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Lakewood, California

Step into Lakewood and discover a vibrant community that proudly pioneered the post-World War II suburban dream. As America's first fully master-planned city, its innovative design offered thousands of returning veterans and their families a fresh start and a place to call home, fostering a strong sense of community that thrives to this day. We are proud of our heritage as a place built for families, a legacy evident in our beautiful parks and friendly neighborhoods.

Founded 1954 | Population 81,121 | Peak 81,121 (2024) | County Los Angeles County

Top Events in Lakewood, California

1950 Lakewood Park Begins: Construction starts on the massive master-planned suburban community.

1951 Lakewood Center Opens: One of the nation's first and largest regional shopping malls debuts.

1954 City Incorporates: Residents vote to incorporate, establishing Lakewood as a self-governing city.

1957 The Lakewood Plan: Innovative model for municipal services through contracting is adopted.

2004 Golden Anniversary: Lakewood celebrates 50 years of incorporation with community-wide events.

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Latest News in Lakewood

Mar 22, 2026

Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman

LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …

Mar 16, 2026

Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders

A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…

Mar 16, 2026

Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California

Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…

Mar 15, 2026

NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator

NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…

Mar 13, 2026

What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?

The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…

Mar 10, 2026

CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles

CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

Historical Timeline of Lakewood

1950 Economy

Community Construction

1951 Economy

Lakewood Center Grand Opening

1954 Government

City Incorporated

1957 Government

Lakewood Plan Adopted

1968 Culture

Lakewood Civic Center Opens

1988 Economy

Lakewood Marketplace Redevelopment

2004 Culture

50th Anniversary Celebration

2018 Culture

Community Park Upgrades

Did You Know? — Lakewood

Lakewood was America's first fully master-planned post-World War II suburban community, designed for returning veterans and their families.

The 'Lakewood Plan' is a nationally recognized model where the city contracts for most municipal services, influencing urban planning across the country.

Lakewood Center, opened in 1951, was one of the largest shopping malls in the United States at its debut, revolutionizing retail.

During its rapid development in the 1950s, Lakewood earned the nickname 'Instant City' due to homes being built at an astonishing rate.

Actor John Stamos, known for his role in 'Full House,' was raised in Lakewood and attended its schools.

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