FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Hawthorne City Manager
4455 W. 126th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 349-2900
HAWTHORNE, Calif., December 19, 2024 – The City of Hawthorne reflects on a year of growth, community involvement and strategic developments in 2024.
"From enhanced communication tools to public service improvements, new branding and ongoing community support, the City of Hawthorne has made significant strides," said City Manager Vontray Norris. "These efforts reflect our continued commitment to serving our residents and building a stronger, more connected community.”
New City Logo Reflects Unity and Progress
In 2024, the City of Hawthorne unveiled a new logo symbolizing unity, progress and civic pride. The design, created in collaboration with Tripepi Smith, incorporates local landmarks, such as the water tower, airport and Betty Ainsworth Sports Center. A rocket element highlights Hawthorne's roots in aviation and commitment to innovation.
Norris emphasized the collaborative process behind the logo, noting that it represents both the City's heritage and its dynamic, forward-looking spirit. The new logo appears across City platforms, reinforcing Hawthorne’s identity as the "City of Good Neighbors."
Balanced Budget for 2024-2025 Fiscal Year
The City of Hawthorne adopted a balanced budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with a surplus of $2.25 million and a cash balance nearing $27.5 million. Thanks to keen financial management across City departments, the budget includes a 13% increase in revenue and focuses on investments in public safety, personnel benefits, pension stabilization and the Civic Center project.
Finance Director Felice Lopez led the City’s success in growing reserves from $30 million to nearly $100 million over the past six years, demonstrating the City’s commitment to conservative spending and long-term fiscal stability.
Expanding Homeless Services and Support Programs
Hawthorne continued to enhance its efforts to address homelessness in 2024. The City's Homeless Services Team offers outreach, case management, housing navigation, health services and substance abuse prevention.
Key programs, such as the City’s weekly TeleHealth Van program and Bridge of Hope Community Housing and Pathway Home Hawthorne, provide care and shelter and support to unhoused individuals. A recent homeless count showed a reduction in the number of homeless individuals in Hawthorne, from 277 in 2020 to 180 in 2024.
As 2024 concludes, the City of Hawthorne remains focused on strengthening community ties, improving services and ensuring financial stability. With continued investment in public safety and community engagement, the City is ready for another year of growth and progress in 2025.
Continued Support for Local Economic Development
Throughout 2024, the City of Hawthorne has continued several economic initiatives to drive growth and strengthen the local business community. Notably, the City hosted the 2024 Business Expo and Job Fair, an event that brought together businesses, job seekers and community leaders to foster connections and explore economic opportunities.
In addition, the City offered programs such as Hawthorne Business Connect and the Commercial Facade Program to empower local businesses. The Business Connect initiative facilitates networking among business owners and City departments, while the Commercial Facade Program offers financial support to improve storefronts, enhance visual appeal and attract investment. Through these efforts, Hawthorne continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and community growth.
Infrastructure Improvements Continue to Progress Across Hawthorne
2024 saw a series of groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for transformative infrastructure projects that enhanced the City’s parks, roadways and public spaces.
Highlights included upgrades to traffic signals and ADA compliance on major streets, alley restorations, housing rehabilitation projects and the revitalization of Zela Davis Park. Residents also witnessed the beginning of a City Hall expansion, improvements to the Senior Center and enhancements at Moneta Gardens. These projects, funded through various measures and grants, demonstrated Hawthorne’s dedication to connectivity and community growth.
Local Events Bolster Community Spirit
The City of Hawthorne hosted a vibrant array of events throughout 2024, showcasing its commitment to fostering community engagement and celebrating local culture. Highlights included the Earth Day Celebration in April, where residents connected with local service providers, participated in sustainable activities and enjoyed eco-friendly goodies. In June, the Juneteenth Celebration at Memorial Park brought the community together to honor emancipation through live music, cultural performances and family-friendly activities. Summer events like the Shakespeare in the Park series, the Hot August Night Car Show and Dodger Day continued to strengthen ties among residents while celebrating the City’s diversity.
As the year progressed, Hawthorne’s fall lineup offered even more opportunities for residents to connect. The annual Fiesta in the Park in September honored Hispanic heritage with music and live performances, while the Touch a Truck event in October delighted families with hands-on experiences exploring City vehicles. The Halloween Spooktacular carnival capped off October with festive fun for all ages. Additionally, the Senior Resource Fair and ongoing Senior Center Community Day showcased the City’s dedication to supporting its older residents through valuable resources and facility upgrades.
Hawthorne continued its commitment to beautification and community engagement through a series of successful clean-up events in 2024. Partnering with Caltrans, Martinez Landscape and Republic Services, the City organized several initiatives to clean streets and parks. One notable event in March at the Betty Ainsworth Sports Center featured paper shredding, e-waste collection and debris removal.
Hawthorne Parks and Recreation Foundation Continues Legacy of Community Support
Since 1984, the Hawthorne Parks and Recreation Foundation has worked to support recreational opportunities for local youth. In 2024, the Foundation continued its efforts by offering summer swim lesson scholarships to children aged 4 to 15, ensuring access to water safety programs.
Through initiatives like the annual Golf Tournament and Beach Boys Landmark Brick Program, the Foundation has raised over $735,000 for local programs.
Enhancing Community Engagement with CityView Newsletter and MyHawthorne311 App
In 2024, Hawthorne continued to prioritize accessibility and community involvement through the CityView newsletter and MyHawthorne311 app. Launched in 2021 and 2022, respectively, these platforms have become essential tools for residents to stay connected with Hawthorne happenings.
The CityView newsletter provides timely updates on local news, events, municipal projects and employment opportunities, available to subscribers through the City's website.
The MyHawthorne311 app allows users to report issues, submit photos and track resolutions directly from their mobile devices. The app’s 24/7 access and anonymous reporting feature ensure a convenient, transparent experience for residents, businesses and visitors.
For more details on 2024’s successes, visit the City of Hawthorne’s official website at CityofHawthorne/Government/City-Press-Releases.
