1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, July 25, 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, July 25, 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 Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Paulette C. Francis and Council Member Wanda Love; Other City Officials and Employees present: A cting City Manager/Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero. City Mana ger Clint Osorio was away on an excused absence.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION – None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION - None
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Jeremiah Wright led the Pledge of Allegiance. Jeremiah, a soon- to-be third grader in the gifted program at Amestoy Elementary School, made headlines recently on FOX 11 News for his outstanding achievement of creating a library at his school. Passionate about reading, he raised over 250 books on behalf of the Black Student Achievement Program to promote diversity and inclusion. He did this in only 4 months as a 2 nd grader.
Besides his academic pursuits, Jeremiah enjoys playing tackle football with the South Bay 49ers, skateboarding, and going on adventures with his mom. He is so excited that everyone is supporting his cause. He hopes this encourages other kids; their voice matters too! He introduced his mother and family friends.
4. INVOCATION
Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka led the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Boards & Commissions Presentation - Parks and Recreation - Commissioners, Woods “Woody” Woolwine presented a video to update everyone on the events and programs that have taken place. He and Eddy Lee Matthews both spoke and thanked and expressed their appreciation to the Recreation and Parks staff for all their hard work with all the events that they do.
Both Commissioners thanked and express ed their appreciation to Ms.
Pauline Moses, wishing her all the best and letting her know that she will be missed.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 2 5.B Certificate of Recognition to Mary Santamaria in appreciation of service to the community as a Member -At-Large Representative of the Rent Mediation Board – Council Member Tanaka thanked Ms. Santamaria for all that she has done and wishes her well in all future endeavors. Ms. Santamaria was not presen t during the meeting.
Mayor Cerda asked that she be given a round of applause for all her hard work and dedication in case she is at home watching the meeting.
5.C Certificate of Recognition to Hani Nachef in appreciation of service to the community as a Member of the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission – Mr. Nachef was present and accepted his C ertificate of Recognition. He thanked all Members of the Council for the opportunity that he was given and for their support.
5.D Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirements and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena:
(a) Pauline Moses, Community Center Coordinator - 29.4 years (Recreation & Human Services Department)
- Ms. Moses was presen t and accepted her C ertificate of C ommendation for her long-time City service, she was accompanied by her daughter . Director of Parks and Recreation, Stephany Santin presented a video and read Ms.
Moses’s bio that expressed her deep appreciation for all her hard work and dedication. Director Santin presented her with gifts on behalf of the City of Gardena.
Mayor Cerda added that she had one more Certificate of Recognition from State Senator Steven Bradford for Ms. Moses.
Ms. Moses’ daughter spoke on behalf of her mother and thanked everyone that was present.
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:
Amended Regular Meeting of the City Council, June 27, 2023 Regular Meeting of the City Council, July 11, 2023
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, June 20, 2023 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 3 8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, July 25, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
July 25, 2023: Wire Transfer: 12457 -12471, 12473 ; Pre -Pay: 172506 -172515; Check Numbers: 172 516-172752 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $3,239,741.86; Total Payroll Issued for July 14, 2023: $1,901,805.43.
8.E Monthly Investment Portfolio, June 2023
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.F Personnel Report P-2023-12 7-25-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.G RESOLUTION NO. 6640, Approving the Modified California Games Collection Rates At Larry Flynt's Lucky Lady Casino
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO. 6640
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MODIFIED
CALIFORNIA GAMES COLLECTION RATES AT LARRY
FLYNT’S LUCKY LADY CASINO
8.H SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1857 , Making amendments to Section
18.12.060 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to two- unit housing developments and determination that the adoption of the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to the terms of Senate Bill 9 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE NO. 1857
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GARDENA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 18.12.060 RELATING
TO TWO-UNIT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND MAKING
A DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT
FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF SB 9
8.I Approval of Bingo Permit for Annual Obon Festival to be Held August 5th and 6th, 2023 at Gardena Buddhist Church, 1517 West 166th Street, Gardena, CA 90247 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.J Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Budlong Street Improvements from Redondo Beach Boulevard to El Segundo Boulevard and the Halldale Avenue Street Improvements from 135th Street to El Segundo Boulevard, JN 985 CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.K Approval of Final Tract Map No. 82958
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 4 8.L RESOLUTION NO. 6637, Authorizing the Filing of Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Grant Application for Transportation Assistance
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
RESOLUTION NO. 6637
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF
APPLICATION WIT H THE FEDERAL TRANSIT
ADMINISTRATION, AN OPERATING ADMINISTRATION
OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, FOR FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION
ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED BY 49 U.S.C. CHAPTER 53,
TITLE 23 UNITED STATES CODE, AND OTHER FEDERAL
STATUTES ADMINISTERED BY THE FEDERAL TRANSIT
ADMINISTRATION
8.M RESOLUTION NO. 6638 , Authorizing the Filing of a Claim with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Local Transportation Funds CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
RESOLUTION NO. 6638
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF
A CLAIM WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS
8.N RESOLUTION NO. 6639 , Authorize Application to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ExpressLanes Net Toll Re- Investment Grant Program
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
RESOLUTION NO. 6639
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF
APPLICATION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY), FOR
ASSISTANCE UNDER THE METRO EXPRESSLANES
ROUND 3 NET TOLL REVENUE REINVESTMENT GRANT
PROGRAM
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve all Items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8.G, 8.L, 8.M and 8.N:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka, Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 5 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.G CITY MANAGER - RESOLUTION NO. 6640 , Approving the Modified California Games Collection Rates At Larry Flynt's Lucky Lady Casino – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis stated that the item was for a modified California Games Collection rates, but that she was unable to find the modifications. She also asked if it would directly impact their income in terms of how it relates to our income and put us into a positive direction?
