DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California; Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: 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; Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero and Records Management Coordinator Katherine Rhee. City Clerk Mina Semenza was away on an excused absence.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Charmaine L. Green v. City of Gardena, et al. L.A. Sup. Ct. Case No.: 22STCV18526 Attorney Danny Yoo of Liebert, Cassidy, Whitmore was present for Closed Session.
Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero noted for the record that Mayor Tasha Cerda was not present during Closed Session.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:41 p.m., and the Deputy City Clerk noted the return of all Council Members, who were present at the meeting. When City Attorney Vasquez was asked if there was any reportable action from Closed Session, she stated that regarding Item 2.A, a discussion was held, but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Emma Casanova led the Pledge of Allegiance. Emma attends 156th Street Elementary School and loves being a Girl Scout in her community. She also enjoys designing her own comic stories and her favorite subject in school is Math. She introduced her mother.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Dwight Dudley, of Calvary Chapel South Bay, gave the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A AT&T Updates from the Los Angeles & South Bay External and Legislative Affairs Manager, McKenzie Neely-Wright - Ms. Neely-Wright provided the update. 1 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED
5.B Gardena Events Video Presentation - the video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
Mayor Cerda welcomed the 6 students who were present in the audience from San Pedro High School.
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "American Red Cross Month," March 2024 - Accepted by Amy Papageorges, Executive Director for American Red Cross, Greater Long Beach & South Bay Chapter and Valerie Loduem, Regional Director of Development for American Red Cross
6.B "Women's History Month" March 2024 - was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
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 13, 2024
CONTACT: CITY CLERK i
8.C Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, February 6, 2024 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, February 27, 2024 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
February 27, 2024: Wire Transfer: 12630-12656; Prepay: 175082; Check Numbers:
175083-175243 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $5,998, 201.79; Total Payroll Issued for February 23, 2024: $2,349,408.92
8.E Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, March 12, 2024 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
March 12, 2024: Wire Transfer: 12657-12658; Prepay: 175244; Check Numbers:
175245-175419 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $4,678,282.34; Total Payroll Issued for March 8, 2024: $1,819,946.67
8.F Monthly Investment Portfolio, January 2024
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8. G Personnel Report P-2024-4 3-12-24
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED
8.H Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Local Streets Improvement 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 Project, JN 987/994/514.
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Consent Calendar:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR - None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A FEBRUARY 20, 2024 MEETING
APPEAL OF REVOCATION FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW #4-15
The Planning Commission considered an appeal request filed by The Tire House business located at 1818 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., regarding the Community Development Director's Intent to Revoke Approval of Site Plan Review #4-15, pursuant to Gardena Municipal Code Section 18.44.070, discontinuing auto repair facility uses in the General Commercial (C-3) Zone, due to multiple violations of the conditions of approval imposed by the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission on August 26, 2015.
CASE NAME: Appeal of Community Development Director's Decision to Revoke Site Plan Review #4-15
APPELLANT NAME: The Tire House, Inc. (dba" The Tire House") REPRESENTATIVE: John Mardirossian
PROPERTY OWNERS: Mr. Der L. Mu / Mr. John Mu
Commission Action: The Planning Commission denied the appeal of John Mardirossian for the Tire House, by a vote of 4-1-0, upholding the revocation of the approval of Site Plan Review #4- 15 pursuant to Gardena Municipal Code Section
18.44.070, found that the project was exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to Guidelines Section 15321, and directed staff to draft a resolution reflecting the Commission's denial.
City Council Action: No action is needed.
This Item Required No Action by the City Council.
10.B FEBRUARY 20, 2024 MEETING
ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT #2-24
The Planning Commission considered a recommendation to City Council for adoption of Ordinance No. 1866, making changes to Gardena Municipal Code to implement the programs set forth in the City's 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element and changes required by State law and making finding that finds the Ordinance is 3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3)
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 3-24, by a vote of 5-0-0, recommending to the City Council for the adoption of Ordinance No. 1866, and made findings that adoption of the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
City Council Action: No action needed, this item will be brought to the City Council in this meeting.
