1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
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, May 14, 2024, 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 present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; 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
Kemsinachi Nzenwa and Royce Carter, both in 8th grade, of Marina Regina Catholic School led the pledge of allegiance. Kemsinachi is President of the Student Council and serves as a cantor for school masses. She is also a member of the School Cheer Squad. Royce is a member of the Student Council and serves as Student Chaplain. Both students lead the student body in morning prayers as part of the Morning Assembly and are respectful, motivated, students, who are true leaders among their peers. They are interested in their school community and are willing to serve others.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Marquez Ware of Faithworks AG Church, led the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Resolutions of Commendation to Members of the Gardena Police Department in Acknowledgement of Receiving Awards from the South Bay Police and Fire Memorial Foundation at the 48th Annual Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony on May 23, 2024
a. Police Officer Emmanuel Bazan - Life Saving Award
b. Police Officer Andre Carter - Life Saving Award
c. Police Officer Jocelyn Castellanos - Life Saving Award d. Police Officer Carlos Gutierrez - Life Saving Award
e. Police Officer Laurent Hentges - Life Saving Award
f. Police Officer Miles Medeiros - Life Saving Award
g. Police Officer Austin Pennella - Life Saving Award
h. Sergeant Richard Reynaga - Life Saving Award
i. Police Officer Erich Von Roishmandt - Life Saving Award j. Police Officer Jose Serrano - Life Saving Award
k. Police Officer Edward Wenke - Life Saving Award
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 2 It was noted after the Agenda was posted that d. Police Officer Carlos Guitierrez was added by mistake. It was also noted that a. Police Officer Emmanuel Bazan and f. Police Officer Miles Medeiros were not present to accept their award.
5.B South Bay City Council of Governments - South Bay Energy & Climate Recognition Program: Gold Level Award Presented to the City of Gardena – SBCCOG Representative Talia Perluss presented the award to Public Works Director Allan Rigg and Program Coordinator Hong Lee.
5.C Gardena Events Video Presentation
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A Fibromyalgia Awareness Month - May 2024 (to be accepted by Terrie Brinkley, Founder of The Fibro Warriors support group) – Ms. Brinkley was not present to accept the proclamation
6.B Public Works Week - May 19 through May 25, 2024 – was accepted by Director Rigg
6.C Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month - to be proclaimed only
7. APPOINTMENTS - None
Mayor Cerda asked that we take Agenda Item 13.A out of order. There was a motion made by Council Member Tanaka to move Agenda Item 13.A out of order:
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis , and carried by the following roll call vote to move Agenda Item 13.A out of order:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A Appeal of the denial of a business license from Soul Housing for the property at 15906 S. Western Avenue in the City
Mayor Cerda started the Appeal hearing at 8:27p.m. which she then stated this is an appeal by Eric Schames, and Social Oriented United Living, Inc. dba Soul Housing of the Community Development Director’s decision to deny a Business License for the continuing use of hotel/motel/inn at the property located at 15902 S.
Western Avenue, Gardena, CA, Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 6105-010-068.
She stated this appeal is made pursuant to Gardena Municipal Code Chapter 1.12.
She asked if any Council Member had any disclosures to be put on record to be let known at this time.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 3 No one came forward. She then continued to read the guidelines and procedures for the hearing.
City Attorney Vasquez stated that there was a court reporter taking notes, so if everyone could speak verbally and give oral responses, no head nodding and speak clearly into the microphone.
The Witnesses, Community Development Manager, Amanda Acuna, Community Development Director , Greg Tsujiuchi , and Appellant Eric Schames were then sworn in by the court reporter.
City Prosecutor Donovan presented its case; she then called upon the Witnesses to which Ms. Acuna and Mr. Tsujiuchi replied.
Appellant’s Attorney Weiser was then given an opportunity to cross examine the Witnesses, to which Ms. Acuna and Mr. Tsujiuchi replied.
Appellant’s Attorney Weiser then presented his case and called upon his Witness, Mr. Schames, who then replied to the questions asked.
