Recreation & Community Services Commission

Current Recreation & Community Services Commission Meeting Agenda(PDF, 370KB)  

• Dave Allen 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.
• 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 (Chair) 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.”
• Ted Spaseff has lived in Lakewood for 41 years. Ted began his career in landscaping in the private sector and then came to work at the City of Lakewood as a park maintenance worker. He worked his way up the ranks in the parks and public works field to become Director of Municipal and Utility Services for the City of Santa Fe Springs. Ted and his wife moved to Lakewood because of the parks and everything the city had to offer for a family. He still loves those qualities. “My hat’s off to our recreation staff. During a normal year, they organize a tremendous number of programs. Then COVID comes, and they immediately begin creating all new programs, with virtual activities. I love being a commissioner and being a connection between our community and all the happenings in the Recreation and Community Services Department.”
• Anitza Valles (Vice 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.”

2024

2023