Mayor Davis-Holmes: Carson “a beacon of light that illuminates from our borders, the South Bay and beyond.”
By Viri Garcia Gallardo, Executive Editor & Dylan Smith, Managing Editor
City leaders, community partners, and residents gathered at the Carson Event Center on Mar. 20 for the 2025 State of the City, where Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes and other officials outlined key accomplishments and unveiled upcoming initiatives focused on infrastructure, public safety, sustainability, and economic growth.
Before the formal program began, attendees were welcomed with breakfast and a live musical performance by saxophonist Tobias Moody and pianist Chris Nuño.
KTLA reporter Kacey Montoya served as the day’s emcee. She asked attendees whether they were ready to be inspired by Carson’s achievements over the past year. Montoya described Carson as a city on the rise, filled with “vibrant neighborhoods” and “thriving local businesses.”
Montoya praised the city’s collaborative spirit, highlighting initiatives like Operation Carson Cares, which supports those affected by the wildfires that blazed across Los Angeles this past January. “I feel welcomed in this community like I am one of them,” Montoya said.
City recognizes sponsors, community partners
Tamala Lewis, vice chair of strategic initiatives for the Carson Chamber of Commerce, thanked city officials for their leadership and introduced the chamber’s new president and CEO, Lia Skinner. Lena Whittaker, vice chair of special events, acknowledged key sponsors supporting the city’s growth, including Transtech and Watson Land Company.
In a video presentation, Transtech Principal Melissa Demirci noted the company’s role in providing inspection services, permitting, and building safety for the city. Watson Land Company President and CEO Jeff Jennison highlighted the firm’s five-decade partnership with Carson. The city also recognized its “Future Unlimited Sponsors,” including California Water Service and Shell.
Frankie Torres, a lifelong resident of Carson, attended the event. He told The Bulletin that he was excited to see how the city has developed in recent years.
“Seeing the new buildings and retail spaces brings more people to our beautiful city, and we get to showcase it,” said Torres, a Shell mechanic. “My company, Shell—it’s part of a great neighborhood, and we always want to give back. I feel even luckier working for this company and staying in my hometown.”
Cal State Dominguez Hills also received a shoutout for its contributions. Montoya referred to CSUDH as a “cornerstone of education, innovation, and community,” while university President Thomas A. Parham noted the school’s enrollment of 14,000 students and the success of Toros Athletics, particularly the success of the men’s and women’s basketball teams this season.
Parham applauded the city’s achievements and the efforts of city officials, saying it was “a privilege to serve” and that CSUDH would continue to “stand in support” of Carson.
Parham said: “We have new infrastructure coming, we have community engagement, we have distinguished lectures that the president sponsors with the best scholars coming from all over the country, to give a word right here in the city of Carson.”
Davis-Holmes “reports” on upcoming projects
Before taking the podium, Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes delivered a pre-recorded address as an anchor for Carson Network News. In her “report,” the mayor announced a handful of upcoming projects, including a city-run TV and multimedia division to expand local communication and boost civic engagement.
The mayor then introduced the city’s official app, Carson 311, which residents can use to access information and report incidents. The app allows users to report illegal dumping, graffiti, potholes, and other resident concerns. Through the app, residents can upload photos, track incident progress, and receive status updates on service requests.
Davis-Holmes said a city-wide street repair project is underway. She also noted plans to expand tree-trimming and planting programs to bolster Carson’s urban landscape and the completion of a new surveillance camera system across the city.
Other city officials highlighted key initiatives in education, sustainability, and housing. The city plans to expand early childhood education and grow the Carson Youth Employment Program with additional sites. More than 150 electric vehicle charging stations will be installed across the city, including at the Carson Event Center and local parks. And on the housing front, over 1,400 units have been approved, with more than 50 designated as affordable.
She said that while the plans are still in the early stages, one thing is clear: Carson is moving forward.
Davis-Holmes said: “The city of Carson is a beacon of light that illuminates from our borders, the South Bay and beyond, shining bright like a diamond, our jewel of the South Bay.”
Furthering the mayor’s stance on Carson being the jewel of the South Bay, a new diamond-shaped logo was also announced as the city’s emblem.
Sheriff: crime on the decline in Carson
Capt. Alise Norman of the Carson Sheriff’s Station reported a decline in overall crime, noting that residential burglaries, aggravated assaults, and grand theft auto cases have all decreased over the past fiscal year.
Davis-Holmes added that these efforts are critical as LA prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Davis-Holmes’s closing remarks
In her closing remarks, Davis-Holmes emphasized the city’s commitment to growth and rebranding. “We’re not worried about the other cities—we’re focused on making Carson the best it can be,” she said, calling on investors to support the city’s growth.
She introduced the “Come to Carson” initiative, which aims to attract more residents, visitors, and businesses. She emphasized that Carson isn’t just part of Los Angeles—it’s a destination on its own.
“We’re positioning Carson for long-term success,” Davis-Holmes said.