1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:44 PM on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162
nd 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: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Treasurer Guy H. Mato; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION - None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION - None
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Abby Childe rs, Daniel Kwak , and Sarah Tapia led the Pledge of Allegiance. All three 11th-grade students attend Pacific Lutheran Junior / Senior High School. Abby leads the praise band at school. Daniel is the Student Government Representative for his class and Sarah is actively involved in the Yearbook. All three students thanked all Members of the Council for having them tonight.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Nathaniel Session, of Enlightened Ministry Bible Church, gave the Invocation.
5. PROCLAMATIONS
5.A Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2023 – was accepted by the Rainbow Services Community Engagement Team
6. APPOINTMENTS – No Appointments were made
7. PRESENTATIONS
7.A Public Works Presentation of Second Quarter CIP Project Updates - Director of Public Works Allan Rigg led the PowerPoint presentation. Public Works Second Quarter Capital Improvements Project updates were given, including future projects.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 2 Mayor Cerda thanked Director Rigg for all the updates and constant communication, specifically for the Artesia/Normandie project. She also ha d questions about the demo phase percentage for the Rosecrans Community Center Project.
Council Member Francis asked if the underground vault in the Chase Building would be saved.
Council Member Love gave recognition to Kevin Kwak for going after and getting the grant of almost $13 million.
Council Member Tanaka asked about the signal timing and lane occupancy.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson thanked Public Works for the report and asked a question about the data that is in our GIS and security.
Director Rigg answered all of Council’s questions.
7.B Gardena Events Video Presentation
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, September 12, 2023 Regular Meeting of the City Council, September 26, 2023 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, October 10, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
October 10, 2023: Wire Transfer: 12 552-12559; Pre-Pay: 173552-173554; Check Numbers: 17 3555-173724 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $3,031,050.62; Total Payroll Issued for October 6, 2023: $1,774,442.50.
8.D Personnel Report P-2023-16 10-10-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.E Approve Amendment 2 and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Amended Agreement by and Between City of Gardena and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Net Toll Revenue Re-Investment Grant CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 3 It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Cerda , and carried by the following roll call vote to A pprove the Consent Calendar with the exceptions of Items 8.C and 8.E:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka, and Love
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.C CITY TREASURER - Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, October 10, 2023 - Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis stated she noticed there was a payment made to the Casino for the Economic Assistance Agreement in the amount of $30,000 and wanted to know what year we were in the agreement and if we are obligated to provide economic assistance to the Casino; she also asked if the payments were made quarterly. City Manager Osorio explained how the agreement works and answered all 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.C:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.E TRANSPORTATION - Approve Amendment 2 and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Amended Agreement by and Between City of Gardena and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Net Toll Revenue Re- Investment Grant – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis asked for confirmation that to her understanding GTrans will be getting a million dollars for the amended agreement and the reasoning behind the amendment is to extend the time/deadline. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.E:
Ayes: Council Members Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A OCTOBER 3, 2023 - Meeting Cancelled
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 4 11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Wendi Huntzicker, expressed her concerns and wishes that Gardena could find funds to help enforce the no U-turn laws on Redondo Beach Blvd. Mayor Cerda asked that she speak to the Chief of Police on her way out.
2) B ryant Avila , accompanying him was his neighbor, Alex. Mr. Avila wanted to bring to the Council's attention the issue they are experiencing on Berendo and Redondo Beach Blvd where there have been multiple crashes; he is requesting camera installation and bumps on Berendo to stop the speeding. Alex, the neighbor also expressed his concerns and spoke of about all the tragedies in this area. Mayor Cerda asked them to speak to the Chief of Police to help. 3) T ravis Hernandez , Interim Manager for the Masao W. Sato Librar y; he came to announce library events for the Gardena Mayme Dear and the Masao W. Sato Libraries.
11.A PUBLIC COMMENTS
1) Mina Semenza - noted for the record the three (3) public comment email s that were received. For the record there were two (2) public comment emails that came in under Oral Communications . The comment s w ere posted on our website, the Council was provided copies and copies were put in the Public Review binder at the entrance of the Council Chamber.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12.A Approve Citywide Copier Contract with M&S Technology Group, LLC (Doing Business as Circle) for an estimated $308,373 for the period December 1, 2023 through December 1, 2028
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Francis had questions regarding the new printers and the maintenance of the copiers. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Proposal:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka, Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A ORDINANCE NO. 1856 , Amending Chapters 18.04 and 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 Code Section 21080.17
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 5 ORDINANCE NO. 1856
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTERS 18.04 AND 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 CODE
SECTION 21080.17
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Senior Planner, Amanda Acuna gave the PowerPoint presentation and was available to answer any questions. Assistant City Attorney, Lisa Kranitz and Director of Community Development, Greg Tsujiuchi were present to answer any questions.