Acting City Manager/Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo responded to her questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis , seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.G:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.L TRANSPORTATION - RESOLUTION NO. 6637 , Authorizing the Filing of Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Grant Application for Transportation Assistance - Item pulled by Council Member Francis
C ouncil Member Franci s asked for confirmation, are we receiving money or applying; this is a grant application to receive grant money to purchase more buses, spare parts, and bus stop amenities. She also asked about the type of buses being purchased: CNG or Electric? She also asked if these are in addition to the previous ones.
A cting City Manager/Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo responded to her questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis , seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.L:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.M TRANSPORTATION - RESOLUTION NO. 6638 , Authorizing the Filing of a Claim with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Local Transportation Funds - Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis stated that this Item is authorizing the filing of a claim with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for transportation funds and asked if this is money due to us? Also asked if this was the $7 million dollars in matching funds?
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 6 A cting City Manager/Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo responded to her questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis , seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.M:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.N TRANSPORTATION - RESOLUTION NO. 6639 , Authorize Application to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ExpressLanes Net Toll Re- Investment Grant Program - Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis asked if this item is through ExpressLane Net Toll. She asked if our buses ride on that or is it money that is due to us and we are claiming it; she then asked if this would increase the service?
A cting City Manager/Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo clarified and explained the program in detail.
It was moved by Council Member Franc is, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.N:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A JULY 18, 2023 MEETING
ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT #3-23
The Planning Commission reconsidered a recommendation to the City Council on adoption of an ordinance amending Title 18 and adding Chapter 5.76 to Title 5 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to regulations for short term home sharing rentals and finding the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to the Commonsense Exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B) (3).
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 13- 23, by a vote of 5-0- 0, recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1854 as presented.
City Council Action: Receive and File. This item will be brought forth to the Council for review at a future City Council meeting.
This Item was Received and Filed. This Item will be brought forth to the Council for review at a future City Council meeting.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 7 10.B JULY 18, 2023 MEETING
ZONE TEXT AMENDEMENT #4-23
The Planning Commission considered a recommendation to the City Council on Ordinance No. 1856 making amendments to Chapter 18.13 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to accessory dwelling units and making a determination that the Ordinance is Exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Co de Section 21080.17.
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 11- 23, by a vote of 4-1- 0, recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance 1856, with a modification to include a discretionary review process to allow an ADU to be increased to 1,200 square feet in size.
City Council Action: Receive and File. This item will be brought forth to the Council for review at a future City Council meeting.
This Item was Received and Filed. This Item will be brought forth to the Council for review at a future City Council meeting.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Andrea Simental – Interim Manager for the Mayme Dear Library; she came to announce library events for Gardena Mayme Dear and Masao W. Sato Library
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed 49th Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Acting City Manager/Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo presented the Staff Report.
At 8:21 p.m., Mayor Cerda announced that the Public Hearing was open. She asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any comments or questions.
No public speakers.
Council Member Francis mentioned that she was looking at the budget and noticed that it included $98,000 for Administrative Services and asked if all that money is required; is it for one year or the five- year plan; will it come back the following year for an additional $98,000; I understand its not from our general fund; but there was something that happened that we had to take money from the general fund and put it into the block grant fund and asked for clarification.
Acting City Manager/Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo stated, to his understanding we are planning to hire a consultant that will help manage that part of the program and that portion of the funding is going to help cover the expense for the new consultant.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 8 Director of Community Development Greg Tsujiuchi stepped in and provided additional information about the Consulting costs for CDBG Administration Services.
