1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:40 PM on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California; Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Paulette C. Francis; Council Member Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; and Council Member Wanda Love; Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero.
2. CLOSED SESSION - None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION - None
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Drew Jackson and Chioma Obinwa led the Pledge of Allegiance. Drew is a charismatic 4th grader, who excels at creative writing and is an avid reader and especially enjoys fantasy novels. Chioma is an exemplary 6th grader, as a co- founder of her school's Reading club and a d edicated big sister to her siblings. She is an example of excellent leadership at school, as well as at home.
4. INVOCATION
Presented by Pastor Dwight Dudley, Calvary Chapel South Bay, gave the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Gardena Events Video Presentation
- Video presentation was presented highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events.
Mayor Cerda announced that Item 5.B is being added to the Agenda . City Attorney confirmed that the Item is not being added, the Item is just simply a presentation.
5.B Wayfinder Signs Presentation
- City Manager Osorio announced the quick preview of the proposed entrance Wayfinding signs. Director of Public Works, Allan Rigg and Principal Engineer, Kevin Kwak were present and unveil ed the proposed signs to all Members of the Council and members of the public.
City Manager Osorio informed everyone at this time that we are not asking for comments, we are only viewing the signs.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 2 Mayor Cerda explained that if anyone has questions or comments to please see the Director of Public Works and or City Manager after the meeting or at a later time to discuss it, until we can bring it back as an agendized item.
6. PROCLAMATIONS - None
7. APPOINTMENTS - No Appointments were made
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on This Agenda and that they Be read by Title Only
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.B Approve Minutes:
Regular Meeting of the City Council, February 28, 2023
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning & Environmental Quality Commission, February 21, 2023 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, March 14, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
March 14, 2023: Wire Transfer: 12335- 12346; Prepay: 170839- 170844; Check Numbers: 170845- 171012– for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $8,047,992.37; Total Payroll Issued for March 10, 2023: $1,681,941.68.
8.E Monthly Investment Report, January 2023
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.F Personnel Report P-2023-4 3-14-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.G Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Pedestrian Safety Improvements FY 2022-2023 - Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal Phase, JN 513 (a.k.a. On- call services for Concrete Remediation)
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.H Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the 170th St. Street Improvement Project from Normandie Avenue to Vermont Avenue, JN 944
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve all Items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8.B, 8.E, 8.G and 8.H:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member s Love, Henderson and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 3 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.B CITY CLERK - Approve Minutes: Regular Meeting of the City Council, February 28, 2023 - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis had concerns and asked for corrections to be made to certain sections of the minutes: under Departmental Items, her Council Directives and certain information under her Council Remarks.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Mayor Cerda, and carried by the following roll call vote to Amend the Minutes with the corrections made as stated by Mayor Pro Tem Francis and bring the Amended Minutes back for Approval at the March 28, 2023 Council Meeting:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Mayor Cerda, and Council Members Henderson, Tanaka, and Love
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.E CITY TREASURER - Monthly Investment Report, January 2023 - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked why the monthly report is not done on a monthly basis? City Manage Osorio explained the process.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Love , and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.E:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Love, Henderson and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.G PUBLIC WORKS - Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Pedestrian Safety Improvements FY 2022-2023 - Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal Phase, JN 513 (a.k.a.
On-call services for Concrete Remediation) - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked was it 1,000 square feet of sidewalks that was repaired. If I notice a trip hazard on my street, how do I report it? Director Rigg came up and confirmed her first question; and then explained the use of Gardena Direct.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.G:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson, Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 4 8.H PUBLIC WORKS - Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the 170th St. Street Improvement Project from Normandie Avenue to Vermont Avenue, JN 944 - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis stated that there were an amazing number of improvements and asked for confirmation. Director Rigg came up and explained the work that was performed.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.H:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson, Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A MARCH 7, 2023 MEETING
Conditional Use Permit #7-21, Site Plan Review #9-21, and Environmental Assessment #18-21
The Planning Commission reviewed the applicant's request to continue the project at the next Planning and Environmental Quality Commission meeting on March 21, 2023.
APPLICANT: Gardena Owner LP
LOCATION: 1600 West 135th Street
Commission Action: The Planning Commission motioned to continue the public hearing of Conditional Use Permit #7- 21, Site Plan Review #9- 21, and Environmental Assessment #18 -21 to the next Planning and Environmental Quality Commission meeting on March 21, 2023, as requested by the applicant.
City Council Action: No City Council action is needed.
