Community marks 50 years of Lomita Sheriff’s Station; new foundation raises funds for drones and vehicles

Residents, city officials and law enforcement supporters gathered at the Terrana Resort to mark the 50th anniversary of the Lomita Sheriff’s Station and to launch fundraising efforts through a newly formed foundation, organizers said. The foundation, organizers said, was formed about 13 months ago to pay for equipment and training that budget constraints leave unfilled.

The program’s host, Maria So, opened the event and said the evening was meant both to honor the station’s half‑century of service and to solicit donations for specific needs. The foundation’s leader (identified in the program as the foundation’s president) told attendees the group has already run golf tournaments and secured some donations, including a contribution from Janice Holl’s office for a replacement side‑by‑side vehicle. "We're brand spanking new," the president said, describing a volunteer board that includes Julia Parton, Ralph Felix, Jennifer Alvera, Chris Payne and Sharon Shapiro Fox and inviting more peninsula residents to join.

Organizers laid out a short “wish list” of equipment they hope the foundation will purchase: drones for search and safety over the peninsula’s hilly terrain, a side‑by‑side off‑road vehicle (noted as out of service for about eight years), multiple quad runners to pursue electric bikes on trails, and the possibility of another police canine. The president said drones would improve deputy safety and effectiveness on the peninsula’s canyons and rugged areas.

A longtime reserve officer introduced at the event as Mr. Meadow recounted being sworn in nearly 40 years ago and described his ride‑along with deputies. "They never stop working from the second you get in the car with them," he said, describing continuous calls and limited downtime—comments organizers used to illustrate operational strain at the station and motivate donations.

Speakers emphasized that the event drew participation from multiple contracted cities on the peninsula, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates and parts of San Pedro, and that city managers and council members were on hand. Organizers also noted Sheriff Luna, other commanders and captains attended, reflecting department leadership’s presence at the celebration.

Organizers framed the foundation’s work as supplemental: not a replacement for formal government funding but a way for residents and local businesses to provide equipment and training that budget cuts have left out. "When our sheriffs ... need our help, we should step in and help them as well," the foundation’s president said.

There were no formal motions or votes at the event. Organizers said funds already raised will go toward the items listed above and that the foundation will continue monthly meetings and outreach to recruit board members and donors. The program closed with thanks to attendees and an invitation to follow future foundation activities and community events.

Ending: The foundation plans to apply funds to the equipment list discussed at the gala; organizers encouraged listeners who want to contribute or join the board to contact the foundation through city hall (ask for Mark Warick) or through named volunteers such as Julia Parton at Malaga Bank.