1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:03 PM on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 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 Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Paulette C. Francis; Council Member Wanda Love; Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
(One [1] Matter)
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation, pursuant to subdivision (d)(2) of Government Code Section 54956.9
One Potential Case.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 8: 26 p.m., and the 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 reported the following:
With regards to Closed Session Item 2.A, direction was given to initiate litigation, with a unanimous vote of 5 to 0. The action, the defendant(s) and other particulars shall, once formally commenced, be disclosed to any person upon inquiry, unless to do so would jeopardize the City's ability to effectuate service of process on one or more unserved parties pursuant to GC Sec. 54957.1(a)(2).
With regards to Closed Session Item 2.B, Council Member Love was recused from this item. The other four (4) Council Members were present and voted 3-1 with Mayor Tasha Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Rodney Tanaka and Dr. Mark Henderson voting in favor, and Council Member Paulette Francis voting against, to waive the attorney client privilege and direct the City Attorney to read the executive summary of the investigation that was sent to the City Attorney and HR Manager Diana Schnur by special counsel Scott Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 2 Tiedemann from LCW, who coordinated the investigation. The executive summary reads as follows: “the City retained attorney Jeff Love to investigate concerns regarding the conduct of Council Member Wanda Love towards two City employees. This investigation aimed to determine whether Council Member Love’s action constituted inappropriate behavior and considered findings from a prior inquiry involving one of the employees.
The findings regarding employee number one. The investigation substantiated allegations that Council Member Love unfairly criticized employee one in connection with two City projects – The Willows Wetland Grant Project, and the demolition of Chase Bank building. With regards to the Willows project, the Council Member criticized employee one, alleging failures in stakeholder communication. However, the evidence demonstrated that employee one had compiled with all applicable protocols and Council Member Love’s complaints were unfounded. With regards to the Chase Bank demolition, Council Member Love alleged inadequate neighbor notification, and dust mitigation efforts. The investigation found that employee one adhered to all legal requirements and implemented inappropriate measures to mitigate dust, including fencing and water- based controls. The investigation identified a pattern of tension resulting from employee one’s refusal to comply with Council Member Love’s request to prioritize specific contractors for City projects. Employee one’s adherence to established procurement rules and the failure to route operational concerns through the appropriate supervisory channels appeared to contribute to the concerns.
Findings regarding employee number two. The investigation also substantiated allegations regarding Council Member Love’s conduct towards employee number two during a City event. The Council Member expressed dissatisfaction with the placement of her booth at the event, perceiving it as less favorable compared to another elected official’s booth. Council Member Love made statements suggesting that she would raise the issue during a public meeting which employee two reasonably interrupted as a potential threat to their job security. The investigation found that Council Member Love’s remarks were inappropriate and caused employee two undue apprehension. In a broader context, the investigation revealed a pattern of Council Member Love bypassing appropriate channels for addressing operational concerns. Instead of engaging through supervisory structures, Council Member Love directly communicated with staff and occasionally involved other City officials in a manner inconsistent with City protocols. In conclusion, the investigation concluded that Council Member Love’s conduct towards both employees was inappropriate and substantiated the allegations. The behavior, which included unfounded criticisms and targeting of employees, created unnecessary strain and undermined the ability of City staff to perform their duties effectively. To date, the City has spent approximately $20,000 in the investigation.”
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Nathan Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nathan is 9 years old and participates in the City’s youth sports league program as well as the A fter-School program and many events.
He enjoys everything fun, including sports. Nathan has an awesome little sister and one more on the way. Nathan introduced his mother.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor James Chang from Gardena Valley Baptist Church led the Invocation.
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 3 5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Presentation of the "Holiday Home Decoration Contest 2024" Winners – Council Member Francis spoke and introduced the video presentation.
5.B Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long- Time Service to the City of Gardena:
1. Vicente Osorio - Captain with the Gardena Police Department - 29.8 Years – Chief Saffell spoke and accepted the Certificate of Commendation on Captain Osorio’s behalf.
2. Anthony Gonzalez - Park Maintenance Worker I with the Public Works Department - 26.4 Years – Director Allan Rigg spoke and accepted the Certificate of Commendation on Anthony Gonzalez’s behalf.