10.B MARCH 7, 2023 MEETING
Conditional Use Permit #3-22 and Site Plan Review #3-22 The Planning Commission reviewed a Resolution of Denial for the use of an indoor firearm shooting range located on a 0.46-acre site, for the following:
Conditional Use Permit (CUP #3- 22), per section 18.46.030.C.9 of the Gardena Municipal Code (GMC), for the operation of an indoor firearm shooting range facility located at the Industrial (M-1) zone; and
Site Plan Review (SPR #5-22) required for any development project for which a Conditional Use Permit is being sought; and
Determination that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the existing facility exemption, CEQA Section 15301.
APPLICANT: Edmund Tan
LOCATION: 1435 West 130th Street (APN:6102-003-020)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 5 Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 3- 23, by a vote of 4-0-0, denying Conditional Use Permit #3-22.
City Council Action: Receive and file or Call for Review (By way of two votes from the City Council)
This Item was Received and Filed.
Mayor Cerda made a motion to take Item 20. Council Directives and Item 21. City Manager Remarks Re: Directive/Council Items out of order.
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
1) Asked if we could have staff do some research on establishing a Gardena Historical Society – Mayor Pro Tem Francis seconded it.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis
1) Asked if we could bring back a moratorium regarding significant tobacco retailers only to be discussed and/or agendized at our 3/28/2023 Council Meeting – Mayor Cerda seconded it.
21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
City Manager Osorio gave a verbal report of information to follow -up on matters that had been directed or requested by the Mayor and Members of Council. Those items were, as follows:
1) Memo regarding Council D irective made at the February 28, 2023, meeting, regarding regulating or prohibiting businesses that primarily sale tobacco and related products.
2) Memo – response to Council Member Henderson’s directive made at the January 10, 2023, council meeting regarding innovative enforcement efforts to combat intersection takeovers.
Mayor Cerda resumed the meeting with Oral Communications.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Melissa Loza – a community organizer for ADAAP , Gardena High School Drug and Alcohol Prevention Taskforce; and a resident – spoke in favor of a moratorium in strengthening to prohibit the sale of tobacco in our City.
2) Nital Patel, representative for Senator Steve Bradford – came out to announce an event Senator Bradford is hosting called “Tacos and Taxes” for all residents at the Nakaoka Community Center; taxes will be done for free if you make under $66,000 ; she also mentioned that no appointment is required for the community resource fair.
3) Dr. Rachel Johnson, representative of Gardena Holly Park Homeowners Association; spoke in favor of a moratorium and asked if buffer zones and density caps could be explored on these types of new businesses.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 6 4) Hayley Hutt representative of Assembly Member Tina McKinno r’s office; she is a new field representative – came out to introduce herself and to let Council know that she is looking forward to working with you all.
5) Andrea Simental – Manager of Masao Library; came to announce library events for Masao W. Satow Library.
6) Traci Saruwatari - community organizer working for ADAAP , GDAAP, and the youth at Gardena High School; concerned about the number of smoke shops in the city and two doors down from ADAAP youth treatment center; asked Council to put a moratorium on the sale of tobacco products.
7) Princes Alexis Evangelista Griffen - Owner of Medusa Tears which is a tattoo studio as well as a creative center; trying to obtain a business license and is having difficulty obtaining one because of the planning parameters there are not enough parking spaces the building is at 2094 W. Rosecrans
8) Jessica Abaya , community organizer for ADAAP and longtime resident of Gardena; spoke in favor of a moratorium in strengthening to prohibit the sale of tobacco in our City; she read a former high school task member’s (Valentina Garcia) public comment, who is also in favor of a moratorium.
9) Victor Ibarra, Public Affairs Manager of SoCal Gas – came out to give an update and send a message to our residents regarding the high prices of natural gas; he oversees 14 cities; he mentioned a $50.77 credit that will be appearing on our customer’s bills; and pointed out that we will not be disconnecting any services for non- payment until further notice. He spoke about the Bill Home and Assistance Program; he gave a whole explanation of their plan and how they will help our community. He then said to make sure everyone has the latest updates, they can go to
www.socalgas.com/newsroom; he
mentioned he can be reached at 310-971-1517 or at [email protected].
Mayor Cerda asked him about an app to help you gage or project fut ure bills; it turns out it is a website called socalgas.com/managehigherbills.com. He stated that they will try to be more proactive.
City Clerk Mina Semenza stated for the record we received 7 public comment email communications; Council has received these emails, and they have also been placed in the Public Review binder at the back of the room, and have been made part of the public record.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - No Items
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 7 14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
14.A Renewal of the General Services Agreement (GSA) with the County of Los Angeles for a Five-Year Period, July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report. There were no public comments.