This Item Required No Action by the City Council.
10.C MARCH 5, 2024 - Meeting Cancelled
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Sherelle Diggs, commented on the recent mail carrier assault and asked about evacuation routes.
Mayor Cerda asked Chief Saffell to respond to this comment due to community safety.
Chief Saffell clarified that the incident that happened was not within the City of Gardena's jurisdiction. He informed everyone of what can be done to protect themselves.
2) Carlos Marquez, a resident, came out to speak about the rent increases that are out of control. He asked for guidance from the City of Gardena. 3) Travis Hernandez, Manager for the Masao W. Sato Library; he came to announce library events for the Gardena Mayme Dear and the Masao W. Sato Libraries.
11.A PUBLIC COMMENT
1) Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero, noted for the record two (2) emails that were received. She stated that the email was received and filed and made part of the record.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A PUBLIC HEARING, ORDINANCE NO. 1865: Amending Chapter 18.60 of the Gardena Municipal Code and Sections of 5.08.170, 8.16.030 and 8.16.050 relating to temporary use permits and temporary events permits, and amending Section
5.04.160 and 5.04.278 of Title 5 relating permits and finding the Ordinance is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to the common sense exemption set forth in Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) and section 15304 for minor alterations to land; and
RESOLUTION NO. 6659: Adopting an application fee for Temporary Use and Temporary Event Permits and finding that the fee is exempt under Public Resources Code Section 21080(B)(8) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15273. 4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED ORDINANCE NO. 1865
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 18.60 OF
THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE AND SECTIONS
5.08.170, 8.16.030 AND 8.16.050 RELATING TO
TEMPORARY USE PERMITS AND TEMPORARY EVENT
PERMITS, AND AMENDING SECTION 5.04.160 AND
5.04.278 OF TITLE 5 RELATING TO PERMITS AND
FINDING THAT THE ORDINANCE IS CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES
SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) (COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION)
and 15304 (MINOR ALTERATIONS TO LAND)
RESOLUTION NO. 6659
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN APPLICATION
FEE FOR TEMPORARY USE AND TEMPORARY EVENT
PERMITS AND FINDING THAT THE FEE IS EXEMPT
UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION
21080(B)(8) AND CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15273
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Senior Planner, Amanda Acuna and Director of Community Development, Greg Tsujiuchi gave the PowerPoint presentation and were available to answer any questions. Assistant City Attorney, Lisa Kranitz was also present to answer any questions.
At 8:33 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. There were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis who asked for clarification regarding the new guidelines; she then asked about the food giveaways and how we are going to handle the parking; and asked for confirmation regarding the costs associated for the permit; if it's for each event or for the full year; she then asked about the unit cost and the temporary use permits for residences, and then asked for confirmation on those that are already established, and confirmed what was being added is the farmer's market and food giveaways.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson asked about the fees imposed, he gave an example, is it cumulative for the four events I have in the year and questioned the number of attendees. Mayor Cerda asked about the number of events and process if they weren't following our guidelines, and if there is a threshold when it comes to the number of warranted complaints. She commented that these food giveaways are great, but at the same time the quality of life that affects our surrounding neighborhoods is important as well. She also commented that maybe the requestor should be let known of these conditions at the time they apply for the permit; also wanted to confirm when it comes to fees that no groups get special exemptions, everyone has to pay the same across the board.
5 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED Director Tsujiuchi, City Attorney Vasquez, City Manager Osorio, and Senior Planner Acuna answered all questions.
