West Covina Council Makes Mrakich’s Leadership Permanent
The West Covina City Council appointed Milan Mrakich as the city’s permanent City Manager at its June 2 meeting, formalizing a leadership role he has held on an acting basis since May 2025.
Mrakich joined West Covina in 2019 as Director of Public Safety, a role in which he advanced public safety initiatives and strengthened interdepartmental collaboration before stepping into the city’s top administrative post. His record spans more than 40 years in municipal government across five cities, with more than 30 of those years in management and supervisory positions.
“During his time as Acting City Manager, Milan demonstrated steady leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our community,” said West Covina Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado. “His extensive municipal experience, combined with his understanding of West Covina’s unique needs and opportunities, makes him exceptionally qualified to lead our organization.”
Mrakich said the appointment reflects a community he has come to see as more than a workplace. “West Covina has become more than just the city where I work, it is a community that I deeply care about and am proud to serve,” said Mrakich. “Over the course of nearly four decades in local government, I’ve learned that leadership is about listening, adapting, and bringing people together to solve problems.”
As City Manager, Mrakich will continue to oversee day-to-day city operations and implement the council’s policy priorities.
Long Beach Opens Applications for Aerospace Career Program Aimed at Local Teens
The City of Long Beach‘s Department of Economic Development & Opportunity opened applications on Tuesday for the 2026 Space Beach Youth Career Expedition, a no-cost, six-day career exploration program that connects local youth to the city’s aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing industries.
The program, administered through the city’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Youth Career Services Center, will serve a small cohort of up to 25 youth ages 17 to 21, offering employer site visits, hands-on activities, mentor roundtables, and direct exposure to engineers, technicians, and operations professionals working in aerospace systems.
Activities are scheduled for late July, and participants who complete the program may qualify for an incentive of up to $1,000. The program is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Program and requires applicants to meet income eligibility guidelines along with at least one recognized barrier to employment or education.
“Long Beach is leading the way in aerospace and space innovation, and the Space Beach Youth Career Expedition will give our young people a firsthand look at the opportunities emerging within this dynamic sector,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Investing in our youth today strengthens our workforce, fuels economic growth and ensures Long Beach remains a leader in innovation for decades to come.”
For additional information about the Space Beach Expedition, interested youth can visit LongBeach.gov/SpaceBeachYouth or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562-570-4700.
In-person information sessions will be held at the center, located at 508 W. Willow St., on Thursday, June 25, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 1, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Employers interested in hosting site visits or mentoring participants should contact Jennifer Angeles Weyh, Business Engagement Supervisor, at Jennifer.Angeles@longbeach.gov.
Applications remain open through July 3.
San Fernando Brings on New Economic Development Chief
The City of San Fernando announced the appointment of Linden Johnson as its new Economic Development Manager, with Johnson officially joining the city on June 8 after more than 14 years of experience in economic development and business growth across Los Angeles County.
Johnson most recently worked as a realtor and previously served as a Senior Director with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, where he partnered with businesses, industry leaders, and public agencies on business retention, workforce development, and regional economic initiatives. His background includes work on projects ranging from small business permitting assistance to large-scale economic development programs across the county.
“We are excited to welcome Linden to the City team. His energy, experience, and commitment to community growth will be a tremendous asset as we continue building a stronger, more vibrant San Fernando,” said San Fernando City Manager Kanika Kith. “Linden will support business attraction and retention, strengthen partnerships, and help position San Fernando as one of the region’s most business-friendly communities.”
Johnson said he is looking forward to applying his background in regional economic development to San Fernando’s specific opportunities. The city said it expects his work to focus on strengthening partnerships with local businesses and expanding economic opportunity for residents going forward.
South Pasadena Rolls Out Full Summer Lineup
The City of South Pasadena‘s Community Services Department announced a full summer events calendar this week, anchored by an expanded 4th of July celebration honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary alongside returning Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, and Shakespeare in the Park series.
This year’s Independence Day celebration, themed “From Sea to Shining Sea: 250 Years of the American Spirit,” will span the entire day, beginning with the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast at 7 a.m. at the South Pasadena Fire Station and continuing through an Opening Ceremony, parade along Mission Street, and afternoon festivities at Garfield Park.
The evening program moves to South Pasadena High School Stadium, with live entertainment starting at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.; tickets are available through the city’s website.
The broader summer lineup includes two Movies in the Park nights at Garfield Park on July 10 and August 7, two outdoor performances of Macbeth as part of Shakespeare in the Park on July 18 and 19, and four Sunday evening Concerts in the Park performances running from late June through mid-August, featuring a Taylor Swift tribute act among the scheduled performers.
“The summer season is a special time in South Pasadena, and these events give our community meaningful opportunities to gather, celebrate, and enjoy our public spaces,” said South Pasadena Community Services Director Melissa Snyder. “We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Garfield Park throughout the summer.”
The city encouraged residents to check its website and social media channels for updates as the schedule progresses. For more information, click here.