City Prosecutor Donov an was then given an opportunity to cross examine the Appellant’s Witness.
Appellant Attorney Weiser then gave his closing statement.
Mayor Cerda then opened up the hearing for questions by the public and by Council.
There were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by all Members of the Council to which Appellant Schames replied. Appellant Attorney Weiser gave clarification of information that was being asked.
Mayor Cerda closed the Appeal Hearing at 10:10p.m. and asked if anyone would like to entertain a motion. Mayor Pro Tem Henderson made the motion.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to recommend City Council hold a hearing, receive testimony, and uphold the decision of the Community Development Director to deny the business license by Soul Housing for the property at 15902 S. Western Avenue and direct staff to prepare a Resolution of Denial to be brought back at a later Council Meeting:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Love, Tanaka and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Mayor Cerda then stated that this concludes the hearing and that we would be taking a five (5) minute recess before continuing with the meeting. The court reporter was then dismissed.
Mayor Cerda then re-started the meeting at 10:19p.m.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 4 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, April 23, 2024
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, April 16, 2024 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, May 14, 2024 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
May 14, 2024: Wire Transfer (blank); Prepay: 17 5945-175947; Check Numbers:
175948-176095 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $1,558,440.90; Total Payroll Issued for May 3, 2024: $1,820,115.38
8.E Personnel Report P-2024-8 5-14-24
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8.F SECOND READING OF 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, 5.04.278, and 5.28.020 of Title 5
Environmental Determination: The project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) and 15304
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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 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, 5.04.278,
AND 5.28.020 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)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 5 8.G SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 1871, Amending Sections of Chapter 5.52 and Title 18 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to significant tobacco retailers, cigar lounges, and hookah lounges
Environmental Determination: The project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) as there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment.
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE NO. 1871
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS OF
CHAPTER 5.52 AND TITLE 18 OF THE GARDENA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SIGNIFICANT TOBACCO
RETAILERS, CIGAR LOUNGES, AND HOOKAH LOUNGES
AND MAKING A FINDING THAT THE ORDINANCE IS
EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES
SECTION 15061(B)(3)
8.H Approval of Final Tract Map No. 83979
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.I RESOLUTION NO. 6666: Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for the Elderly Nutrition Program on Behalf of the City for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
RESOLUTION NO. 6666
AN RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR THE
ELDERLY NUTRITION PROGRAM ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
8.J RESOLUTION NO. 6667: Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for the Supportive Services Program on Behalf of the City for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
RESOLUTION NO. 6667
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR THE
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 6 It was moved by Council Member Tanaka seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8.F:
Ayes: Council Member s Tanaka and Francis , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.F COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: SECOND READING OF 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, 5.04.278, and 5.28.020 of Title 5 Environmental Determination: The project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) and 15304 – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Public Speaker: Paul Randall, Lisa Wong; both spoke and asked Council to consider rewriting Ordinance No. 1865 adding drive-up distributions.
Mayor Cerda then then asked if any member of the Council had any questions or comments.
Council Member Francis asked if there was any way we could make any changes to the Ordinance at this time.
Mayor Cerda replied that if we make any changes, we will have to start the process over since we are at the second reading of the ordinance. City Attorney Vasquez explained that this would have to go back to the Planning Commission, since it has to do with zoning, if we were to make any changes. She mentioned that Council Member Francis could make a motion to go back to the Planning Commission, indicating that is an option she has.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.F:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: Council Member Francis
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A MAY 7, 2024 MEETING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2-24
The Planning Commission considered a request for a conditional use permit to allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption in conjunction with a new sushi restaurant within an existing supermarket located at 1740 W Artesia Blvd.
Environmental Determination: The Planning Commission reviewed a DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 7 determination that the project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Guidelines Section 15301, as an Existing Facilities project.
Project Location: 1740 W. Artesia Blvd
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 9- 24, by a vote of 5-0, approving Conditional Use Permit #2-24, and directed staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
City Council Action: Receive and file or call for review by way of two votes from the City Council.