At 8:54 p.m., Mayor Cerda then announced that the Public Hearing was closed.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Open the public hearing, receive testimony from the public, allow three (3) minutes for each speaker, and close the public hearing and Direct staff back to the Planning Commission with updates for Ordinance No. 1865 for their recommendation:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: Council Member Francis
Absent: None
13.B PUBLIC HEARING, ORDINANCE NO. 1866: Amending the Gardena Municipal Code to implement the programs set forth in the City's 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element and changes required by State law and making findings that adoption of the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
ORDINANCE NO. 1866
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING TITLE 2, TITLE 14,
AND TITLE 18 OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO CHANGES REQUIRED BY 6TH CYCLE
2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAMS FOR
HOUSING REPLACEMENT, EMERGENCY SHELTERS,
AND EMPLOYEE HOUSING AND CHANGES REQUIRED
BY STATE LAW AND FINDING THE ADOPTION TO BE
EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES
SECTION 15061(B)(3)
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 9:07 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.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis, who asked for clarification on the amendments to the item being brought forth. She then asked about the location of low-income housing and supportive housing; and questioned the items that we were adding. Mayor Cerda asked for an explanation about the ADU process and state law.
6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED Senior Planner Acuna and Assistant City Attorney Kranitz, and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.
At 9:17 p.m., Mayor Cerda then announced that the Public Hearing was closed.
Ordinance No. 1866 was introduced by Council Member Love It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Open the public hearing, receive testimony from the public, allow three (3) minutes for each speaker, and close the public hearing, and Introduce Ordinance No. 1866 including making the findings for a CEQA exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3):
Ayes: Council Members Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.C PUBLIC HEARING: URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1867, extending a temporary moratorium on significant tobacco retailers for an additional year to March 27, 2025 and making findings that adoption of the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3)
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1867
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING A
TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON SIGNIFICANT TOBACCO
RETAILERS FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR TO MARCH 27,
2025
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Director of Community Development, Greg Tsujiuchi gave the PowerPoint presentation and was available to answer any questions. Assistant City Attorney, Lisa Kranitz was present.
At 9:23 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.
Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero, noted for the record that there were no present public speakers, however, one (1) email public comment was received. The email was received, distributed, filed and made part of the record.
Questions and comments were made by Mayor Cerda asked if the item included cigar lounges or hookah lounges; we should make sure it's not identified as a tobacco retailer, it's main use is a lounge first. Council Member Francis asked if marijuana stores will not be included and if it's just strictly tobacco; she then asked if cigar lounges are allowed to sell tobacco products on site. Director Tsujiuchi stated 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED that marijuana dispensaries are currently prohibited. Council Member Tanaka shared information of his knowledge on cigar lounges. Mayor Cerda commented that it is her understanding that cigar lounges are membership first. Mayor Pro Tem Henderson confirmed that most are membership based.
Director Tsujiuchi answered all questions.
At 9:29 p.m. Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Open the public hearing, receive testimony from the public, allow three (3) minutes for each speaker, and close the public hearing, and Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1867 and to provide direction to staff on permanently prohibiting significant tobacco retailers:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
14.A Approval of One-Year Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for Legislative Advocacy and Grant Funding Services in the amount of $84,000 City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a presentation by Mr. De Luca.
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.
Questions and comments were made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson thanked Mr.
De Luca for his presentation; he stated this was an endeavor for the City to try something different, which has paid great dividends, I would be in favor of continuing the partnership to improve our community, Mayor Cerda thanked Mr. De Luca for the presentation and especially on the HR 6859, as it relates to our card rooms for California, that one had us all really nervous, she expressed her gratitude, she mentioned that she heard you speak on retail thefts because we now just are recently having retail theft meetings; my biggest fear is I don't want to lose any of our major stores here; so if there are any monies that can come this way; we would appreciate it; $12M over 2 years is a great investment; appreciate the partnership, and it is always great when you work with organizations that have great reputations.
Council Member Love asked what grants or funding that Townsend has identified, went after and secured for the City; she stated that your contract is being extended for another year, and you've stated that you secured $122,000; she then indicated that she has talked to some of our elected officials at the state level and they told her that Townsend did not have anything to do with the initial request for the funding or getting the funding approved period, but over time I'm hearing Townsend getting credit for the $12M that the City received; she then commented with the state being in the severe deficit that we are in, and cities are getting letters recalling some of those fundings; Mr. De Luca then spoke about those funds; Council Member Francis 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED commented not only do you advocate for the City of Gardena for funding, but for other legislation that may have a positive or negative impact on those positions.
