 The Pooch Plunge, held at our Lompoc Aquatic Center right before the pool was closed for two weeks so that routine maintenance could be done, was a bark-worthy good time. Check out this video of the fun.
The Lompoc Aquatic Center is back open! Be sure to join us for rec swim on Saturday and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a special Labor Day rec swim from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. this Monday, Sept. 2.
 Talk about coming (swimming?) full circle.
Hannah Wallace's journey in the world of aquatics began in San Pedro, where she first learned to swim in her grandparents' pool at age 5. Her early experiences in the water sparked a lifelong passion that would lead her on a winding path, bringing her to Lompoc as a young swim instructor and lifeguard, and then again years later as the aquatics supervisor.
Hannah's first job was a lifeguard and water exercise and safety instructor at the former Lompoc Municipal Pool when she was 16 and her dad was stationed at the now Vandenberg Space Force Base.
After exploring aquatic roles in various communities, from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Summit County, Colorado, including providing enriching aquatic experiences for high-risk youth, Hannah returned to Lompoc in 2008. While her career took her in different directions, including positions at the Santa Ynez YMCA overseeing aquatics and at the Chumash Casino Resort in operations, her heart always remained drawn to the water. While in Colorado, Hannah earned two college degrees at Colorado State University: a bachelor of liberal arts in English literature and a master of liberal arts in communications development and community service.
In 2021, Hannah became an administrative assistant with our own Lompoc Library. She was well-loved in the role. When the opportunity came up early this year to serve as the Lompoc Aquatic Center supervisor for the city, the transition made sense.
Returning to her roots, Hannah is now able to share her love of swimming and passion for water safety with the community she spent a pivotal part of her youth in.
"Returning to Aquatics was always a dream for me," Hannah says. "Positions like aquatic supervisor don’t open up very often, so when this one did, I jumped on it. I am very passionate about the field of aquatics and love that what we offer enriches our community. I constantly find myself counting the smiles of our swimmers as they walk through the door. The Lompoc Aquatic Center is a fun and happy place, and I am honored to serve the Lompoc community."
 Hannah and her husband, Lompoc educator and coach Brian Wallace.
 Lompoc Police Officer Blake Martinez, is new to the department, but comes from a family with deep Lompoc Police Department roots. Three generations worth, to be exact.
Officer Martinez was formally sworn in this week at Lompoc City Hall, where police Chief Kevin Martin and the city clerk administered the oath of office to Officer Martinez in the presence of his family and friends.
This swearing in was more than a ceremonial swearing in. The ceremony marked the continuation of a proud tradition of service that has been a cornerstone of the Martinez family for three generations. Blake’s grandfather, Frank Martinez, was sworn in as a Lompoc Police Officer in 1952, beginning a distinguished career that would span nearly three decades. Frank was the first motor officer in the City of Lompoc, setting a standard for excellence dedication, and community service. Blake’s father, Art Martinez, was also a Lompoc police officer, starting his career in 1982 and serving our community with distinction until 2003. Art Martinez ultimately dedicated over 31 years of his life to law enforcement.
The Lompoc Police Department would like to welcome Blake Martinez as he is set to embark on a comprehensive 21-week field training program.
 You might encounter some Lompoc street closures and detours in the coming days as pavement repairs take place throughout the city.
Work is scheduled to take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 5. This work is being conducted by Strauss Wind, LLC and its contractor to repair damage caused by wind turbines being transported through city streets.
Please follow signage, and drive safely around workers.
In addition, here is the presentation given recently at a Lompoc City Council meeting, detailing more funding recently allocated for road improvements, as well as options for additional funding moving forward. Road Maintenance and Potential Options for Additional Funding.
 There was excellent participation for the Lompoc Library's Edible Books Contest, held in front of the Charlotte's Web Bookmobile at the last Old Town Market of the summer.
All the creations were pleasing to the eye and the tummy. (We're guessing! No taste-testing was allowed.)
Thank you to each of the participants and judges, Mayor Jenelle Osborne and Sweet Baking Co. Owner Missy Morales, as well as the library's teen volunteers who helped with the contest.
You can watch a video reel showing the action here: Edible Books Contest Video.
While we're talking about Lompoc Library programs, we should mention that the Summer Reading Challenge was a tremendous success, quadrupling its original reading goal. Here are the stats:
With the Lompoc Airport refurbishment complete, we want to reshare the portion of this year's state of the city video that addressed these improvements.
The Lompoc Airport has received new lighting, signage and wiring for the runway and taxiways, as well as repaving of the runway and the north taxiway.
This project was funded by a nearly $4.4 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, along with $150,000 from Caltrans.
These developments help keep Lompoc visitors and residents safe, whether on the ground or in the air.
New carpeting at Lompoc City Hall.
 Our awesome building crew.
 A recent transit community workshop. There are more to come! Stay tuned.
 City Hall selfie day.
At the August 20 Lompoc City Council meeting:
Council approved the following items on the consent calendar by unanimous vote:
- Minutes of the Lompoc City Council Regular Meetings of June 4, 2024 and June 18, 2024.
- Adoption of Resolution No. 6695(24) Approving the Tentative Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding Between the City and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1906 for the Period of July 1, 2024, Through June 30, 2027, Authorizing Salary Adjustments for International Association of Firefighters Local 1906 Represented Classifications, Amending the City’s Compensation Plan Accordingly, and Approving Supplemental Appropriations to Fund the Amended
Compensation Plan
- Award of a Sole Source Contract Purchase Order for a 2024 Freightliner M2 Roll Off Truck in the Amount of $217,711.31 to Commerce Truck and Equipment Sales, LLC.
- Adoption of Resolution No. 6696(24) Approving and Authorizing the Submittal of the City of Lompoc Transit Title VI Program to the Federal Transit Administration and Authorizing the City Manager, Public Works Director, Assistant Public Works Director, and the Transit/Airport Administrator to Sign/Revise Documents Related to the Title VI Transit Operations.
- Approval of Lompoc Tourism Improvement District 2024 Annual Report by Visit Lompoc Inc.
- Adoption of Resolution No. 6697(24) Approving Supplemental Appropriations for City Facilities’ Security System Services.
- Approval of Response to the 2023-24 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury Report – “Homeless Encampments in Santa Barbara County; Becoming Part of the Community Again”
- Approval of Response to the 2023-24 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury Report – "Individuals In Crisis: The Right Care at the Right Time"
- Adoption of Resolution No. 6698(24) Authorizing Participation in the Central Coast Resilient Direct Current Fast Charging Project Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Opportunity, and Approving a Letter of Intent for the Project.
Staff Presentations/Announcements/Requests:
• Presentation from Library – Summary of Summer Programs
• Police Chief Kevin Martin provided a presentation on the Lompoc Police Department’s
2023 Annual Report.
• Management Services provided a presentation on possible funding options for increased street repairs.
Next Council Meeting: Sept. 3, 2024, 6:30 p.m., City of Lompoc Council Chamber
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