At 8:44 p.m., Mayor Cerda announced that the Public Hearing was open. She asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions.
Public speaker: Mariya Wrightsman, spoke in opposition to Ordinance No. 1856.
City Clerk Semenza added that we received one (1 ) public comment email that was given to all Council Members tonight and entered into the record.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Tanaka regarding Ordinance No. 1856. Senior Planner Acuna answered all questions.
At 8:52 p.m., Mayor Cerda then announced that the Public Hearing was closed.
Ordinance No. 1856 was introduced by Council Member Francis.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1856:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, 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
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 6 17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION – No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS
19.A Discuss and Consider the Revised City Council Policy Statement prohibiting the City from co-hosting any events with individual City Council Members
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions.
Public Speakers: Carrie Scott and Barbara Phillips spoke in opposition.
Mayor Cerda commented and answered their questions.
Tamara Williams spoke and voiced her concerns about properly educating everyone on what this subject is truly about.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Love, Mayor Cerda, Council Members Francis and Tanaka, and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson.
City Manager Osorio itemized the proposed revisions that were noted as follows:
(1) Removing the Brown Act language.
(2) Pertaining to Non- profits, the suggested phrase is as follows: If the event is co-hosted with a N on-Profit 501(c)(3) the Council Member names will not be listed.
Mayor Cerda made a motion to adopt the revised City Council Policy Statement considering the removal of the Brown Act and adding the verbiage stated by City Manager Osorio as it relates to the Non-P rofits and removing Council Members' names. City Manager Osorio clarified that it will be called just “Non-Profits”.
City Attorney Vasquez stated that the concern would be if all the Non-Profits that the city co-sponsors events with are 501(c). She believes that the intent of the Council is that it does not affect all Non-Profits.
Mayor Cerda paraphrased her motion to adopt the revision of the City Council Policy Statement, with the exception of the Brown Act and adding the verbiage Non-P rofits and take off the individual names of the Council Members.
Council Member Francis then asked if we could add “Community Organizations” as a friendly amendment to Mayor Cerda’s motion.
Council Member Francis asked if we could add the language to the last sentence that reads “unless the Non-Profit or Community Organization chooses to include all five names.”
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 7 City Attorney Vasquez then stated for clarification to Madam Mayor’s motion that you are trying to adopt the proposed policy statement with the exception of bullet point 4, as it pertains to bullet point 3 after the period, after it says social media, to include language that would state if the event is co- hosted with a Non- Profit or a Community Organization, Council Member names will not be listed, unless the Non- Profits or Community Organization chooses to include all five names. She then asked if that is your motion Madam Mayor.
Mayor Cerda then said that’s not the motion she would like to make.
Council Member Love then stated this was never about Non- Profits; she then asked for clarification if a Non -Profit partners with the City , that the Non -Profit does not have to provide insurance.
City Attorney Vasquez stated if the event is being co- hosted with the City, the City’s insurance is in place.
Mayor Cerda then asked City Attorney Vasquez for clarification of the motion.
City Attorney Vasquez clarified the motion.
Council Member Love asked do we have to include the Non- Profits and Community Organizations or if we could just keep it with the Council and the City, leave it the way it was originally written.
City Attorney Vasquez replied a lot of your City events are co- hosted with Community organizations, and Non- Profits on those flyers as you see, it names the organization and the City or Gardena; as it currently states, if you don’t carve out language that the event is co- hosted with a Non- Profit or Community Organization, all Council Members names will be listed.
Council Member Francis then stated the way it’s going, she is concerned about Non-Profits and Community Organizations.
Mayor Cerda then stated the best option is that City events include the City of Gardena.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda , seconded by Council Member Francis , and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt the Adoption of the revised City Council Policy Statement taking off bullet point number 4 as it relates to the Brown Act; All event flyers must list the name City of Gardena:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Council Member Tanaka
Noes: Council Member Love
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 8 20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Francis
1) Asked staff to amend the Ordinance to include the Beautification Commission and Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission (GEBAC) to receive compensation to commensurate with all other commissions with the exception of the Planning Commission and Youth Commission who receive different compensation - Council Member Love seconded it.
Purpose – To equalize our policy.
Reason – To create inclusiveness.
Benefit – To make it fair to all boards and commissions.
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 an update on Council directive on the Neighborhood Resilience Initiative Grant. Basically, this is a long process, and we are currently working with the COG to determine several options.