Mr. De Luca explained what his company does and answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Agreement:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE - No Items
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Approve and Authorize Director of Public Works to execute an Authorization for Crossing Improvements between the City of Gardena and Union Pacific Railroad for the Western Avenue Railroad Crossing Improvement Project JN 537. Additionally, approve Budget Appropriation of $120,000 from Measure M Local.
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.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis stating that this has been a long process, she was surprised to hear they were willing to pay for half of it; initially they were not in agreement with it.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote Authorize the Director of Public Works to Execute an Authorization for Crossing Improvements with UPRR and Approve Budget Appropriation:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka, Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Award Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal Contract for the Pedestrian Safety Project FY 2023-2024, JN 527, to Southern California Precision Concrete Inc. in the Amount of $171,571.73, approve 10% construction contingency, and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
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. 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED There were no questions or comments made by any Member of the Council.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote Award Construction Contract; Approve Construction Contingency, and Declare CEQA Exemption:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES - No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION - No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS - No Items
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Love
1) For Public Works to do a study to add a left turn signal going northbound on Normandie to westbound Marine Avenue - Mayor Pro Tem Henderson seconded it.
Purpose: To make driving our streets a safer place for all pedestrians and drivers.
Reason: To make the City of Gardena a safer place to drive, walk and ride.
Benefit: It would improve the quality of life.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
1) Is asking for a financial analysis of potential crossing guard support at all Gardena schools, public and private, for one school year - Council Member Francis seconded Purpose: To determine what the total cost will be.
Reason: For child/pedestrian safety and awareness.
Benefit: To promote our public safety initiatives.
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 1) A memo was sent to all Members of the Council regarding the status of the South Bay CCOG Measure H Funding which is about 2.8 million dollars. 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA - Since their last gathering, he attended Bobby Rosales promotion to Sergeant and said it was well deserved. He attended the COG Board Meeting and shared that there is a proposal coming to possibly raise dues for the COG, he said they also have their local travel network and some new cities that will be implementing that program, he believes Carson and Hawthorne are the next two. In addition, they have their general assembly coming and Council Member Henderson is the MC of that event and they'll be discussing and looking at Al as it affects everything right now. They just got confirmation that Google and another tech company will do a presentation at that General Assembly so if anyone would like to attend, they can go to the COG's website and register. He attended the Tokyo Central store on Artesia where they had a soft opening of a new sushi restaurant on their second floor, he commented that it's great that the market is going to attract people for lunch and business to the market. He attended the South Bay legislative meet and greet at Cal State University Dominguez Hills, the Orchid show at the Nakaoka Community Center, Serra High School's Second Annual Tribute to Women of Serra, the memorial service of Mayor Bill Brand at Redondo Union High, RCC's closed session meeting. He was the chair of the Homeless Task Force meeting for the COG, he attended Officer Pete Graffeo retirement ceremony and celebration, the League of California Cities LA Division meeting where the Mayor talked about retail theft and they had representatives from LASD and LAPD and explained that there is a huge task force right now because it's not only affecting LA County but it's all over the place. He attended the GTrans Bus Roadeo, the COG Steering Committee meeting and they discussed some issues with their new budget coming up so with that being done he went to Rolling Hills City Council meeting representing the COG on a council agenda item and presented some information.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE - Since the last Council Meeting, she attended a Black History event at the Lincoln Hotel in West Hollywood sponsored by 1580 AM talk radio KBLA, where the famous Cornell West was the guest speaker. She also attended the Ladies of Serra annual brunch as well as the Tacos and Taxes event with Senator Bradford and she caught the tail end of GTrans bus roadeo event. She had a meeting with a teacher from Peary Jr. High that reached out to her after the incident that happened on Friday and they talked about some of the disturbing issues that are going on at Peary and she will bring back at a later date some conversation, but she's hoping that the City of Gardena can get involved with the schools in the City of Gardena because from what she learned from some of these teachers today is that if somebody doesn't get involved then we're headed down a terrible direction. 3) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON - Since the last meeting, he attended the stamp unveiling and Black History Program at Rowley Park, our Gardena Mardi Gras event, the Waka Sakura opening at Tokyo Central, the beauty pageant that was held at the Nakaoka Center, The Ladies of Serra program which he remarked was great. He did his business and community visits and attended the Trans bus roadeo and said from what he was hearing, everybody loved us as a whole city and the program, snacks and food were great and everybody loved how organized it was, so he asked Director Crespo to please pass that on to staff. Although, all the votes aren't in yet, he wanted to congratulate his colleague, Council Member Paulette Francis and himself, as it seems that the voters have given them another opportunity to continue to do some work, so he wants to thank the community for their support as they move forward to 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED keep moving Gardena forward. He continued to say that it means a lot to get a final term so that means more work that's got to be done and folks want to see them do it, so he wants to make sure that they stay committed to positivity. He went on to thank all the candidates in the race and said there were not a lot of shenanigans and dirty pool among the candidates, everybody ran a well-respected race, folks were respectful in the candidate forums and that's important because it does highlight who we are as a city to other cities and to staff and our community, that again they're hard on the issues, but they try to maintain civility amongst themselves as they all want to push the visions that they envision for our city with the help of the community working those levers through City staff so again, he wanted to say congratulations to Council Member Francis and again to all the candidates that ran good races and everything and there! be other times to hear what your visions are and everything and he's humbled and honored to be granted a final term for the Gardena City Council; so he's looking forward to working with his colleagues moving forward.
4) MAYOR CERDA - Since the last Council Meeting she attended a couple of different things, one being the stamp unveiling for Constance Baker Motley also the promotion ceremony for Bobby Rosales to now Sergeant, her monthly CCGA meeting, her sanitation meeting and, along with Mayor Pro Tem, Miss LA County, Miss Culver City, Miss LA City, it was like seven different pageants in one, but they brought greetings from the City of Gardena so it was a great event. She said the girls had amazing speeches and talents which she likened to the Miss America Pageant and said she was happy they were able to host it. She also got the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Waka Sakura which she encouraged people to go there and commented that the food was great. She attended a community meeting with one of our community advocates for homelessness, Mr. Dave Matthews in the unincorporated area. What was different about the meeting was that generally they meet with a lot of the business owners in the unincorporated area even though they don't really have any jurisdiction in that area, they offer whatever support they can. She asked her colleagues from neighboring cities, the Mayor of Compton and Mayor of Carson, if they would join her in the meeting. She continued that just seeing the work that's being done in the unincorporated areas and making sure that some of the problems that are going on there stay out of our community and offering any help and suggestions that they can to those communities, but she just takes her hat off to community advocate Dave Matthews because she gets these weekly phone calls saying they were able to talk five people into turning their RVs in and get them into permanent housing. She said that now because that area is not being maintained the proper way it should be maintained, they now have companies dumping their trash in that area which community advocate Dave Matthews has enlisted the help of some of the homeless people to help clean the area up. She always tries to give our support and she was very fortunate that the mayors went with her to that meeting to show their support and to help out those business owners any way they could. She attended the Lions Club International and was elated to be honored by their club along with many other people who were being recognized from all the different Lions Clubs in the California area. She wanted to thank the Bersano sisters as well as the Lions Club for nominating her for that position. She also attended the retirement celebration for Officer Peter Graffeo which was held at Gardena City Hall. She also attended the birthday for Miss Rebecca Conley who turned 100 years old, she described it was very nice to be there and present a proclamation to somebody within our community who was born in 1924 and she was happy to bring greetings from our city and do that. Lastly, she attended the vigil for the little boy that was killed in the accident on Marine and talked with friends of the family. She also 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED wanted the public to know that they did catch the person responsible, and she hopes he will be fully prosecuted.