5.C Gardena Events Video Presentation
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week," January 13 through 20, 2025 – was accepted by Council Member Paulette C. Francis, Chair and Members of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Committee of Gardena
A motion was made by Mayor Cerda to take Item 13.A out of order on the Agenda.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to take Item 13.A out of order on the Agenda:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Member Franics, and Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka Council Members Henderson and Love
Noes:
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A AGENDA TITLE: Consideration of a Project to certify an EIR, adopt a mitigation monitoring program, adopt a statement of overriding considerations and make other CEQA findings, approve a Land Use Plan change, adopt an Ordinance approving a Specific Plan, Site Plan, and Development Agreement to develop a 5.25 acre property located at 16829, 16835, and 16907 South Normandie Avenue (between 169th and 170th Streets and east of Brighton Way) with a 333 unit project consisting of 75 townhomes and a 285 unit apartment building that will be 5 stories above grade (70 feet), and approve a vesting tentative map for the same. Additionally, the Project includes consideration of Land Use Plan changes and zoning map changes for the properties located at 16964 Brighton Avenue and the 0.43 Acre Property located to the east of the Project Site to match existing uses. Entitlement requests include: RESOLUTION NO. 6683: Certifying an Environmental Impact Report, Adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations and making CEQA Findings Relating to the Project; and RESOLUTION NO. 6684: Amending the Land Use Plan of the City of Gardena General Plan for the of the 5.25 Acre Property to Specific Plan, Changing the Land Use Designation of the 0.11 Acre Property located at 16964 Brighton Avenue to Single Family Residential, and the 0.43 Acre
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 4 Property located at the Eastern Edge of the Specific Plan Area to Public/Institutional and Making Minor Text Changes; and ORDINANCE NO. 1878: Amending the Gardena Municipal Code to add the Normandie Crossing Specific Plan, Amending the Gardena Zoning Map t o Rezone the 5.25 Acre Property to Normandie Crossing Specific Plan, Rezoning the 0.11 Acre Property located at 16964 Brighton Avenue to Single Family Residential, Rezoning the 0.43 Acre Property located at the Eastern Edge of the Specific Plan Area to Off icial, Approving the Normandie Crossing Specific Plan, including the Site Plan Contained therein, Approving a Development Agreement, and Approving an Affordable Housing Agreement; and RESOLUTION NO. 6685: Approving Vesting Tentative Map No. 83922 (VTM #4-21), to Merge Four Lots into one with 75 Condominiums for the Townhomes and one Parcel for the Apartment Building. PROJECT LOCATION: 16829, 16835, 16907, and 16911 S. Normandie Avenue OTHER LOCATIONS: 16964 Brighton Avenue and unaddressed Union Pacific Railroad parcel (APN: 6106-030-800) APPLICANT: Fred Shaffer and Steve Ludwig – 16911 Normandie Associates, LLC
City Manager Osorio presented the staff report.
There were presentations given by: Community Development Manager Amanda Acuna, the City’s Environmental Consultant James Thomas, the Applicants Steven Ludwig and Fred Shaffer, and Dana Sayles, of 360, the Land Use Consultant.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. She opened the Public Hearing at 9:00 p.m. and the following people spoke in Support of the Project:
Eduardo Padilla Andrea Martinez
Brandon Smith Jessica Orozco
Tal Zemer Christian Cabrera
Mario Matamoros Gavin Hamels
Public Speakers listed below spoke in Opposition of the Project:
Kyle Patterson Jason Mun
Ray Lawson Jesus Camargo
Salvador George John Hydro
Anastasia Canlas Hyunah Suh
Joyce S. Watanabe Silvio Carrara
Jeanne Nakano Rose Sato
Rudy Martinez Carrie Ishitani
Annie Roddy Ronald Wright-Scherr
Tish McCauley Michael Hall
Roslyn Franklin German Soria
Cory Shiozaki Joyce Segawa
Jessie Carara on behalf Juan Luna
of Jacqueline Kordones Ronisha Roberson
Kerry Doi Steve Gancherov
Maria Garcia Villalobos Pedro Huerta
Hideki Obayashi
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 5 Questions and comments were made by all Members of the Council, along with representatives from the Western States Carpenter’s Union, Ray Lawson, and Salvador George.
