Dear LAWA Community,
As spring brings new beginnings across our region, Los Angeles World Airports is energized by the opportunity to continue strengthening our connections with the communities we serve. At the heart of our work is a commitment to meaningful engagement — from supporting local students and families to partnering with neighborhood organizations and community events. In this edition of our newsletter, we’re excited to share highlights of recent activities, partnerships, and programs that reflect our ongoing dedication to listening, collaborating, and growing together.
Thank you for being an important part of our journey.
Sincerely,
Josh Francis
Director of Community Relations
Los Angeles World Airports
|
|
|---|
|
|
Board of Airport Commissioner Valeria Velasco Honored by the Rotary Club of Westchester |
|
|---|
|
Pictured L - R: Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park, Board of Airport Commissioner Valeria Velasco and former NBC weatherman Fritz Coleman. |
|
|---|
|
On March 18, Board of Airport Commissioner (BOAC) Valeria Velasco was honored by the Rotary Club of Westchester for her dedication to public service and commitment to the local community, including serving the longest on the BOAC. The tribute included remarks from a former NBC weatherman Fritz Coleman, Councilmember Traci Park, and Westchester Rotary President Nicole King.
The celebration brought together past Rotary district governors, fellow Rotarians, and community members who gathered to recognize Commissioner Velasco’s leadership and lasting impact. The recognition reflects Los Angeles World Airports’ ongoing commitment to strong community partnerships and civic engagement across the neighborhoods it serves. |
|
|---|
|
El Segundo Kiwanis Chilipalooza a
Huge Success |
|
|---|
|
The LAWA Community Relations team recently showed its community spirit by sponsoring the Kiwanis Club of El Segundo’s fourth annual Chilipalooza. While the team did not compete in the chili cook-off, it proudly showcased two restaurants from Terminal 2—BUILT Custom Burgers and Barney’s Beanery — which earned enthusiastic praise, plenty of thumbs-up, and even a few unofficial votes from festival goers. The Community Relations team also handed out new utensil kits, squishy planes, stickers and our new airport trading cards. |
|
|---|
|
The LAWA Community Relations team went full “March Madness.” With six team members working nonstop, the team kept the line moving as they served generous helpings of chili and kept the energy high throughout the event. |
|
|---|
|
|
March/April highlights:
- Magnolia Science Academy visited The Flight Path Museum and students were treated to a behind the scenes LAX airfield tour on March 25.
- The team supported Council District 11's "It's Bigger Than Us," event on April 4 to gather artists, musicians, creators and community members at Mar Vista Gardens.
- On April 4, members of the Community Relations team showed off one of the Van Nuys Airport Operations SUVs used to monitor the airfield. The siren was one of the top highlights.
- Airline Videos Live hosted its 5th Anniversary Party on the rooftop of the H Hotel. Community Relations Director Josh Francis took part in the plane-spotting enthusiast festivities and brought one of our new backpacks to raffle off at the event.
|
|
|---|
|
Airplanes and trucks. Life does not get any better than this at Discovery Cube's Touch-a-Truck event.
|
|
|---|
|
Selfies are a thing at the Discovery Cube LA's Touch-a-Truck event on April 4. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
Magnolia Science Academy Students pose for a photo on the LAX airfield following their tour. |
|
|---|
|
"It's Bigger Than Us" attendees visit the LAWA booth. |
|
|---|
|
One of our youngest visitors at the "It's Bigger Than Us" event wins a prize. |
|
|---|
|
|
The Community Relations Team engaged with residents at Mar Vista Gardens and answered many questions related to the airport, especially its local hiring initiatives.
|
|
|---|
|
Airline Videos Live founder Kevin Ray presents an LAX backpack to the raffle winner during the channel's 5th anniversary celebration on top the H Hotel Los Angeles. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
|
Did you know?
Van Nuys Airport is home to the Condor Squadron, an Officers & Airmen’s Association of aviation enthusiasts dedicated to honoring and preserving the memory of those who have served our country.
Founded in 1962, the Condor Squadron has operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based at Van Nuys Airport. The group was formed by several members of the 146th Fighter Group, who originally established the squadron as a Civil Air Patrol search-and-rescue unit.
Today, the Condor Squadron continues its proud legacy by flying in formation at parades, celebrations, and memorials, while also supporting the community through service activities such as the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. |
|
|---|
|
Where You'll Find Us Next |
|
|---|
|
Click the button below to catch up on all the latest news from LAWA! |
|
|---|
|
ATMP Roadways Project Updates
|
|
|---|
|
Rendering of the future condition of Century Blvd and Sepulveda Blvd facing east. |
|
|---|
|
Construction is underway on the Airfield Terminal Modernization Project Roadway Improvements. For the latest information on detours, closures, and other construction activity, visit the Roadway Improvements Project website. The site includes project details and simulation renderings that show what LAX roadways will look like once construction is complete.
|
|
|---|
|
LAX Residential Sound Insulation Program
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) relaunched the LAX Residential Sound Insulation (RSI) Program for eligible homeowners located within FAA-approved noise contours near LAX.
The program provides sound-insulation improvements, including upgraded windows, exterior doors, and ventilation systems, at no cost to homeowners in the City of El Segundo and select neighborhoods within Los Angeles City Council Districts 11 and 8. Improvements vary depending on each home’s construction type and any applicable historic designation requirements.
Although the program is winding down, there is still time to apply. Applications will be accepted through Spring 2027.
Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. An updated noise exposure map is expected to be released in March/April 2026, and properties that fall outside the revised FAA-approved noise contours may no longer qualify. Submitting an application now helps ensure your eligibility before the contour update takes effect.
To learn more about the program, confirm eligibility, or submit an application online, please visit: www.LAWA.org/laxRSIprogram. For questions or additional information, please contact: Evelin Barajas, LAX RSI Program Homeowner Liaison, at 424-646-7444 or laxrsi@lawa.org.
|
|
|---|
|
Los Angeles World Airports Community Relations
To view past editions of Community Connection, click here. |
|
|---|
|
| | |
|
|  |
|
|
|
|
|
