[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6588544,"mediaKeyId","5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62","parentId",5588951,"title","Parks staff outline Halloween events, costume contests and a fireworks finale","audioSeconds",544,"startMs",5675000,"endMs",6219000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62&start=5675&end=6219","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62/thumbnail_5675000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6588544/South-Gate/Los-Angeles-County/California/Parks-staff-outline-Halloween-events-costume-contests-and-a-fireworks-finale","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588544-19d1cd2e3685a4c3bc0915ca82682d69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102204&Signature=gOc-rIh4wwW600LngLRWK8FPqlQM0KGJMmhF6AoiX-Zpnu-9v9LEKxQtWqkfVUUAbQaEFum1vJzwlKl7hNHzRbgiOKFPSytzDr0MCwsmRDBV~9O6yu9k92wwq0x9zvd5VnVsPH94YSTyK54z0~a6upFQ7bPVsEmx0TmXDzhV-acqjOa7Qq5LPh9U7vE2HhbUN6ZJCmJ-oMFylRBWDrHs~erQMjtm3ILR1nQ2YcX9lqV~cfjabVvTRtFDtF7JTx55yUVlZWJFAj6cXDzRkyAgauz7NsVbS4wAI~veYx7eCtAhn8PolDeImMN63MjepKjYdtoSVWXy6a9Nlc1OMBGYdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","South Gate, CA","date","2025-08-15T05:05:20.02Z","article","Parks staff presented details of two Halloween events planned for late October and asked commissioners to serve as costume‑contest judges.

Solomon Lopez, filling in for the recreation manager, said Halloween festivities will be held Oct. 25 at Holiday Community Park (6–9 p.m.) and Oct. 31 at South Gate Park (6–9 p.m.). \"Guests can look forward to the festive game booths, trick or treat, fun areas, lively costume contest, and music with the live DJ,\" Lopez said. He said the South Gate Park event will conclude with a fireworks show at about 8:45 p.m., using funds the city had previously committed for a July 4 display.

Event features: Staff described a family-friendly lineup that includes a costume contest judged by city council members and commissioners, age-grouped inflatables, a soft-play area for very young children, trackless-train rides (16–24 riders per trip), themed photo booths that can print or text pictures, a \"spooky village\" of trick-or-treat canopies, food trucks and a DJ.

Accessibility and safety notes: Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with groups that serve children with autism and sensory needs so families can plan accordingly and to provide advance notice about the fireworks finale because loud noises can be a trigger. Lopez said the department regularly partners with local service groups and will reach out to include appropriate accommodations in event planning.

Ending: Commissioners voted to receive the Halloween event report; staff invited commissioners to serve as costume-contest judges and said they would share logistical details and judging times in advance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 14. 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Parks staff described two Halloween events — Oct. 25 at Holiday Community Park and Oct. 31 at South Gate Park — with game booths, costume contests, a trackless train, a dedicated toddler area and a fireworks show planned for the Oct. 31 event.","taxTitle","South Gate, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",5784,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6588549,"Parks director reports on auditorium roof, PFAS treatment planning and Circle Park timeline",1495,4147000,5642000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62&start=4147&end=5642","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62/thumbnail_4147000.jpg","/articles/6588549/South-Gate/Los-Angeles-County/California/Parks-director-reports-on-auditorium-roof-PFAS-treatment-planning-and-Circle-Park-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588549-1f6371056cde9fa65b426d078f30cbba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102204&Signature=da5wJQdsar7-QRtbqSZ2vHZJowH5BuDnb17u6yOmOYIefX8MoofqVCc17VGZpjFZmB-W~k4Soby1osNtDvEJSDKcQ~XVfTKcKF3TWEpgS0PBZIgZbUGuUW0FZHCYJ1P0pNDxmS~bJ4xKF5yuRpfRCdP8gIGqnR460rax9Xj-9VHU~5BCl0eITu8RnO4jfT6bcZFdz5xdCFxcewLerT7KIjtugkze3aaYgQld0nToivboyTjzefpoY-pN0RNON2e7IJIcaOy9ev4GLPx5ZeK4U0a9x7GR-i~lD-SRBa3ZF26bZF85kNXAYzfAjmQiCD2mm3uEE8fsspMSme2AkkDBbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public works and parks staff updated the commission Aug. 14 on major parks projects, including an auditorium roof replacement that has expanded to include air-conditioning upgrades, preliminary planning for a PFAS treatment facility near scout huts, and a delayed opening date for Circle Park.