Council Member Henderson asked what’s the service level agreement once we make the call to the County and what’s our expectations; he also asked about the pick up of dead animals and what the timeline was.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if it was common practice to have a service level agreement; she then asked what happens when things go wrong; she indicated she just wants to make sure we get the best service.
City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Agreement:
Ayes: Council Member s Love and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
15.A Authorization of Ammunition Purchases from Dooley Enterprises, Inc. Not to Exceed $60,000 for Fiscal Year 2022-23
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report. There were no public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked how often are we purchasing ammunition; how many bullets does $60,000 buy; she then asked about the hollow point bullet and is it common among other agencies? She mentioned its known for doing a lot of damage; and then asked about the amount of bullets used in a year; she asked about hand guns and rifles; she then asked if we were buying ammunition for the academy, and if the $60,000 will take care of all that?
Chief Saffell came up and answered all of her questions.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize Ammunition Purchases:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 8 16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Authorize the Director of Public Works to Enter into Exchange Agreement and Assignment of Federal Surface Transportation Program-Local (STP-L) and Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP) Funds with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMETRO), in a form approved by the City Attorney
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
City Clerk Semenza stated there was a public comment email that was received; it has been distributed to Council; a copy has been placed in the Public Review binder and has been made part of the record.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize Funding Exchange:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16.B Award Construction Contract for the Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center Project – Underground Utility Phase, JN 978, to Doty Bros. Equipment Company, in the amount of $157,038, approve the Project Plans & Specifications and Budget Contingency.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report. There were no public comments.
Council Member Tanaka recused himself due to his residence being within the proximity of the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked once the undergrounding of the utilities is completed, what’s next? She mentioned it seems like it is taking a long time; our seniors are looking forward to it.
Public Works Director Rigg came up and gave an explanation and overview of what has taken place and what we can expect in the near future.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Construction Contract, Approve the Project Plans and Specifications and Approve Budge t Contingency:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Love and Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Council Member Tanaka
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 9 17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
17.A Approval of the City of Gardena Homeless Strategic Plan from March 2023- December 31, 2025
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report. There were no public comments.
Council Member Tanaka made a comment , as a member of the COG, and all the things were doing with our homeless task force; everything staff did for this plan, I appreciate all the work and all the effort you put into this, thank you, it is a good plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if the plan will grow as our resources grow. She continued to say that it is a good plan.
Recreation and Human Services Director Santin came up and answered Mayor Pro Tem Francis’ question.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the City of Gardena Homeless Strategic Plan:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION - No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS
19.A 12-Month Pilot Commercial Façade Improvement Program
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report..
Jackie Choi, our Economic Development Manager made a PowerPoint presentation.
It was noted by City Clerk Semenza that a public comment email was received; it was distributed to Council, put in the Public Review binder and made part of the record.
Mayor Cerda spoke about the program and suggested she was hoping we could make the target area Rosecrans Avenue between Crenshaw and Van Ness or even to Western Avenue. S he mentioned for the first year we should just focus on a particular area. Once businesses know that there is money out there, just with signage, landscaping, lighting, and window changes; she thinks the amount is good, normally I don’t like the fact that we are using our general fund, but when we did pass Measure G, we said we would use it to improve the community; if the Council is open to focusing on Rosecrans and then year two we could look at CDBG. She mentioned one of the things that we have to take into consideration is Gardena is already a built- out city, we kind of have to piece it together.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 10 Council Member Henderson commented about the consultancy fee if it was up to 20%; when the Consultant comes on board could they investigate including cameras on the exteriors. He then stated he wanted to remind everyone that we do have a process in dealing with abandoned commercial properties , so we may have to have a discussion about that.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if we were going to do research or is it going to include development standards, like paint colors, or are we going to just do the work; if we go with the target area of Rosecrans, is it going to be for specific areas? How do you decipher if it’s a strip mall and only one of the owners wants to make improvements, but the other one doesn’t. Is there any plans of meeting with the business owners to inform them of this pilot program? What’s the objective and goal of the program, and how do you know you’ve done a good job? She indicated she would li ke to get the project approved before we designate an area; and said it was important to improve our commercial corridor image. She continued to say let’s see what our feasibility is; has a feasibility study been done.