2) City Manager Osorio wished Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Director Rigg, and Assistant City Attorney Kranitz a Happy Birthday. He also wished Khoi a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Cerda wished Khoi Quach (city staff member) a special Happy Birthday.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since the last C ouncil Meeting, Council M ember Francis attended the Youth Baseball Awards Banquet, Gardena Holly Park Homeowner’s Association, Al Muratsuchi’s Town Hall Meeting, and Peary Middle School’s Community Garden Grand Re-Opening, where she was also a speaker. She remarked how only two weeks prior, on Keep Gardena Beautiful Day, they filled up three bins with weeds and trees. Now the paths were clear, and sidewalks were visible with twenty -four community plots laid out. She described it as a wonderful event for the community and young people to work on gardening projects. She went on to share that when she first got on the C ouncil, she had some concerns about the relationship and partnership between our Gardena Community of Schools. She spoke with former Superintendent Romero, Superintendent Spicer (?) and arranged a meeting with Chief Saffell and our school administration to get further clarification of relationships and how we can all work together. She referenced our mission statement to get young people involved to promote civic engagement and grow better participants in our community. She then reminded everyone that she, in collaboration with Senator Bradford, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor and Neighborhood Housing Services for Los Angeles County, will be hosting a Homeownership Fair on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rowley Park Auditorium. They will
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 9 be discussing how to straighten out your credit, how to get financial assistance through loans, down payment assistance for low to moderate income holders, available financing for ADUs and promoting Don’t Move, Improve, which encourages people to improve their homes as opposed to relocating and buying a bigger property.
She said she hopes to see everyone at the event. She closed her remarks by reiterating a statement she has said in previous council meetings, that she is aware there is a lot of scary stuff and craziness going on in our world but keep the faith.
Remember better days are coming, even when it’s hard to see or believe, better days are coming, it’s been promised.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Attended the Finance Committee Meeting and is overjoyed at how our finances are in our city right now. Attended the COG Board Meeting, where they have a travel network that’s being put in place. Shared that the City of El Segundo will be the first to present said network on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in El Segundo. He attended the Fur Baby Love Fest event, which he claimed is getting bigger and better every year. Was honored to attend Gardena High School’s Career Day as a speaker and remarked that there are some really bright and awesome young students there. Attended the Police Department’s Citizens Academy and commented on how they’re fired up and ready to do work for our Police Department! He recommended that if anyone has a chance and would like to get involved in the Police Department and do stuff for our city, that’s the place to start. He also was in attendance at the Police Department’s Employee Recognition Day and gave thanks to the foundation POA for a great event. He congratulated all the sworn and non-sworn that received awards this year. He said it goes to show the excellent service our Police Department serves our community with, how everybody should be very proud of what our department does and how we continually set the example for other Police Departments, especially in the South Bay. He thanked our Chief and Police Department for assisting Manhattan Beach PD. They recently covered calls for them, which their Police Chief and City Council recognized our department for, while they recover from the loss of Officer Chad Swanson. Once again thanked our Chief and Police Department and remarked, “we love you.” Attended the COG Steering Committee Meeting, for which he will be hosting a legislative meet and greet for on Thursday, October 12, 2023. On a side note, he wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to The Admiral, Captain Osorio’s dad, as he turned 85 years old. He hopes to see everyone attending the K9 Breakfast, in support of our K9 program and Police Department, followed by the Harvest Festival immediately after. He shared that he promised Director Santin that he would wear pink for the council meeting in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encouraged people to support the cause and help out. Lastly, he asked we pray for Israel as there is a terrible war going on right now.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Attended the Fur Baby Love Fest and shared the same sentiment as Councilmember Tanaka, that every year the event gets larger. She suggested a possible name change for the event in the future seeing as how it’s branching out to include birds and lizards. Commended the Recreation and Human Services Department for doing an amazing job hosting the event and bringing out all the vendors that supply the pets with all the resources they need. She attended the Fall Games at Freeman Park where she had the honor of meeting the Police Department from Pasco, Washington. The officers came down to Gardena to pick the brain of our Chief of Police and learn how we do district policing. She remarked on
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 10 how the Gardena Police Department did an amazing job, as always, hosting them.
She said it speaks to our Police Department and what they do and how they’re setting a trend and leading the pack on having another state’s police department come down and find out how we are doing things and how they can do the same in Washington.
She attended the Serra High School Homecoming Game and Peary Middle School Grand Opening of the garden. She was there on Keep Gardena Beautiful Day, along with Councilmember Francis, and said it was atrocious at that time. To go back weeks later and see it level and all raked up and be able to walk through was pretty amazing.
