The City of South Gate on Oct. 14 recognized Police Chief Darren Arakawa at a City Council meeting marking his final council appearance before retirement, with the council presenting a proclamation, a plaque and a congressional certificate of recognition. City Manager Rob Houston told the council he had extended a conditional offer to Captain Manny Arana to succeed Arakawa as chief pending clearance.

Arakawa, who told the council he will complete 34 years of service, thanked the council, city staff and his family and said he felt he was "one of the luckiest persons in this room" for the career he built in South Gate. "I truly feel that I'm leaving the department better off than when I first arrived," he said.

The council read a formal proclamation that traced Arakawa's career from a reserve officer in 1991 through promotions to sergeant, lieutenant, captain and, in 2021, chief of police. The proclamation cited his participation on the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association executive board and his receiving the City of South Gate Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Multiple council members and community members offered tributes at the meeting. Councilmember Pilar Avalos called Arakawa's years of service "reflective" of integrity and commitment, and Councilmember Rios praised his professionalism and mentorship. Visitors and community representatives — including Jesus Miranda, Henry Gonzales, and an office representative for Congresswoman Nanette Barragán — delivered brief remarks or presented a certificate of congressional recognition to Arakawa.

City Manager Rob Houston said the city conducted an internal and external recruitment process for the chief position, including panel interviews that involved outside police chiefs. He told the council the city extended a conditional offer to Captain Manny Arana. Arana spoke briefly to accept the consideration and outlined priorities he would pursue if confirmed, saying he was "deeply humbled" and planned to focus on "community engagement, officer wellness, and professional development." Arana asked for time to complete standard background and clearance steps before a final swearing-in.

Arakawa said his successor will inherit a department he expects to continue its current priorities and praised the department's personnel. "Succession planning is very important in an organization because culture is really important," Arakawa said. "I'm not gonna be sad to hand over this badge. I'm actually very proud because that's what you're supposed to do as a leader."

The council did not take a formal, final appointment vote during the meeting; the city manager described the offer as conditional and subject to completion of clearance steps. The city said it will make a formal announcement and complete swearing-in once those steps are finished.

The council and community closed the event by presenting Arakawa with the proclamation and plaque. Council and staff urged residents to attend his final roll call and walkout at the police station on his final day of service.

Ending: The council's public recognition concluded with multiple short community remarks and a reminder from the city that the conditional appointment process for the next chief will conclude once standard personnel clearances and paperwork are complete.