Dear LAWA Community,
August brings long summer days, the excitement of back-to-school preparations and a reminder of how quickly the year is flying by. As we look ahead to a busy fall season, our team is preparing for several signature events, including Cranky Dorkfest, Aviation Career Day, numerous community events, and opportunities to connect with our airport neighbors and partners.
This month, you'll find stories highlighting the people, programs and partnerships that help make Los Angeles World Airports a vital resource for our region. From workforce development initiatives and youth engagement programs to employee achievements and community events, we're proud to share the work being done to strengthen connections and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and wish you a wonderful end to the summer season.
Sincerely,
Josh Francis
Director of Community Relations
Los Angeles World Airports
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National Night Out Brings Together Community, Airport Police and LAWA External Affairs Team |
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Airport Police and Airport Affairs team members ready to serve pizza and cold drinks to travelers.
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Los Angeles World Airports celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 4 at LAX-it Plaza, welcoming travelers as they headed home. Guests enjoyed pizza and cold drinks while visiting booths hosted by law enforcement and airline partners, which offered free giveaways and information.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and crime-prevention awareness. Typically held on the first Tuesday in August, the event helps build trust, strengthen relationships and foster unity between communities and public safety partners. |
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El Segundo Rotary Hosts 26th Annual Movie in the Park Featuring Zootopia 2 |
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LAWA team members watch as an attendee plays Plinko at the 26th Annual El Segundo Movie
in the Park event. |
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Los Angeles World Airports staff turned out in full force for El Segundo Rotary’s 26th Annual Movie in the Park on Aug. 1, which featured the highly anticipated
Zootopia 2. Families gathered at Chevron Park and sat on their LAX-branded blankets the LAWA team handed out as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde returned to the screen for a new adventure filled with mystery, laughs and unforgettable surprises.
The community celebration also included train rides, a moon bounce, face painting and refreshments, adding to the festive atmosphere and continuing El Segundo Rotary’s tradition of bringing families together for an evening under the summer sky.
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LAWA Joins the Community at the
Westchester Saturday Stroll |
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LAX Community Relations team members talk to Saturday strollers at Westchester's first Saturday Stroll of the season on Aug. 15. |
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Los Angeles World Airports joined neighbors, families and local businesses at the Westchester Saturday Stroll, a bi-monthly community gathering in the heart of the Westchester Triangle. The event showcases the best of the neighborhood, featuring local art, live music, great food and small businesses while creating opportunities for residents and visitors to connect and enjoy Westchester’s vibrant community spirit.
Each event has brought people together to meet local business owners, explore artisan booths and connect with neighbors in a festive, walkable setting. From live performances to hands‑on arts and crafts, the Stroll continues to highlight the creativity and community spirit that define Westchester.
We look forward to seeing you at the next Saturday Stroll and celebrating our community together.
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North Valley Occupational Center Students
Tour LAX |
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Students from the North Valley Occupational Center Van Nuys Campus visited LAX |
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Students from North Valley Occupational Center’s summer program toured LAX on July 23 to learn about the many careers that support a commercial airport. During the visit, students explored the Flight Path Learning Center Museum and received a behind-the-scenes airfield tour, offering them a closer look at airport operations and real-world career pathways in aviation. |
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What I Learned at My Summer Internship |
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The LAWA Community Relations team with intern, Anya Murrell (center). |
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By: Anya Murrell, LAWA Community Relations Intern
As part of our summer internship experience, LAWA interns visited Los Angeles City Hall on Aug. 11 for a firsthand look at public service and civic leadership. The visit gave us a closer look at how local government serves the people of Los Angeles while building on the professional experiences they explored throughout the summer. We attended a Los Angeles City Council meeting and met with Councilmembers Adrin Nazarian and Imelda Padilla, along with Senior Legislative Deputy Osvaldo Ramirez.
Legislative Deputy Yadila Guerra led a tour of Padilla’s office and shared insight into its work preparing for LA28. We also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mayor’s Office from Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Vahid Khorsand and David Bright, the mayor’s West Valley field representative. The visit provided a meaningful extension of our summer learning experience, giving us an opportunity to engage with civic leaders, better understand local government and explore careers dedicated to public service and community engagement.
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Los Angeles World Airports Summer Interns at Los Angeles City Hall on August 13. |
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Did you know?
Did you know that before it became the world-famous LAX, the airport went through several name changes? The airport originally opened as Mines Field, named after real estate developer William Mines, who proposed the site for the airport. Just two years after opening, in 1930, it was renamed Los Angeles Municipal Airport. Then, in July 1941, it became Los Angeles Airport. Finally, in 1949, the Los Angeles City Council officially designated it as Los Angeles International Airport — giving us the famous LAX we know today.
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Where You'll Find Us Next |
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LAWA Chief Airport Development Officer Michael Christensen briefed the Rotary Club of Westchester on July 22, sharing an update on the Terminal 5 modular construction underway along Westchester Parkway. |
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Woman's Club of Playa del Rey toured LAX and received updates on the many projects taking place at LAX. |
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Click the button below to catch up on all the latest news from LAWA! |
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Join the Crew | Volunteer at LAX! |
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One of the nation's busiest airport seeks your assistance to ensure a positive guest experience! Become a Volunteer Information Professional (VIP) and be part of our crew! VIPs are located in information booths on the Arrivals/Lower Level of LAX terminals. |
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WHAT DO VIPS DO?
- Greet guests.
- Answer questions related to wayfinding, ground transportation,hospitality, airport amenities, public transportation, and community facilities.
- Provide suggestions to sightseeing in the Los Angeles area.
- VIPs may also provide assistance during regular airport operations.
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VIP REWARDS
- Wonderful opportunity to assist guests in need!
- Interact with guests from around the world!
- On-site parking privileges during volunteer shift(s)
- Invitations to airport and community events.
- Annual recognition event.
- Flexible Hours (night and weekend shifts available).
- Exposure to LAX employers, tours, and job information.
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VIP TRAINING
Training for VIPs includes guest service techniques, ticket reading, airport security, and airline check-in procedures. Volunteers will learn how to research travel and hospitality amenities.
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VIP TRAINING
For more information, please click the button below or contact Nancy Aguilar, Management Analyst,
naguilar@lawa.org or 424-646-8471. The VIP Program is managed by Los Angeles World Airports' Guest Services Division. |
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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 at the end of summer 2026. 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. |
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Los Angeles World Airports Community Relations
Photos by Community Relations, Airport Police and Lek Pollard.
To view past editions of Community Connection, click here. |
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