City Attorney Vasquez stated that Director Tsujiuchi is here tonight for the allocation we have been provided by HUD to the City for the new fiscal year and asked Director Tsujiuchi for clarification.
Director Tsujiuchi confirmed that was correct.
At 8:24 p.m., Mayor Cerda then announced that the Public Hearing was closed.
It was moved by Council Member Love , seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote for City Council to conduct a public hearing, receive public comment, allow thre e (3) minutes for each speaker; approve the 49th Year Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024, and authorize the City Manager to execute and submit all required certifications and related documents and agreements to implement the One- Year Action Plan:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES - No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE - No Items
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS - No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES - No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
18.A Approve Purchase of Two Microtransit Vans for a Total of $368,005
Acting City Manager/Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo introduced Transit Administrative Officer, Dana Pynn who will be presenting tonight.
Ms. Pynn presented the Staff Report and provided detailed information about the launching of the new GTrans Microtransit service.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions.
Council Member Tanaka asked when are the two (2) additional buses being purchased? Ms. Pynn replied to his question.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 9 Council Member Francis asked if these buses are going to be part of the “G to the Sea” or On-Demand? Ms. Pynn replied to her question.
Mayor Cerda asked what is the red referencing: are they for the oversized chairs or do those areas slide back and forth? Are the buses going to be painted similar like a green color or will they remain white to go with the GTRANS brand?
Mr. Crespo and Ms. Pynn replied to Mayor Cerda’s questions.
Council Member Love asked with the extra storage space, will a fee be charge d? Ms. Pynn replied to her question.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Purchase:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
19. COUNCIL ITEMS - No Items
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES - None
21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
Acting City Manager/Transportation Director Crespo had nothing to report.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
(1) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS - Since the last meeting she attended the Ministers Luncheon; the Los Angeles County Vect or Control District and briefly mentioned, “we are still expecting a high mosquito season, so if you have a lot of standing water, please make sure you take care of it ”. Council Member Francis also attended the African American Leadership Leaders for tomorrow at Cal State Dominguez, M eet and G reet hosted by the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce with Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi and Senator Steve Bradford ; Hawthorne Quiet Skies meeting and stated “we are expecting the noise to increase at Hawthorne Airport since the Santa Monica Airport already has or will be closing ; our goal is to get ahead of it.” Council Member Francis visited the 156 th Street School for a site visit and looked at the Boys and Girls Club Program ; Council Member Francis attended a District One Neighborhood Watch meeting. Council Member Francis made a statement about Parks and Recreation Month which was, “and as we continue come to an end of our Parks and Recreation Month of July, I would like to say thank you to the Recreation & Human Services Department for an awesome job that they do with all the activities. I believe I heard they did 157 activities a year and they do a phenomenal job. What I really like about when they do an activity or event, when it’s over you come back the next day as if nothing happened. There’s not one- piece of confetti nothing, they leave it very clean and their great customer service, so I really appreciate it. For our city of
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 10 our size nobody does it better than our Parks and Recreation Department, so thank you so much.” Lastly, Council Member Francis closes with, “and as I always say I know you hear a lot of crazy stuff going on in the news and strange things are happening but just remember, keep remembering better days are coming.”
(2) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA - Since the last meeting he attended the Sonagi Sushi Restaurant ribbon cutting and mentioned, “the owner is a local resident and we are happy that he came to Gardena, it’s a different type of Sushi bar, there’s no menu it’s whatever the chef decides to serve you that night ; a nd he only has two seatings Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. So, if you are trying to get in, he is booked for the entire month. So, you will have to call and make reservations, but I hope they do well.” Council Member Tanaka attended the Therapeutic Recreational Program at Johnson Park and stated, “it was kind of a hot day, so it was a little lightly attended but still the kids that were out there was a great event.” Council Member Tanaka attended the RCC Board meeting and has been re- elected as Board Chair, the Tony the Tiger at Vons and mentioned, “that was really a wonderful event, thank you Chief and Madam Mayor. They gave a $10,000 donation to Hawthorne Middle School which was an awesome event. We were told that they are going to continue to do more things like that in our communities, so we like to see some of it come to Gardena.” Council Member Tanaka attended the John Lewis Commemorat ive Stamp Presentation; he thanked Congresswoman Waters; she did a great job presenting that program and congratulations to the family and to Anthony Dixon who is a part of that family.” Council Member Tanaka attended COG Legislative Session and mentioned, “there was a lot of stuff brought up, there were no actual members of the Senator Congress there, but their representatives talked about a lot of things but most of it is centered on homelessness. There is going to be a lot of money and a lot of stuff that’s earmarked towards homelessness. I mean we are talking billions of dollars being spent to help eradicate homelessness. It is a battle that has to be f ought but we are going to continue doing that. They are talking about homeless Veterans in West LA they are going to try add three hundred and fifty units to the VA to help homeless Vets. There is going to be like a billion dollars annually fund housing models and rent mediation programs, I think one of the big ones was $42 billion for b roadband deployment. That is going to be something, that is going to be rock solid. Senator Allen Representative talked about the homes that were destroyed up on the hills, that they are trying to do an infrastructure committee to handle that. Assembly Member Muratsuchi talked about we have $38 billion in reserve for the state, there was some land use stuff that Senator Wiener brought in that are going to try and change things.
