Recreation & Community Services Commission

The Recreation and Community Services Commission studies issues related to Lakewood’s recreational programs and social services.

The commission meets on the second Wednesday of the month in the City Council Chambers. Meetings are open to the public. To confirm the time of the meeting, contact the Commission Secretary at 562-866-9771, extension 2401.

This is one of three commissions on which Lakewood residents serve. Each commission is composed of five members appointed by the city council to a two-year term.

Photo: Top row, from left: Anitza Valles (chair) and Dave Allen (vice chair). Bottom row, from left: Bert Johnson, Kristie Carol Larison and Veronica Lucio.

Compensation for each commission member is $50 per meeting. No person shall serve on more than one commission at the same time. A member of a commission may not hold any other city office or position for which compensation is paid.

Agenda

Current Recreation & Community Services Commission Meeting Agenda(PDF, 218KB)

Minutes

2025

Commission Members

Dave Allen (vice chair) has lived in Lakewood off and on for over 50 years and was a member of the Recreation and Community Service Department staff for 30 years. “Lakewood is a great environment to bring up your kids and grandkids. As a commissioner, I love interacting with Lakewood residents who participate in our plethora of activities and services…and getting their feedback. And I'm proud of what I hear.” Dave is a Navy veteran of Vietnam and an active volunteer and board member of Lakewood Meals on Wheels.
Bert Johnson has served as a Neighborhood Watch captain in his Lakewood neighborhood as well as a Lakewood Flag Football league coach. He retired after four decades of work in the logistics field. "Lakewood's current recreational program is superior. It offers variety, fair competition and family fun." He would like to add more travel trips to professional sporting events, as well as an expanded focus on youth and parent programs.
Kristie Carol Larison, a Lakewood resident for 19 years, is a substitute teacher at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School and served four of seven years as PTA president, and 10 years as team manager of youth soccer. She's been involved in Lakewood adult sports and attended recreation events for many years. "Preservation of parks and open space in Lakewood should remain a top priority. Lakewood residents value the green space available to them and their families. I believe continued maintenance and enhancement of our green spaces will solidify the desirability of our city to current and future residents."
Veronica Lucio has lived in Lakewood for 16 years. She’s a music teacher at Gompers Elementary and Middle School in Lakewood. She received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in educational administration from California State University, Long Beach. “My husband and I really enjoy taking our young daughter to play at Bloomfield Park near our home. I know how valuable Lakewood’s parks are to so many residents, and I know how important our recreation and senior programs are to many residents also. I look forward to doing all that I can to support, protect and enhance those services and facilities for Lakewood residents of all ages.”
Anitza Valles (chair) has lived in Lakewood for over 10 years. She’s the senior manager for web and social media at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach where she has worked for almost 20 years. She’s also been an active member of the executive board of the Parent Teachers Association at her children’s school and a communications volunteer for the Lakewood Little League. “I believe in the power of community and connection,” says Anitza, “and I do my best to connect with my communities, be they in my neighborhood, school, work or someplace else. I think that Lakewood offers an extraordinary amount of recreation programming for all interests and ages, and I am excited for the future as Lakewood continues to diversify and explore new possibilities.”