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Gardena mayor cites $71 million infrastructure investment, seeks new retailers including Trader Joe's for 2026

City of Gardena Mayor's remarks ยท January 28, 2026

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Summary

Mayor Tasha Serta said Gardena recently invested over $71 million in infrastructure and is pursuing new businesses, including efforts to bring Trader Joe's to the city, while promoting more than 100 community events and local restaurants.

Mayor Tasha Serta said Gardena plans to focus on economic development and community amenities in 2026, announcing the city "recently invested over $71,000,000 in infrastructure" and that attracting new retailers is a top priority.

Serta, introduced at the start of the remarks as the mayor of the city of Gardena, said her "resolution for the city of Gardena in 2026 is to bring more businesses to the community that the community wants to see." She added, "For instance, I'm working hard to get Trader Joe's in here," and said other new retailers are in discussion but "I can't tell you until that time gets a little closer."

The mayor framed the recruitment push as part of a broader economic plan that builds on Gardena's manufacturing base. She said the city recently marked its anniversary and hopes to draw higher-tech employers, including "drone taxis" or larger aerospace companies.

On public works and amenities, Serta said the city has invested more than $71 million in infrastructure projects, including updates to the sewage system and plans for a new pool, a new aquatic center and a new senior center. "When you come to the city of Gardena, we don't have potholes like other cities," she said, contrasting local street conditions with neighboring jurisdictions.

Serta also highlighted Gardena's community life, saying the city runs more than 100 events for seniors, children and pet owners, with free parking for residents and attendees who sometimes travel from surrounding cities "as far as 30 miles away."

On local dining and culture, she recommended Gardena Bowl for food, bowling and karaoke and cited Cherrystones as a neighborhood favorite for chili. She recounted talking with "Dave Roberts" about local restaurants and said a figure identified as "Shohei" has been seen in town and visited a school after dining locally.

The mayor concluded by inviting further questions and wishing residents a "happy and prosperous new year," saying she believes 2026 "is gonna be amazing in the city of Gardena." No formal votes or policy actions were recorded in the remarks; the statements conveyed the mayor's priorities and plans rather than enactments of new city policy.