Lastly, Council Member Tanka apologized to Officer Amanda Belotto for not being an attendance to her pin badging. Council Member Tanaka closes with congratulating the Chief for being in “full compl ement” and said, “that’s the first time in history that I know we have been in full complement.”
(3) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE - Since the last meeting she attended the Recreation and Human Services field event for the special needs and mentioned it was “a great event, great meeting some of the attendees that came out to that event ”. Council Member Love also attended the Annual Hawaiian Fest ival at Alondra P ark. Council Member Love stated, “I didn’t know that festival went on, I think for some twenty -nine years they have been hosting that event. There was an amazing turn out, a lot of people in Hawaiian Communities, great place to get some Hawaiian outfits. Council
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 11 Member Love met with a representative from the Korean Cultural Committee to discuss some partnerships with the Korean Community in Gardena to start hosting some events. Council Member Love attended Lomita’s Lemonade Day and briefly mentioned, “they had 31 stands in this small little City of Lomita. I tried to visit as many of those stand as we could to support the little babies and purchase lemonade from every last stand we attended. So, when you hear about Gardena’s Lemonade Day coming up on August 12
th, come out and support the babies, they are elementary school TK -5th grade and they get to keep all the proceeds from the little lemonade stands; they will be judge d on the best lemonade and best lemonade stand.” Council Member Love visited the Tony the Tiger Kellogg’s event at Vons along with the Olympic Athlete Jordan Chiles. Council Member Love mentioned, “really great event, Tony the Tiger was great to take a few selfies .” Council Member Love attended the Metro State Agency Address. Council Member Love stated, “ Mayor Karen Bass is taking over as head of the Metro Agency, she is taking over the board at Metro and she has some amazing things anticipating the Olympics and all of the events that is coming to California. She talked about Metro getting their own Police Department and the safety, and how ridership is down for women because they don’t feel safe. She is addressing all of those issues and so I’m looking forward to that.” Council Member Love hosted the Chambers M eet and Greet with State Senator and Assembly Member. Lastly, Council Member Love closed with the statement sh e made which was, “giving them an opportunity to meet the business community in the City of Gardena up close and personal, so they can ask about some of the polic ies and laws that are coming out of Sacramento that impact their industries. We had a really great turn out; the event was hosted by a restaurant that is coming to Gardena that has everyone buzzing. Ensenada Surf and Turf; they did an amazing job, so I want to thank them.”
(4) MAYOR CERDA - Since the last meeting she joined Dave Matthews with his homeless team for a visit in an unincorporated area on Broadway . Mayor Cerda expressed, “I have to say, it is one thing to drive past it but it’s another thing to actually get out there and walk and talk to the people who are living in RV’s and see what we can do to convince them to possibly leave their RV’s and move into housing.
Just to see the number of people there, seniors who need medical attention, small kids running around, animals. It was just a lot, but I am happy to say since being out there two weeks ago, I got a phone call from Dave Matthews yesterday; he said they were able to get twenty -three people off the street and these people have turned in their RV’s so that they can be removed as well. This homeless team , its not a large amount that they are able to remove at one time, but you know every person they are able to get off the street is that much better. I just want to comm end the work that he is doing because I don’t know many people who are able to get seventeen , twenty, twenty-five agencies at a time to work together. All the business there donating their time to help clean up the homeless problem there.” Mayor Cerda attended the Grand Opening for Sonagi Sushi and said, “it was great, and I was really excited that they are here now.” Mayor Cerda attended a meeting with U -Haul and stated, “In the past they have never really been that successful because U-Haul was just very hellbent on just building what they want to build and not really trying to work with the community.