Applicants Steven Ludwig and Fred Shaffer, Dana Sayles, Land Use Consultant , Attorney Dave Rand, Community Development Manager Acuna, City Manager Osorio, and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 1:24 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 6683
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA,
CERTIFYING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT,
ADOPTING A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING
PROGRAM, ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING
CONSIDERATIONS AND MAKING CEQA FINDINGS
RELATING TO THE PROJECT
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Open the Public Hearing; hear the Applicant’s presentation; receive testimony from the Public; allow three (3) minutes for each speaker and to Adopt Resolution No. 6683:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka Noes Council Members Francis and Love
Absent None
RESOLUTION NO. 6684
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING THE LAND USE PLAN OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA GENERAL PLAN FOR THE OF THE 5.25 ACRE
PROPERTY TO SPECIFIC PLAN, CHANGING THE LAND
USE DESIGNATION OF THE 0.11 ACRE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 16964 BRIGHTON AVENUE TO SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, AND THE 0.43 ACRE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT THE EASTERN EDGE OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN
AREA TO PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL AND MAKING MINOR
TEXT CHANGES
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Open the Public Hearing; hear the Applicant’s presentation; receive testimony from the Public; allow three (3) minutes for each speaker and to Adopt Resolution No. 6684:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda, Noes Council Members Francis and Love
Absent None
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 6 ORDINANCE NO 1878
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD THE
NORMANDIE CROSSING SPECIFIC PLAN, AMENDING THE
GARDENA ZONING MAP TO REZONE THE 5.25 ACRE
PROPERTY TO NORMANDIE CROSSING SPECIFIC PLAN,
REZONING THE 0.11 ACRE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 16964
BRIGHTON AVENUE TO SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL,
REZONING THE 0.43 ACRE PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE
EASTERN EDGE OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA TO
OFFICIAL, APPROVING THE NORMANDIE CROSSING
SPECIFIC PLAN, INCLUDING THE SITE PLAN CONTAINED
THEREIN, APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT,
AND APPROVING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING
AGREEMENT
It was moved by Council Member Henderson to Open the Public Hearing; hear the Applicant’s presentation; receive testimony from the Public; allow three (3) minutes for each speaker and to introduce Ordinance No. 1878 as is. No second was received, and the motion died.
Questions and comments were made by all Members of the Council regarding amending the Ordinance to revise the Development Agreement to require more frequent compliance reporting.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Open the Public Hearing; hear the Applicant’s presentation; receive testimony from the Public; allow three (3) minutes for each speaker and to Introduce Ordinance No. 1878 with the Amendment to revise the Development Agreement to require quarterly compliance reporting:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda, Noes: Council Members Francis and Love
Absent:None
RESOLUTION NO. 6685
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING VESTING TENTATIVE MAP NO. 83922 (VTM
#4-21), TO MERGE FOUR LOTS INTO ONE WITH 75
CONDOMINIUMS FOR THE TOWNHOMES AND ONE
PARCEL FOR THE APARTMENT BUILDING
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Open the Public Hearing; hear the Applicant’s presentation; receive testimony from the Public; allow three (3) minutes for each speaker and to Adopt Resolution No. 6685, approving the necessary entitlements for the development of the Normandie Crossing Project:
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 7 Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda, Noes: Council Members Francis and Love
Absent: None
7. APPOINTMENTS - None
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, December 17, 2024
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, December 24, 2024 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
December 24, 2024: Wire Transfer: 12855- 12873; Prepay: 178711 -178714; Check Numbers: 178715-178919 for Total Warrants issued in the amount of $4,449,728.52; Total Payroll Issued for December 13, 2024: 1,993,091.67
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, January 14, 2025
January 14, 2025: Wire Transfer: 128 74-12886; Prepay: 178 920; Check Numbers:
178921-179086 for Total Warrants issued in the amount of $3, 373;999.98 Total Payroll Issued for December 27, 2024: $2,512,303.40; Total Payroll Issued for January 10, 2025: $2,579,957.46
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8.E Monthly Investment Portfolio, November 2024
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8.F Personnel Report P-2025-1 01-14-25
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Consent Calendar:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Henderson, Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 8 10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A DECEMBER 17, 2024 - Meeting Cancelled
10.B JANUARY 7, 2025, MEETING
1818 West Redondo Beach Boulevard, the Tire House Progress Report As requested by the Planning Commission at the October 1, 2024, meeting, staff presented an update report on the Tire House Inc.’s progress with meeting the requirements of Site Plan Review #4-15.
Commission Action: The Planning Commission motioned to postpone the adoption of Resolution No. PC 10-24 to the February 4, 2025, meeting, by a vote of 5-0.
City Council Action: No action needed.
This Item Required No Action by the City Council.
10.C JANUARY 7, 2025, MEETING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #1-24 (MODIFICATION TO CUP #219-68), SITE PLAN REVIEW #1-24, AND ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT #1-24
The Planning Commission considered a request to modify the conditional use permit for a high school located within the R - 1 zone, including a site plan review for the demolition of a 9,036 SF church building and proposing a new 7,500 SF facility in its place, featuring two classrooms, an administrative area, and a covered canopy, to continue serving the existing school on the property. The request also included an administrative adjustment to the off-street parking requirements, seeking a 12% reduction in the number of required spaces —from 104 to 93 spaces. The request was considered for an exemption from CEQA.
APPLICANT: Farnaz Golshani- Flecher, Farnaz Golshan-Flechner, Environmental Charter High School
LOCATION: 2818 Manhattan Beach Blvd; APN: (4067-007-005)
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 1- 25, by a vote of 4 -0-1, approving a modification to Conditional Use Permit #219-68, Site Plan Review #1 -24, and Administrative Adjustment #1- 24, with an added condition for the applicants to work with local church leaders prior to the demolition of the church building, 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 Called for Review by Mayor Cerda.
