Zone Change 115) would change certain church-owned properties, including 3507-3601 St. Pancratius Place and 6150 Bellflower Boulevard, 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 it is not requiring any church to build housing or sell its property, and that no current housing projects are proposed on the sites. Speakers raised concerns about the rezoning at the October 13 council meeting, according to draft minutes. The rezoning is not on the agenda for the November 10 council meeting.

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: City Council agenda for November 10
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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