This Item was Received and Filed.
10.B MAY 7, 2024 MEETING
SITE PLAN REVIEW #7-23, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #21-23; AND
DENSITY BONUS REQUEST
The Planning Commission considered approval of a site plan review and density bonus request for the development of a multi -family residential housing project consisting of 300 apartment units, including 17 affordable units, in a six -story, podium apartment building with one subterranean level for parking, in the R -6 zone.
Environmental Determination: The Planning Commission considered a recommendation to the City Council whether to approve the Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment (SCEA) (SCH #2024020743), make the findings, and adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) f or the 1610 West Artesia Boulevard project, pursuant to PRC Section 21155. Project Location: 1610 W. Artesia Boulevard
Commission Action: The Planning Commission adopted the following resolutions:
• Resolution No. PC 11-24, by a vote of 4-1, recommending that the City Council approve the SCEA, make the proper findings, and adopt the MMRP for the 1610 West Artesia Boulevard project; and
• Resolution No. PC 12-24, by a vote of 4-1, approving Site Plan Review #7-23, and Density Bonus Request, contingent on the approval from the City Council for the SCEA prepared for the project.
City Council Action:
• A public hearing before the City Council will be held on May 28, 2024, for the consideration of adopting the SCEA findings for the project.
• Receive and file the Planning Commission’s approval of Site Plan Review #7- 23 and Density Bonus request or call the items for review, by way of two votes from the City Council.
This Item was Called for Review, and a Public Hearing was set for May 28, 2024.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 8 11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Carlos Marquez, resident; spoke regarding an incident where he was assaulted by his landlord; is asking Gardena Police Department for information. 2) S herelle Diggs, resident; talked about getting a community garden and a farmer’s market; partner up with food pantry and/or recreation.
3) P aul Randall, Director of Mama Rosa’s came out to speak about their operations and asked Council to reconsider their decision.
4) Dic k Amamiya , resident of Torrance; thanked Council for bringing the Veteran wall, and thanked Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson for all their support.
Public Comment #1 - City Clerk Semenza noted that a public comment came in after the agenda was posted, and has been distributed, filed and made part of the record.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12.A SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1870 , Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract Between the Board of Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement System and the City of Gardena
ORDINANCE NO. 1870
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT
TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF GARDENA
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Ordinance No. 1870:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka and Francis , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A Appeal of the denial of a business license from Soul Housing for the property at 15906 S Western Avenue in the City – was taken out of order and was heard before the Consent Calendar
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES – No Items
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 9 15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
15.A PUBLIC HEARING: INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1872 , Adopting a Military Equipment Use Policy of the City of Gardena, California Governing the Use of Military Equipment pursuant to Assembly Bill 481
ORDINANCE NO. 1872
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A MILITARY
EQUIPMENT USE POLICY OF THE CITY OF GARDENA,
CALIFORNIA GOVERNING THE USE OF MILITARY
EQUIPMENT PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 481
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Lieutenant Chris Cuff presented a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 10:59p.m. 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 Members of the Council regarding if the equipment that we are purchasing comes directly from the military; what the process is on selecting the equipment; how do we work with our new employees that aren’t as proactive in wanting to adopt and learn to make their jobs safer; how was the Transcend robot system selected, how much of an attack can the robot take and what’s the replacement on it; what are some of the differences of the robots that you have demonstrated.
Lieutenant Cuff answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 11:10p.m.
Council Member Love introduced Ordinance No. 1872.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1872:
Ayes: Council Member s Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Approve and Authorize Director of Public Works to execute an Agreement for the installation of water services between the City of Gardena and Golden State Water Company for the Gardena Community Aquatics and Senior Center Project, JN 978
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 10 Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Council Member Francis asked if we will be using recycled water for the landscape irrigation system since we are talking about conservation. She indicated that she thought we had that already in place. She then asked is there are any plans to do this in the future.