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 9 11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Pablo Arakaki – Ladybug Café Owner – he thanked Mayor Cerda for her visit to the restaurant and the Police Department for their unconditional and constant support. – came to ask for an update regarding the business next door to him, as it is affected his business, and he hopes you can find a prompt solution to this issue and bring back the sense of security and peacefulness.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT –
Agenda Item 13.A was moved to be heard after 6. PROCLAMATIONS on the Agenda.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES – No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
15.A Rejection of all Bids for Request for Proposals (RFP) for Police Incident Major Response Vehicle (MIRV)
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.
Questions and Comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love.
Chief Saffell answered all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Love , and carried by the following roll call vote to Reject all bids received for the Police Incident Major Response Vehicle (MIRV) project. Authorize Staff to re - issue a Request for Proposals (RFP):
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Love , Francis and Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15.B Approve Three-Year Agreement with Peregrine Technologies, Inc. for Data Integration Services in the Amount Not to Exceed $273,000
City Manager Osorio presented the staff report.
Chief Saffell introduced Jordan Karasik, representative of Peregrine Technologies, Inc. who presented a PowerPoint.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions.
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 10 Questions and Comments were made by Council Member Francis and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda.
Jordan Karasik answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Agreement:
Ayes: Council Members Henderson, and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15.C Notification of Eligibility for Funding in the Amount of $99,023 Under the Tobacco Grant Program Award for the 2024 - 2028 Grant Cycle
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.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Accept Grant Award and Authorize Expenditures:
Ayes: Council Members Love, and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS – No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION – No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS – No Items
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
Subject: Direct staff to develop a Code of Conduct for Council Members
Purpose – Establish a clear understanding of the role of Council in relation to how we should communicate appropriately with staff through our City Manager; Reason – Prevent future potential lawsuits directed at the City of Gardena; Benefit – Cost mitigation / cost savings.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka seconded it.
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 11 Mayor Cerda
Subject: Direct staff to prepare a Resolution of Censorship for Council Member Love for unprofessional behavior that was reported out of Closed Session
Purpose – Censor behavior;
Reason – Make sure our employees and community understand that this is not acceptable; Benefit – We would not have to pay for investigations out of our general fund.
Council Member Henderson seconded it.
21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
1) He mentioned he sent a memo out to the City Council regarding the abandoned Residential Properties assessment.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – She mentioned it has been quite the night. She does not have any remarks.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – She mentioned it being passed 2 am in the morning she will save her remarks for the next time we meet.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON – He said let’s keep our communities in prayers for those in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. It’s hard to say Happy New Years when folks have lost everything. He mentions let do what we can to support those in other communities.
4) MAYOR CERDA – She will push her remarks to the next time because she has a lot of remarks as far as previous events.
5) MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA – He mentioned he would push his remarks as well. Adding that we must pray for all those that are suffering right now through these wildfires.
Families have lost family members, houses have been burnt to the ground, and you really must thank our LA County Firefighters, our City Firefighters, and people who did mutual aid because they have been away from their own families for over a week. Some of them have already lost their homes while they are fighting fires to save our homes. We thank our Sheriffs, and our Police. The Mayor and himself got word today that the former Mayor of Ichikawa, Japan passed away, Mayor Okubo. He was a great guy; he wants to send out his condolences out to the family.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Parade and Celebration has been Postponed to Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; 2) Recycle Christmas Tree – Curbside pickup on regularly scheduled collection day or drop off at the Roll-Off Container at Rowley Park, Johnson Park, or Mas Fukai Park. This will be from December 26, 2025, through January 22, 2025;
Docusign Envelope ID: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE 12 3) Soccer Fundamentals – Location will be Bell Park, age groups from kindergarten through 4th grade. For more information visit our website. www.cityofgardena.org/events. Or visit the Nakaoka Community Center;
4) Ministerial Association Luncheon – Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center;
5) Gardena Fair Housing Workshop – Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center;
6) Interactive Online Comment Map – Last chance to share your thought about the three Park concept designs. Please visit GardenaNewParkDesigns.com; 7) Teen Night – Friday, February 7, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center; and
8) Parent Workshop – Friday, February 7, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. Jimmy Carter, who was our 39th President of the United States.
Mr. Hiroshi Okubo, Former Mayor of our Sister-City Ichikawa, Japan. We had the Pleasure of having Mr. Okubo visit the City of Gardena in 2017 during the 55th Sister City Anniversary between Gardena and Ichikawa.
Victims in Wildfires, w e would like to mention all the victims in the wildfires that are currently happening in Southern California, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that is affected by this tragedy.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 2:19 a.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 January 28, 2025.
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: FF42A63C-FD11-4B49-812C-EE26ED08E6AE