They are so proud of the garden and excited to get it back up and running. She spoke to Mr. Vizthum about the tools and supplies they need because after the pandemic they lost a lot. She asked him to put together an Amazon Wish List so she can post it and see if the community can help in buying supplies. She knows firsthand the impact of the garden and lives that it’s changed. She went on to share a story of how she took in two young homeless girls that worked at the garden through the Detours Program on 135
th St. She was able to provide them with a place to stay for nine months, so the garden should not be discounted as being a place to just go plant and harvest at, but to recognize the work they do and the impact on the lives it has on the young kids coming up through the junior hig h system. She commended Ms. Ramirez and the staff at Peary Middle School for getting the garden started again and sees their passion for it. She attended the Second Time Around meeting where Congresswoman Waters brought Senator Barbara Lee to speak to the members of the Second Time Around Club. She apologized to the Police Department for not attending their Employee Recognition. In closing, she asked that we all pray for the family of fallen officer, Chad Swanson, and what’s going on in Israel.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Attended the Finance Committee Meeting and she, along with councilmember Tanaka, would like to thank our committee for doing an amazing job.
We’ll hear later some of the great things that our city is doing to keep our numbers up high and be in a good place financially. Gave a special thanks to them and our City Treasurer, Guy Mato, for making sure we had an amazing finance meeting with all the good news. Attended a Conference of Mayors meetings that Second District Supervisor Holly Mitchell had, where mayors from neighboring cities addressed different things, they’re doing in their prospective cities. Commented on how these meetings are always good because you get to share ideas, as she was able to share with them what we’re doing in Gardena, and it’s good to know our neighboring cities are doing some great things. Supervisor Mitchell also gave them an overview of what’s going on in the Second District. Attended Fall Games and something that really stood out to her was that a couple people from neighboring cities were so thankful these kinds of events happen during the week because their cities don’t have any and they’re so appreciative of all the events we have. She gave kudos to the staff for putting these events on, as they benefit not only Gardena, but surrounding cities as well. Attended ICMA conference, Community Safety meeting where several different police agencies got together at the Nakaoka Community Center to talk about some of the issues as they related to the unincorporated part of LA. Our role in it is making sure that those issues of homelessness and RVs don’t creep over into Gardena. A lot of good information came out as far as who businesses and residents can call if they see graffiti or any type of crime. Attended the Youth Baseball Parent wrap up meeting, where coaches and parents can share with our staff what works well and what doesn’t and how we can always improve our park activities. She commended Recreation and Human Services for initiating these wrap up meetings now after every season.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 11 Attended a ceremony at Mayor Karen Bass’ house where they honored Nancy Pelosi for her work as being the former speaker of the house and said it was great to attend.
Attended the candlelight vigil for Manhattan Beach PD officer Chad Swanson, who recently passed away in a car accident, along with Chief Saffell. Briefly attended the Town Hall Meeting with assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and later that same day attended the Game On event at the Nakaoka Community Center. Attended the Police Foundation Employee Recognition Luncheon and gave kudos to their department for all the great things that our officers and non- sworn in ones are doing. Said they are doing some amazing things to keep our community safe so a special thank you to them. Attended the Second Time Around Club’s meeting and remarked on how Congresswoman Waters was there along with Congresswoman Barba ra Lee.
Attended the Gardena Carson YMCA charity golf tournament reception, a great non- profit doing amazing things in our community. Commended Public Works on all the great things they are doing, said she loves to brag about their department and tell everybody they are doing $71 million in capital improvements, and she thanked them for doing a great job. Attended International Cit y and County Managers Association conference with our City Manager. Gardena was 1 of 5 cities out of 15,000 that were recognized for all the great things we do. A few breakout sessions she attended were:
Changing the Culture, Winning Atop a Workplace award, Engaged Employees versus Disengaged Employees and how to get disengaged employees back engaged again, Community Outreach versus Community Engagement and Leveraging Relationships to Revitalize your Downtown Areas. Talked about homelessness, short term rentals, ways of engaging residents as it relates to housing needs, neighborhood partnership models to build community and initiate projects. Stated there were 5 days of conferences and she tried to attend as many as she could as they all had great information.
5) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Attended the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Workshop at the Nakaoka Community Center, his 101 interview with the parks consultant, where there was a great dialogue in regard to different things they’d like to see in our parks. Attended the Mobility 21 Expo, said he has now been immersed in the waters of transportation because of Mr. Ernie Crespo, so he will definitely look for some opportunities for us there. Thanked Mr. Allan Rigg for his presentation of highlighting and summarizing for our community all the capital improvement projects that we have, and he appreciates the leadership of the C ity Manager and Department Heads in regard to the prior plan development that we’re working on because as we have tighter plans that allows us to secure funding for all the things that we have to do. Attended the swearing in of Independent Cities Association’s new president, Councilman Richard Montgomery, out of the City of Manhattan Beach. He is his president elect so he’ll be planning their next seminar in Santa Barbara in February.
Said he’s taking it back to the old school in regard to cities helping cities and wants to make sure that we’re all observing best practices where they’re applicable in our communities. Attended his SCAG Community and Economic Housing Development Committee as well as his Regional Council Meeting. In that meeting there’s an opportunity for communities out of the six counties to secure funding for innovation and housing, he had a robust discussion about that, said there’s also a few communities that really have some interesting approaches to housing, so they voted to support them with funding. Attended Al Muratsuchi’s Town Hall Meeting at the Nakaoka Community Center. He, along with Councilmember Francis, Mayor Cerda,
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 12 Chief Saffell and our City Manager were all in attendance to answer questions in regard to our local community, so he wanted to thank them all for that. Attended Gardena Police Department’s Employee Recognition, described it as a great event to be an active participant at. T alked about community policing and making sure that there’s always going to be equity. One thing he noticed about our police force is that it’s diverse as far as ethnicity and demographics, so we want to continue that. Gave kudos to Chief Saffel for that and making sure we uphold our morals in regard to making sure everybody’s involved. Attended a few community visits and business visits just to see what we could do better. Got some feedback that he will share at a later date and time in regard to how we can still work to move Gardena forward as a collective. He concluded by reminding everyone to continue to pray for one another, right now society really seems like it’s off the rails and we have conflicts all over the world and we don’t want to have community conflict so let’s just stay prayerful for one another.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) City of Gardena Helping Hands Program beginning, Monday, October 9, 2023 , through Friday, December 11, 2023. Embrace the spirit of giving by supporting the City’s Helping Hands Program by donating NEW unwrapped toys, books, art supplies, board games, sports equipment & gift cards! Don’t have time to shop? Monetary donations are accepted and welcomed via www.cityofgardena.org/events . For more
information contact the Nakaoka Community Center.
2) Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s: Let’s Talk – Join us for an Informative Session on Thursday, October 12, 2023; 3 pm – 4 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. Topics Covered: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease; Caused of Memory Loss; Differentiating Normal Aging from Dementia; What to Do When You Visit the Doctor. 3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors, Friday, October 13, 2023, Depart from City Hall: $35 Residents; $45 Non-Residents.
4) Journey of Hope, Friday, October 13, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. The City of Gardena in partnership with Rainbow Services is hosting an empowering event to learn about domestic violence prevention and honor those in our community impacted by domestic violence.
5) 23
rd Annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, October 14, 2023, 7:00 am – 10:00 am at the Nakaoka Community Center, the price is $6.00. Immediately following:
6) Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at City Hall Complex. On this same day is the Home Buyer Fair which will be at Rowley Park at 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, providing a variety of home-buying services. 7) Hands-Only CPR Training, Friday, October 20, 2023, at the Nakaoka Community Center from 11 am – 12 noon. Register online at www.cityofgardena.org/events or call
the Senior Bureau to reserve your spot.
8) Halloween Spooktacular Dance, Friday, October 20, 2023; 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. Music, Costume Contest, Refreshments & More. 9) Fall Carnival 2023, Rides, Games, Food: Friday, October 20, 2023: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Saturday, October 21, 2023: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Sunday, October 22, 2023:
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm., at Mas Fukai Park. Carnival Pre- Sale Option and One- Day Unlimited Rides Wristband – vary prices.
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D 13 24. REMEMBRANCES
Officer Chad Swanson, age 35; Officer Swanson worked with the Manhattan Beach Police Department and was a beloved father and husband.
Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer , age 30; Deputy Clinkunbroomer worked with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Joshua Pharr, age 11; Joshua was part of the City of Gardena's After School Program.
Joshua was tragically killed in a car accident.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, age 90; first elected to the U.S. Senate from California in 1992.
Mrs. Joy Nanette Bull , 56 years old, the beloved daughter of Rev. John E. Ward, Sr.
Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Gardena, and of Mrs. Nancy L. Ward, former Executive Office Assistant who retired from the City of Gardena in December 2021.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:38 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, October 24, 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
DocuSign Envelope ID: AF9A55E3-BD77-415C-8890-751BB5BDDF6D