Director Allan Rigg responded to her questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize the Director of Public Works to Execute an Agreement for the water line servi ces with GSW Company:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Francis, Tanaka and 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
19.A RESOLUTION NO. 6664, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gardena California, In Support of An Enduring Ceasefire in Gaza, Ukraine, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo
RESOLUTION NO. 6664
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT OF AN ENDURING
CEASEFIRE IN GAZA, UKRAINE, HAITI AND THE
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda 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 Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka, Francis and Mayor Cerda stating their positions regarding the resolution.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to discuss and consider Adopting Resolution No. 6664:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Francis and Love Noes: Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 11 19.B Consider Letter of Support for California Assembly Bill 2309 (Muratsuchi) Regarding Allowing Local Prosecution of Misdemeanors
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Council Member Francis stated she had some concerns regarding the bill, doesn’t support creating a whole new system. Attorney Vasquez provided clarification of the bill. Mayor Cerda spoke and gave her position regarding the bill.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Tanaka , and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Letter of Support for AB 2309:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: Council Member Francis
Absent: None
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
Subject: Would like staff to investigate the viability of crosswalk art near elementary and middle schools.
Purpose – To determine cost; and have a discussion on whether we would like to do it; Reason – Support public safety and continued beautification; and Benefit – Speed reduction near school zones.
Council Member Francis seconded it.
21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
1) A memo in response to the 4/23/2024 Council Meeting where a public speaker spoke regarding the Monthly Portfolio losses that Chandler Asset Management had reported.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Since the last Council Meeting, he attended the GJIP student graduation and thanked officer Sterling Kim and staff. Also attended the COG Board meeting, went to Cal State University Dominguez Hills mobility for all project kickoff where they partnered with Toyota to have cars available for their students, COG homeless task force, Kiwanis Club of Gardena scholarship luncheon where they gave scholarships to Gardena High and Serra High School students, did the Cinco de Mayo parade, the prayer breakfast at Torrance Memorial conference center hosted by Mayor George Chen, the badge pinning of new officer Charles Gil, the 37 th annual Bonsai
exhibition, our first annual Asian-American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander heritage event, the COG transportation meeting, the COG Steering Committee meeting. He concluded his remarks by saying he hoped all the mothers had a great Mother’s Day.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 12 2) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE –. Since the last Council Meeting, she attended the citywide yard sale, she also attended and supported the LA County first ever Daddy -Daughter Dance, the annual SCAG meeting in Palm Desert and had a great meeting with Larry Kosmont, the Cinco de Mayo parade, she also attended and hosted the ribbon cutting for new restaurant Egg Tuck, the Torrance Chamber State of the State address with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Senator Ben Allen, and Senator Bradford. She attended the Secret Garden paint and create Mother’s Day brunch at The Willows, Senator Bradford’s housing event at Cal State Dominguez, the Bonsai event at the Nakaoka Center and the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander celebration where they had some amazing entertainment. She also attended the Public Works shredding event, she said Public Works did a great job out there with all of those trucks, diverting traffic, and making sure that people were able to literally pull up and drop off their paper shredding so kudos to Public Works.
3) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Since their last gathering he attended the SCAG General Assembly meeting with councilwoman Love in Palm Desert, his ICA Board meeting as well as their full board meeting. He mentioned that he didn’t have an ice cream sundae at City Clerk Week, but it was great to commune and hang out with the City Clerk and the staff and he always says our City Clerk’s Office is the best of 88, as we are 1 of 88 cities in LA County and added that our team is great. He attended his business and community meetings, the Cinco de Mayo parade, the Bonsai festival, the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander heritage event. He wanted to thank our PD for their good work and those that they recognized tonight for their life-saving awards.