Council Member Love commented and wanted to suggest other areas that we need to look at would be: Rosecrans and Normandie, at the Dollar Tree, all those buildings could use some revitalization, all up and down Crenshaw from El Segundo to Redondo Beach Boulevard, and at Rosecrans and Vermont as you come into the City. She then asked about the matching funds; will there be an agreement, and can we ask these businesses if they would stay in business once we invest in this program. She then asked if the agreement is with the property owner. She then asked if we could pull funding from another funding source and not the general funds. If the City decides to continue the program, can it be funded by other resources; did you do your research to see what other cities were doing; how would you determine which location we would choose.
Economic Development Manager Jackie Choi and Community Development Director Greg Tsujiuchi answered all of Council’s questions.
Public Speaker: Princes Alexis Evangelista Griffen, came out to voice her opinion and gave her recommendations on the pilot program.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Establishing a 12-month Pilot Commercial Façade Improvement Program with the R ecommendations of doing Rosecrans from Vermont to Crenshaw – with no murals:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Council Member s Henderson, and Tanaka
Noes: Council Member Love
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 11 22. COUNCIL REMARKS
(1) MAYOR PRO TEM FRANCIS- Attended the Serra High School event honoring women of Serra; it’s a big deal and means so much that they are now a co-ed school; it was a very nice event and nice to see all the women from all professions; she also attended the Vector Control meeting; See’s Candy grand opening, and MLK Commemorative Youth Program for the essay presentation; it was rescheduled from February 25th and gave a shout out to Director Stephany Santin and Ms. Amber, and all the staff that worked, and Senator Bradford who provided certificates. Mayor Pro Ms. Amber showcased a video montage of all the parades that have taken place in the past. Mayor Pro Tem Francis attended the Cinco de Mayo Spring dinner fundraiser and invited all to the Beautification Commission is hosting a Hands On Gardening Workshop at Rowley Park on Saturday, March 18, 202 3. Mayor Pro Tem Francis thanked her colleagues for all the contributions of what we would like to do to improve the city. Lastly, Mayor Pro Tem Francis mentioned that it is Women’s History Month and would like to thank all the women who make the City go, every department; Happy Women’s History Day.
(2) CO
UNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – hosted the South Bay COG’s homeless task force meeting. Attended and donated blood at GPD blood drive. Attended the Serra High School tribute to women and stated, it was a really great event to celebrate the women who have gone through the trials and tribulations of an all boy school; active shooter presentation by Captain Osorio and stated, I believe our city staff are way more protected and prepared; Council Member Tanaka also attended Serra High School International Space Station presentation that was put on by 5 young men who belonged to the National Society of Black Engineers; Council Member Tanaka stated, these young men have been working on this experiment for months and are one of eight schools that were awarded this project; everything will be done remotely from here and looking forward to see what transpires out of this experiment; really proud that these young men took this on, I’ve asked the City Manager to invite them to our City Council meeting to recognize them with a certificate. Council Member Tanaka also attended the Nakaoka Youth Mixer that the staff put on and met some great students; Council Member Tana ka is waiting to see what students applied for the Yout h Commission spots. He also attended the SBCOG legislative get together held at Cal State Dominguez Hills and this was the first in person meeting since COVID , in attendance was Senator Gibson, Senator Bradford, and Supervisor H ahn; the Gardena Police Department Hiring Information Event at Nakaoka put on by Officer Bazan and Officer Carter had 8 or 9 candidates show up; See’s Candy grand opening and states, what a great thing, in attendance was their CEO, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Sen ator Bradford; attended the COG’s transportation and steering committee meeting. Lastly, congratulates all the woman for Women’s History Month.