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS - Since their last gathering, she attended Taxes and Tacos hosted by Senator Steve Bradford and she understands that this was the largest one yet. She wasn't able to get to the entire GTrans bus roadeo but remarked that as always it seemed like a great event, and everybody had a great time and there was some friendly competition from the other municipalities and no matter how it turned out GTrans is number one. She attended the candlelight dinner for the senior Mardi Gras which was a lot of fun, the Girl Boss Workshop where she remarked that the really neat thing about that event is that it showcased different career opportunities that young women aren't normally aware of, such as welding or programming, just a wealth of opportunities as far as furthering education and she said it was a great event she hopes they get to do it again. She also attended the Black History Month program hosted by the New Earth Christian Church, it's a church on Zoom and the pastor is Pastor Larry Dozier and that was where they had the stamp unveiling which was very nice. She attended the Women of Serra tribute for the young women of Serra High School and a candidate forum that was hosted by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Mark Henderson on his successful re-election and she thanked him for the congratulations as well. She stated that she's been busy talking with people during the past month or so and one of the things about all that is that she gets to talk to people she hasn't talked to before and get some really great ideas. What she has learned is that our residents and neighbors are really concerned about our city and what's going on and they really aren't interested, but her plan is to try and find a way to reach out to more of them and get them involved to let them know what's going on in our city. She said one of her goals would be to talk to more people more often during these next three or four years. She wanted to thank everyone that came out and supported her re- election, she really appreciates them and she thanks them for another opportunity to serve and for her that's what it's all about is being given a chance to serve the city she not only lives in but loves as well. She knows there's a lot of scary things going on and bad things happening, but she wants people to know there's still a lot of good in our city and community so don't give up and keep the faith because better days are coming.
23. ANNOUNCEMENTS)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Alzheimer's Disease Research Update, Thursday, March 14, 2024; 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. Registration is required, for further information contact 310-217-9552.
2) Too Toxic To Trash, Free Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Drive-Thru Collection Event, Saturday, March 16, 2024; 9 am - 3 pm at Arthur Johnson Park. 3) Semi-Annual Clean Up Event - One Day Only! Leave items out by 6:00 am (adjacent to street curb). Free for all Gardena residential customers. Accepted: Single item that can be safely handled by two people; furniture; appliances; yard waste (bagged) and wood waste; electronic waste; televisions, and computers. For more information, call WR at (888)467-7600.
If your normal trash day is... Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Then your cleanup day is... Mar. 16 Mar. 23 Mar. 30 Apr. 6 Apr. 13 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 92D9B01C-C2F2-4F57-A5DB-1788E777E2ED 4) 48th Annual Koi Show, March 16-17, 2024, at City Hall Complex. Saturday, March 16, 2024; 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday, March 17, 2024; 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. 5) Spring Equinox, Sunday, March 17, 2024; 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at Johnson Park. The Willows Wetland Preserve will be open for self-guided strolls. Explore Gardena's very own vernal wetland and learn about the native plants and animals. 6) Coffee with a Cop, Wednesday, March 20, 2024; 10:00 am - 11:30 am at Ladybug Café on 159th and Western.
7) State of the City 2024, Thursday, March 21, 2024; 6:00 pm Meet, Greet & Eat: 7:00 pm Program at the Nakaoka Community Center.
8) Casino Night, Friday, March 22, 2024; 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Admission packages include appetizers and chips. Featured games: Blackjack, Craps, Money Wheel, Roulette. 9) Kids Night Out - LA Kings, Saturday, March 23, 2024; 3:15 pm - 10:00 pm. Parents, enjoy some time off while your child enjoys a night of hockey, as well as a special experience before the game. Available for ages 5-17. $30 per person (includes admission and transportation). For information
www.cityofgardena.org/events.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. Mack King; 85 years of age, a long-time Gardena resident and a member of the Casimir Gatekeepers Network for 26 years.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:29 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 26, 2024
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
APPROVED:
Tasua Cerda. Mayor By: Becky Romero
Tasha Cerda, Mayor Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
14