He wanted to thank the Public Works group for pursuing our climate action plan and said it’s a good sign that we’re moving towards sustainability. He also wanted to highlight something he wasn’t sure folks noticed or not, but that we are a real diverse community and if you look at our city staff that puts in the work, the council, our police depar tment, public works, recreation and human services, we are a very diverse staff and community and he thinks it reflects our values to know that we’re stronger together in regards to our different cultural differences and what we bring to our community and again we recognize everybody. He said he thinks we should be proud of ourselves as a community, as our staff because our staff does reflect our community very well as a real diverse community.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last Council Meeting, she attended the LA County sanitation personnel committee meeting, which is their general meeting where they discuss labor negotiations as it relates to the sanitation board and that’s i n addition to her normal LA County sanitation meeting. She also attended GJIP’s graduation and she just wanted to commend that department, Juvenile Justice, they do an amazing job there with the kids.
The staff, the social workers, the presenters who work with the kids, with thei r families, it’s a full wraparound program to help get these kids back on track and back to being productive people in our society. She said she thinks it’s amazing and gave kudos to the staff, to the kids who graduated and their families as a whole supporting each other. She also attended her second district Mayoral meeting that’s hosted by Holly Mitchell’s office for all the Mayors in the South Bay as they talk about all the different things that are going on in their prospective cities. She attended the Rx takeback day and one of the things she did differently this time was let her neighbors know about the drug takeback day and she was able to garner all the necessary Rx drugs and things like that that everybody wanted to get rid of and she made one trip with a trunk full of stuff to get rid of it so she thought that was kind of neat so she wanted more people to consider that option if their neighbors can’t get there, the more we can do to get these items off the street and properly disposed of, definitely lets do that. She wanted everyone to know that they DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 13 always have our Rx box here right in front of PD where you can do that year-round. She also attended the black excellence series workshop that 186 th elementary school had, where she was one of the guest speakers for the fourth and sixth grade classes talking to the kids about career choices. She also attended the Kiwanis scholarship luncheon and she wanted to thank the Kiwanis for all the great work t hey do and congratulate all the kids who did receive scholarships from the Kiwanis group and she gave a spec ial thanks to the Kiwanis members for all the hard work they’ve done to help raise scholarship money for our young people to go to college. The last thing she did was go to the Cinco de Mayo parade and she wanted to commend that committee on what was a great event.
5) COUNCIL MEMB ER FRANCIS - Since the last time they met, she attended the coronation of the Cinco de Mayo queen, the Cinco de Mayo parade and gave congratulations to Susanna, Dan Medina, and the Cinco de Mayo Committee for a great event. She also attended the first Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander heritage program, the Bonsai exhibit and was amazed by what they can do and how expensive some of them can be. She attended the paint and create Mother’s Day garden brunch at the Willows Wetlands, Senator Bradford’s housing summit and called it very informative, a\Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s homeless Town Hall, her greater Los Angeles County Vector Control district meeting of which she’s a trustee. As always, she knows there’s a lot of uncertainty going on in the world and people aren’t sure where we’re headed and there’s also a lot of anger going on. She said we are not at peace as a community and globally, but as she always says just keep the faith because better days are coming, it’s been promised.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Citizens Leadership Academy begins Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 6:00p.m. 2) Boys to Men Workshop, Friday, June 28, 2024 from 5:30-8:30p.m.; 3) Youth Summer Camp, registration began May 10, 2024; Camp Dates: Monday, June 17, 2024 to Friday, August 9, 2024, Monday – Friday, 7:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.; 4) Kids to Park Day, Pop -Ups, Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Bell Park (10:00- 11:45a.m.), Thornburg Park (12:00-1:45p.m.) and Sister City Parkette (2:00-3:45p.m.); 5) Power by Connection Art Walk on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at City Hall Complex;
6) Healthy Pet Clinic, Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at Nakaoka Community Center; and
7) LA Galaxy Family Night, Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 7:30p.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. James Neal Johnson , 84 years of age and a long- time Gardena resident; and Mr. James Douglass Martin, 91 years of age, and a former Police officer with the Gardena Police Department. He retired in 1985 as a Detective.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B 14 25. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:53p.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, May 28, 2024.
MINA SEMENZA
APPROVED:
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
______________________________ By:___________________________ Tasha Cerda, Mayor Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43D4DA23-F3F5-42DB-88F7-38A45E56886B