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Hawaiian Gardens honors native promoted to fire captain and highlights youth programs and upcoming events
Summary
The council recognized Captain Lionel Lara’s promotion to fire captain and accepted proclamations from multiple offices; staff and community members also promoted youth programs, the city’s powwow and upcoming events such as a teen summit and catalytic-converter engraving event.
The Hawaiian Gardens City Council recognized native son Captain Lionel Lara for his promotion to fire captain with remarks and certificates from the city and representatives from congressional, state senate, assembly and county offices.
Battalion Chief Guadalupe Munoz, called forward by the council, commended Captain Lara and said his promotion "is a testament to what your programs do for the community." Representatives from Congressman Derek Tran, State Senator Tony Strickland’s office and Assembly Member Sharon Cork Silva’s office presented recognitions and ceremonial items; the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said a custom scroll would be delivered the following week.
Councilmembers praised Lara’s ties to local youth programs and sports, noting those programs’ role in youth development. "We are really proud of you," Mayor Maria Teresa Del Rio said while presenting the city's certificate of recognition.
The meeting also included community updates: a Pop Warner representative said Los Alamitos Pop Warner (Orange Empire Conference) expanded its service area to include Cypress and Hawaiian Gardens and invited families to register online; Jesus Mendoza announced a powwow planned for Aug. 22–23 and requested permission to distribute flyers and collaborate with the school district and city hall for programming. Francisco Serrano, coach of the CIF championship girls’ volleyball team, presented a championship ring to the mayor and thanked the council for the city’s support.
Staff also announced several upcoming city events: a teen summit on May 16, a catalytic-converter engraving event (May 16) for residents at Alex’s Tires, a Memorial Day event on May 22, summer pool activities and youth baseball registration. Public works updated the council on the transition to Waste Management as the city's waste and recycling provider and several ongoing street, signal and water‑main projects.
The council adjourned at 7:14 p.m. and will reconvene May 27, 2026.