Just building storage on a main street like Rosecrans and for the first time I think they are ready to come to the table and compromise with the City of Gardena and build something that I believe residents are going to like. So, I am really excited to see that they are now open to some ideas that I think are going to be very beneficial to the
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 12 community; I will keep everybody updated on that as it relates to a retail component.” Mayor Cerda also attended the monthly CCGA meeting, Sanitation meeting, joined the July H ome of the M onth with Council Member Francis “it was a beautiful home that we had the opportunity to see but was even more exciting is this homeowner ’s backyard.” Mayor Cerda attended Serra High School 7th Annual Golf Classic held at Chester Washington Golf Course. Mayor Cerda briefly said, “ It was a p retty successful t ournament.” Mayor Cerda visited the unveiling of the Atlantic Congressman John Lewis Commemorat ive Stamp and thanked all her col leagues for coming out on such short notice. Mayor Cerda attended the Tony the Tiger at Vons and said, “I felt that was attended very well.” Lastly, Mayor Cerda closed with the site visit at 156th Street Elementary School Boys and Girls Club and said, “they are doing some really great things over there with their afterschool program, I believe they did it the previous year and I believe they want to continue doing more stuff like that.”
(5) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON - Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem Henderson opened up with thanking those that were texting and emailing me during Open City Hall, he thanked the Parks and Recreation staff for all of their efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended the California Legislative Blac k Caucus African American Leaders of tomorrow event at Cal State Dominguez Hills with Council Member Francis. Mayor Pro Tem Henderson stated, “the stamp presentation that was awesome, that’s actually an awesome Postal facility on Central and 70th. I have never been pas t a Post Offi ce lobby, so to see all the stuff they got back there was great.” Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended the TRP event at Johnson Park and a webinar on how the g overnment agencies address transparency demands and briefly said, “More to come from me regards of different tools that we can use as a city to make sure that data, the things we discuss are even more transparent, to our community.” Lastly, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended a conference call with a CPUC Rep on the next steps for digital divide in the community.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Parks & Recreation Master Plan Coming Soon! The City of Gardena, in collaboration with RJM Design Group, is conducting a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Please visit http://cityofgardena.org/masterplan/
, this will provide updates regarding the
project.
2) Neighborhood Watch Meeting in District 1, Thursday, July 27, 2023, 6: pm at 129 th & Wilton Place – Spring Park Senior Villa Community Room. 3) Willows at Dusk, July 28, 2023; August 11, 25, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Reserve your spot by visiting: www.cityofgardena.org/events o r call the Parks and
Recreation Department.
4) Join the Gardena Police Department for a Night to Unite! Summer Block Party in celebration of National Night Out, Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 6:30 ppm – 8:30 pm at City Hall Complex. Stop by and meet your Gardena Police Department Police Officers, City staff, and your Neighbors!
5) Back to School Giveaway, Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 6:30 ppm – 8:30 pm at City Hall Complex. Register your child at www.cityofgardena.org/events , supplies limited
for grades K-12. Must be a resident of the City of Gardena or attend a Gardena COS school to be eligible to receive FREE back to school supplies.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 025F3F42-ABC9-4B10-A6BD-8B11BD09896C 13 6) S’mores Day Special Lunch, Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Nakaoka Community Center at 12:00 pm. Free Senior event!
7) Non-Profit Organizations Meet & Greet with Mayor Tasha Cerda, Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. To RSVP call 310-217-9507.
8) End of Summer Candlelight Dinner for Seniors, Thursday, August 17, 2023, at City Hall Complex Lawn: check in 4:30 pm; dinner served 5:15 pm; entertainment begins:
5:45 pm – Jen and the Grumpy Old Men.
9) City of Gardena Jazz Festival, Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Rowley Park. General Admission $25 ($30 after July 27, 2023); Box Seating $75 per seat – Headliner Boney James. Gates open at 9:00 am; Performance begin at 11:00 am. 10) Keep Gardena Beautiful Day – Community Clean- Up, Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
11) Food, Wine & Brew, Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 12:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Gardena City Hall Complex. Tickets Sales begin Monday, July 31, 2023: General Admission $25; Reserved Table Seating $85. Performances by DW# and Jazz on Jayma. Sponsored by The Original Giuliano’s. All proceeds will benefit the Gardena Senior Citizens Bureau and the Alzheimer’s Support Program.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Asae Ishida, 86 years of age; volunteer for the Senior Citizens Bureau since 2011. She primarily volunteered during the Senior Bureau Candlelight Dinners where she assisted with the check-in table.
John Roddy, 68 years of age, a long- time resident of Gardena was tragically killed in an automobile accident last Thursday. He is survived by his wife Anni e, who is very active in our community, and a member of COPCAT and Neighborhood Watch, his mother La Veda Roddy, his brother Bill and sister Mary and sister -in-law Elinor Barbick. He will be greatly missed.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:54 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, August 8, 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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