Lomita begins taking ownership of US Navy Baseball Fields
The City of Lomita announced yesterday that it has begun taking ownership of approximately 6 acres of land, including youth sports fields, in partnership with the United States Department of the Navy.
Located at 26800 S. Western Avenue, the land transfer was made possible by support from U.S. Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach) and Nanette Barragan (D-San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson, Compton) through congressional legislation under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2025, passed in December 2024.
For Lomita, a city of only 1.9 square miles and about 20,000 people, the newly acquired land will nearly double the amount of recreation space available, marking a significant milestone.
“The Navy Fields are a part of Lomita’s story, and we are thankful the Navy and Congressional Representatives supported this land transfer,” said Lomita Mayor Mark Waronek. “A gift like this for our community comes with the responsibility to ensure we continue to provide safe and attractive open spaces for all of our community to enjoy for generations to come.”
While the City celebrates this milestone, City leaders recognize the work ahead. The City will need to identify resources to reconstruct major components to bring the park up to date with modern recreation and building standards.
Some of the improvements include reconstructing the bleachers, fencing, restrooms, electrical systems, and snack bar. In the coming months, the city will identify investment priorities and timelines to diligently invest in the new park land.
City Manager Andrew Vialpando emphasized that careful planning will be essential.
“With a modest operating general fund of $16 million to serve the entire City, taking over a 6-acre facility will undoubtedly require prudent community planning, financial coordination, and strong regional partnerships,” said Vialpando. “We are grateful to the Navy and our Congressional leaders for entrusting Lomita with this important legacy.”
Bass lauds successful Dodger Championship parade in Downtown LA
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday lauded the City’s coordinated actions to support and control successful Dodgers World Series Championship celebrations, including a Championship Parade that brought an estimated 250,000 Dodgers fans to Downtown Los Angeles.
“L.A. is the city of champions, and today’s successful celebrations – including a championship parade that brought an estimated 250,000 Dodgers fans to the heart of our city – are a testament to the City’s preparedness efforts,” said Bass. “I want to thank all of our City personnel who worked around the clock to ensure today’s celebrations were safe and joyful for everyone involved. Go, Dodgers!”
The Los Angeles City Emergency Operations Center was activated with personnel from more than 20 departments and agencies working together to coordinate all operations and public safety measures for the parade.
The Dodgers Championship Parade included members of the Dodgers traveling atop double-decker buses on the parade route. Following the parade, the Dodgers held a special ticketed event at Dodger Stadium to celebrate the back-to-back World Series champions.
La Cañada Flintridge invites community to annual Thanksgiving Day event
The City of La Cañada Flintridge and the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge (CCLCF) invite community members to participate in the 32nd Annual Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive on Thursday, November 27, at Olberz Park.
“A cherished local tradition for more than three decades, the Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive brings together families, friends and neighbors to start the holiday with fun, fitness and community spirit,” said La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Kim Bowman. “The event also serves as the Community Center’s largest fundraiser of the year, supporting local programs and services.”
The Adult 5K Run/Walk begins with a warm-up at 7:45 a.m., followed by the race start at 8:15 a.m. The Kids’ Mile will begin with a warm-up at 9:10 a.m. The race will start at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the starting line in Olberz Park.
To ensure a safe event for all participants, the following roads will be fully closed during the run:
- Foothill Boulevard (from Loma Vista Drive to Gould Avenue)
- Angeles Crest Highway (south of Town Center Drive, with no access to Valley Sun Lane)
- Civic Center Drive
- Town Center Drive (from the southwest corner of Olberz Park to the roundabout)
In addition, during the event, access to the Town Center parking lot near Panera and HomeGoods will be temporarily adjusted to one-way in and out.
The Community Center is also accepting non-perishable food donations for its annual Thanksgiving Day Food Drive. The Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Department will distribute all items to local families in need.
Registration for the event is now open. For more information or to sign up, visit LCF.ca.gov/Thanksgiving-Day-Run-Food-Drive.