Tina Dela Rosa, filling in for the director, said the auditorium roof was estimated at about $1.2 million and that the project scope recently expanded to include replacement of the building’s air-conditioning system. \"There is estimated cost of 1,200,000.0, and we currently have 1,220,000.00 for it. However, more recently, the project has gone from a roofing project to a roofing and an AC project,\" Dela Rosa said.

Recreation huts and PFAS plan: Staff said the city is exploring siting a PFAS water-treatment facility at or near the boy-scouts/girl-scouts hut area. Because the treatment work may require removal of structures, staff discussed using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to replace some huts. Dela Rosa said roughly $120,000 in CDBG funding was identified for huts; staff described this as an early-stage concept and said the city had met with scout leadership to discuss options and minimize impacts.

\"We actually just met with the boy scouts this past Monday,\" Dela Rosa said. Commissioners asked about chemical and waste storage for a treatment site; Vice Chair Reese said she wanted assurances that any storage would be secured and screened. Public-works staff described a proposed perimeter wall and landscaping to screen infrastructure and said security would be part of preliminary design discussions.

Circle Park and other projects: Construction at Circle Park is ongoing and staff said an opening is planned in October. Dela Rosa said the project includes futsal, basketball, playground and pickleball; work had been slower than anticipated, and additional time was needed to complete gates and site access.

Scoreboards and tariffs: The department is replacing scoreboards at the sports center and swim stadium; staff said procurement and tariffs slowed imports and required alternate equipment for the swim stadium. A replacement scoreboard for the sports center has shipped, staff said, but the swim stadium scoreboard will not be the originally planned model because tariffs and costs pushed the preferred unit over budget.

Ending: Commissioners received the update and asked staff to return with more detailed designs for the PFAS facility and timing for hut replacement and Circle Park opening.","Staff updated commissioners on major projects including an auditorium roofing/AC upgrade, plans for a PFAS treatment facility that could affect scout huts, Circle Park construction delayed to October, Urban Orchard opening and scoreboard procurement issues tied to tariffs and shipping.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6588553,"Grounds maintenance report details irrigation, gophers and equipment purchases",721,3459000,4180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62&start=3459&end=4180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62/thumbnail_3459000.jpg","/articles/6588553/South-Gate/Los-Angeles-County/California/Grounds-maintenance-report-details-irrigation-gophers-and-equipment-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588553-ecd22b3e69ddc0f89fdf06737aae81b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102204&Signature=gK8FdungVP4dFrFn5EwDaLqBSPH4WHo1YdLZiPRDnTn-zy7YaJ2f3yNsA0KLPlurURGTuzUZC42-z98W243SmtabvkhJjxY1KkLDf4EfWrdMQutNTyJIok-rgO4X9cQ6Zk6QpTODKZMh1zHQ1CcntuEDOAFaBcjIAQf2xkgq5Ub65uDlj20Z6Eu5zmVT7aN~QFApMMiIDfueRdagfR7KZiknj74InP4t66t-BySlE3jCnXBW2TEPVS-wN-ht8RPkHe8d4vCy8PogVAHo4Vt3haQlkSGELtTssYbO5HqKlgP8rCtsbeEiTcFXA6o4qUw3cyReZiEl2ZHlBs-pTfaS0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission heard a fourth-quarter grounds and facilities maintenance report on Aug. 14 describing routine repairs and increased irrigation and pest-control work in South Gate parks.

Glenn (grounds superintendent) told commissioners crews aerated and fertilized golf-course greens, repaired a three-inch water main and fixed six lateral lines at Holiday Regional Park, mulched planter beds at Cesar Chavez Park and repaired 35 sprinklers. \"To avoid breaking the pipes there, I asked everybody to raise them up and put boards... to keep them in place,\" Glenn said, explaining the sandy soil at some parks causes irrigation boxes to sink.

Why it matters: Frequent irrigation repairs, pests and the need for equipment replacement affect turf health, public use of athletic fields and maintenance costs. Glenn said crews caught more than 165 gophers during the quarter and planted two crepe myrtle trees at Triangle Park.

Equipment and staffing: The department ordered two John Deere tractors to replace aging machines; staff schedules were adjusted and a new employee was added during the quarter. The department also continues a disinfection program and has added a new auto-scrubber for indoor floor care.