(3) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Opened with adding on to Sen ator Bradford’s field deputies that the taxes would be done by professionals ; she attended Serra High Schools tribute to women and stated, it was a pleasant surprise that some of the women that attended Serra shared their struggles that they went through and it kind of motivated me to do something and it was great to be a key note speaker; Council DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 12 Member Love attended Friends of the Library, St Patrick’s Day meet and greet; Y outh Mixer; was amazing to decorate cakes and work with the youth; See’s Candy grand opening talked to Pat the CEO; Torrance store is worth $5M and in 21 days the store in Gardena made $80,000 and they were really excited that we got our Congresswoman and State Assembly and elected officials to be present; See’s had a grand opening in Dana Point but said that Gardena was the best. Council Member Love thanked her colleagues who came out in the rain and attended the LA County women of the year with Holly Mitchell. Council Member Love stated, I had the privilege to sit with an 89 year old women engineer who designed Marina Del Rey harbor and said it was kind of like the Hidden Figures movie, to be recognized as a women of the year. Council Member Love attended the Speak Up event at Rowley Park. Council Member Lov e mentioned the death of her mother and thanks her colleagues, City Department heads, staff, community residents, and local businesses. Lastly, Council Member Love closes with, there was no way I could write something up about my mom to be placed on our agenda, I just wanted to take this time to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
(4) MAYOR CERDA offered condolences from the entire council to Council Member Love; Mayor Cerda attended KIPP generations school student council 4th and 5th graders had questions for her and was impressed by the questions that they asked, stated, really a lot of fun; Holly Park Homeowners Association meeting and able to get a lot of good information from ADAAP related to flavored tobacco shops and will be moving forward as it relates to the moratorium; the South Bay Association of Realtors had their elections, thanked Mina Semenza for the invitation that was a Woodstock theme, it was a great event; Mayor Cerda was invited to be a key note speaker at Serra High School but had to decline to attend a family member’s funeral; Youth Mixer with the Y outh Commission talked about the games and activities they did; grand opening of See’s Candy and stated, for the residents that are watching thank you for coming out everyone was happy to be there; you heard all of the elected that were there such a happy occasion it was such a pleasure working with our city staff and thanked the Economic Development Manager and Community Development; Lastly, apologized for missing MLK Youth Essay event and thanked her colleagues and appreciates everything that they all attended.
(5) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON gave condolences to Council Member Love; thanked Chief Saffell for the report on the intersection takeovers and the safety; Council Member Henderson stated, we’ve done a lot since this city was incorporated in 1930; which was one of the drives for asking for the Gardena Historical Society, Gardena has a major impact in L A County and it’s something we should all be proud of . Council Member Henderson attended the Youth Mixer and enjoyed the activities as well as the games, attended the Serra High School tribute to women for it to go co- ed and just hearing those stories it was a a kin to the civil rights experience for some of the girls there; took that as a lesson making sure I have different lenses or be empathetic and encourages all to think about others as we go through life. Council Member Henderson attended the USC Sole Prize Executive Education Forum and stated, which he is a member of the Curriculum Development Board and it was a great two days of learning experience; the City Manager of Lakewood and City Manager of Rolling Hill Estates gave a lot of the new council folks some understanding on working with City Managers DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 13 and staff working collaboratively; Council Member Henderson attended SCAG J oint Policy meeting, did his committees presentation on racial equity in housing in the regions, included a bullet point on economics and everyone is inclusive; Council Member Henderson attended See’s candy and stated it was awesome; thanked his colleagues to have the courage and strength for looking into the historical society; we’ve done a lot culturally and make sure we are recognized. Lastly, Council Member Henderson mentioned the newly elected are women which is great for Women’s History Month.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Hands On Gardening Workshop, Saturday, March 18, 2023 – from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Workshop will be held at Rowley Park.
2) 1 st ZNA USA – Koi Show, March 18- 19, 2023, at City Hall Complex: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3) Painting Workshop for Seniors, Wednesday, March 22, 2023; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center.
4) Girls Night, Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Nakaoka Community Center: Doors open at 6:00 p.m; Activities start at 6:30 p.m.
5) 2023 Mayor’s State of the City, Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Nakaoka Community Center: Meet, Greet & Eat 6:00 p.m. and Program 7:00 p.m. 6) Tacos & Taxes Community Resources Fair hosted by CA State Senator Steven Bradford, April 1, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. To make an appointment, call (626)545-9351.
7) Spring Carnival, April 7 -9, 2023: Friday, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m; Saturday, 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m; Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., at Mas Fukai Park at 158th and Brighton Ave., in the City of Gardena.
8) Spring Youth Camp, April 3 – April 7, 2023; Ages 5 to 12 and camp locations are Freeman Park and Johnson Park.
9) Easter Eggstravanganza, Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., at the Nakaoka Community Center.
10) Free Shredding Event for Gardena Residents, Saturday, April 29, 2023; 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at City Hall Complex.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Officer Thomas Martinez, former retired Police Officer with the Gardena Police Department.
John Jimenez, 91 years of age, life- long resident of Gardena; he is survived by his wife Florence, and children Connie, Irene, Robert and Susan, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; he will be dearly missed by his family.
In memory of Councilmember Love’s mother.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 06E9AF41-DB13-4061-AA84-AFA5BFB0A9D7 14 25. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:41 p.m., Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m., and the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
APPROVED:
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
______________________________ By:__________________________ Tasha Cerda, Mayor Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
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