Trees and park-specific issues: Commissioners asked about tree removals and replacements across parks. Glenn described procedures and constraints for replanting and said the department often plants multiple smaller trees to replace a single large removed tree because younger trees have higher early failure rates.

Commission action: Commissioners voted to receive and file the grounds and facilities report.

Ending: The department said it would continue extra restroom inspections at the most heavily used parks and monitor irrigation issues at South Gate Park and Holiday Regional Park.","Grounds superintendent reported aeration, sprinkler repairs, tree planting and irrigation challenges across parks; the department ordered two replacement tractors and continues extra restroom cleanings at high-use parks.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6588558,"Parks staff report enrollment gains, staffing and payment system issues in Q4",1679,1772000,3451000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62&start=1772&end=3451","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62/thumbnail_1772000.jpg","/articles/6588558/South-Gate/Los-Angeles-County/California/Parks-staff-report-enrollment-gains-staffing-and-payment-system-issues-in-Q4","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588558-454054f55406797af8edbb9ff86d17b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102204&Signature=PJlzU8I9H15DQoB9OJR766tPLBZGb56G7vzrUwg67uHkF5d8EofWnqYiG8DU6kpWAOYafyYRLO5gCxrRSVGvjKOHrx0ASPxiNP1zdiRbHSwTzhRH8oXcJW981h9Jxzo0PPZ4GICf-KHJTdOHGhVhxkKfo1G3RCn9PmyhRUadYMs6Bq00hxSxn0l8BELm24oqpHoGOEWCPjI3eroUegX5brwutC0QhmsMO36BJjT8vNzCp5NhC-wg0KzWC1rPs9hsoafEHlHLndoqPY5Eqo2yMtFifVH1nAtK3H57PmvAPg43SyVkDPLeKULuilT7s~Q6UJKsAahyVoqHbZfrsrIpEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Aug. 14 that the department’s fourth-quarter (FY 2024–25) recreation report showed mixed results: growth in some swim and camp programs, but staffing challenges and a payment-system transition that temporarily reduced fitness membership counts.

Tina Dela Rosa, deputy director of parks and recreation, said aquatics enrollment grew in April and May and that nearly 1,400 people enrolled across learn-to-swim and related programs in the period. \"There was almost 1,400 people enrolled during this period, across all age groups,\" Dela Rosa said. But she said the start of summer was weaker than earlier years because staffing shortages forced the department to offer fewer morning and evening lessons.

Dela Rosa told commissioners fitness center membership fell to about 2,500 in the quarter from roughly 4,100 in the previous quarter; the department attributed the drop in part to a recent change in the credit-card processing system that required canceling and re-creating many recurring memberships. \"We had to somewhat cancel or eliminate everybody's memberships... so we're now once again rebuilding that up,\" Dela Rosa said.

Why it matters: Aquatics, youth sports and community events are primary services the department provides to residents and partner organizations. Staffing and payment-processing disruptions can affect participation, revenue and access to lessons and classes.

Other highlights in the report: seasonal programs (splash camp, Gator swim academy, junior lifeguards), an inaugural Easter Splash Fest with more than 220 participants, a spring Fit 5K with about 950 registered runners and nearly 300 spectators, and sold-out new \"after-dark\" adult events (volleyball and dodgeball). Youth fundamentals reached capacity quickly; partner organizations including AYSO and the Aztecs football program continued to use city fields and facilities.

Commissioners’ questions and next steps: Commissioners praised staff for outreach and volunteer partnerships and asked for a follow-up on whether swim hours curtailed by staffing have been fully reinstated. Dela Rosa said pool hours were reinstated but not necessarily to prior full capacity because lifeguard staffing remains constrained.

Ending: Commissioners voted to receive the recreation-divisions quarterly report and asked staff to return with any additional follow-up about partner organization processes and staffing plans.","Deputy director Tina Dela Rosa told commissioners the department saw growth in swim enrollments but staffing limits and a credit-card system change reduced fitness membership counts; seasonal events and partner programs continued to attract participants.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6588563,"Parents and volunteers dispute refunds and coaching rules at South Gate Junior Athletic Association",7796,193000,7989000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62&start=193&end=7989","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588951-2d9e0490c3c4b610dfd9cee56eafaa62/thumbnail_193000.jpg","/articles/6588563/South-Gate/Los-Angeles-County/California/Parents-and-volunteers-dispute-refunds-and-coaching-rules-at-South-Gate-Junior-Athletic-Association","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588563-40111447ff114c373f18ba7433145511/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102204&Signature=WxR9Qu4wRJ1SpckthLeDjIWHxyEw4PiifBRUDmNPRboVXTn07FKUpQ-HpvvD4nl4rG1B0Gqh3zczcH8JhU5piGI0BXRwtrDgBgpdzhyP8r-xgScuuur1MdcJLkKWrtsW8kz8PN6QAlC9QY5~aIo13XQXuRTNdVwGraPezLRvh9o5DA0ga1cm6NvGGb4UKHjnKMP-6OMJAY2WCeBELRFjaDpJfkRv7dQklGu877cdmochUmTwezlj3~3DYXdhg43AR4YT1UFrnbfAiPnVW3HKsCjGTUOvrp9Sei15G8J61Iin0Hf2uAbNflxjIDXlLXet5NC4RAolp-SJ~SMQynYCLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parents and volunteers pressed the South Gate Parks and Recreation Commission on Aug. 14 over a dispute involving a coach and an unpaid refund request to the South Gate Junior Athletic Association (JAA), a long-running volunteer youth-sports group that partners with the city.

The exchange began during public comment when a parent identified herself as Lily and said she and other parents had not received refunds from the nonprofit that runs youth teams out of South Gate Park. \"I just need help right now because our kids are not even playing, and they don't they refuse to refund us,\" Lily told commissioners.

The complaint drew several speakers and a stack of letters read into the record by Anna Medina, executive assistant to the parks director. Those letters — from people who identified themselves as volunteers, parents or longtime participants in the JAA — described the program as recreational, defended its refund-and-coaching rules, and said the organization had followed internal procedures when it denied the specific request.

Why it matters: The JAA serves many families and uses city-managed fields and facilities as a partner organization. The disagreement surfaced public concern about how partner groups handle discipline, refunds and rule enforcement and prompted commissioners to ask staff to follow up so the city can report back.

What speakers said: Daniel Canal, who identified himself as \"a volunteer member of the South Gate JAA,\" told commissioners the JAA provides low-cost youth programs and uses city space for basketball, baseball and other activities. Ernest Meehan, who said he is a board member for the South Gate JAA, told the commission that the board held a review of the complaint and that the organization did not remove the family from programs. \"We never asked them to leave or ban them. They're more than welcome to come back,\" Meehan said.

Multiple letters read to the commission by Medina said the JAA's registration contract states \"no refunds will be given\" and that the board offered credits for future seasons. One letter attributed to Alma Ochoa said the complaint arose after a coach directed young children (division 1: ages 4–6) to play aggressively and then left the team; the JAA board, the letter said, found that the coach had violated program rules and that replacement coaches were found within 24 hours to avoid disruption.

Commissioners’ response and next steps: Commissioners who spoke — including Commissioner Escobar and Vice Chair Reese — expressed support for the volunteer organizations and said the city must respect the distinction between partner organizations (which are independent nonprofits) and city-controlled operations. Several commissioners asked staff to follow up and report back at a future meeting about the complaint process and any oversight steps the department can or should take.

What the record shows: The letters and speakers described the JAA as a decades-old volunteer organization that aims to teach fundamentals in its youngest divisions, does not keep score for age 4–6, and routinely offers replacement coaches and credits rather than cash refunds. The commission did not take any formal enforcement action against the JAA at the meeting; instead commissioners requested further information and that staff track the issue.

Ending: Commissioners and staff said they would return with additional information about the complaint and about how the city handles appeals or requests for oversight of partner organizations so commissioners could be better informed about next steps.","Several parents and volunteers pressed the Parks and Recreation Commission about refunds and coaching conduct tied to the South Gate Junior Athletic Association (JAA); volunteers and a board member defended the program and said its rules — including a no-refund policy for registration — were followed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks staff outline Halloween events, costume contests and a fireworks finale

Parks director reports on auditorium roof, PFAS treatment planning and Circle Park timeline

Grounds maintenance report details irrigation, gophers and equipment purchases

Parks staff report enrollment gains, staffing and payment system issues in Q4

Parents and volunteers dispute refunds and coaching rules at South Gate Junior Athletic Association