1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:02 PM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California; Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Mark E . Henderson; Council Member Paulette C. Francis; and Council Member Wanda Love. Other City Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Treasurer Guy H. Mato. City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero.
It was noted for the record that Mayor Tasha Cerda was running a few minutes late.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Employee Organizations:
1. Gardena Police Officers Association (GPOA), Robert Rosales Jr., Association President
2. Gardena Management Employees Organization (GMEO), Vicky L. Barker, Attorney
3. Gardena Municipal Employees Association (GMEA), Fred G. Quiel, Attorney
4. Confidential / Unrepresented Employees
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 8:30p.m., and the City Clerk noted the return of all Council Members, who were present at the meeting, including Mayor Cerda. When City Attorney Vasquez was asked if there was any reportable action from Closed Session, she reported that all Members of the Council were present; staff was given direction but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Joshua Cole and Dezmond Reyes, both in the 8th grade at Maria Regina School. Joshua is a respectful, well-behaved, and motivated student. He is always willing to go the extra mile to be successful in his academics. He is the Treasurer of the Student C ouncil and plays in the school’s varsity football and basketball teams. Joshua is a student leader among his peers and aspires to be a music producer. Dezmond is a mannerly, pleasant, and dedicated student and strives for excellence in his studies. He is the President of the Student Council and serves as a cantor for Second Friday School masses. Dezmond is a student leader among his peers and aspires to be a pastor, a boxer, a lawyer, or a writer.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 2 4. INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka led us in the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Lexipol Policy Award 2024 – was presented by Theresa Maza; Deputy Chief Todd Fox accepted the award, spoke and thanked Council
5.B Gardena Events Video Presentation
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Older Americans Month" - May 2025 – was proclaimed only
6.B Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month - was proclaimed only
6.C 56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerk's Week - May 4-10, 2025 – was accepted by City Clerk Mina Semenza
6.D Public Works Week - May 18- 24, 2025 – was accepted by Public Works Director Allan Rigg
6.E Cinco de Mayo Celebration Day - May 5, 2025 – was accepted by the Cinco de Mayo Committee
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn in)
Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission (GEBAC) - Paul G. Giuliano - was appointed by Mayor Tasha Cerda
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Council Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Mr. Paul G. Giuiliano to the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission (GEBAC):
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Henderson, Francis and Love
Noes: None
Absent: None
City Clerk Semenza then administered the Oath to Mr. Giuliano, and appropriate photos were taken.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 3 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 8, 2025
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Receive and File Minutes:
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission April 1, 2025 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, April 22, 2025 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
April 22, 2025: Wire Transfer: 129 54-12970, Prepay: 180 214; Check Numbers:
180215-180367 for Total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,706,480.27; Total Payroll Issued for April 18, 2025: $2,468,844.81
8.E Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, May 13, 2025 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
May 13 , 2025: Wire Transfer: 12971 -12985, Prepay: 180368 -180385; Check Numbers: 180386-180606 for Total Warrants issued in the amount of $3,677,952.11; Total Payroll Issued for May 2, 2025: $2,004,368.37
8.F Monthly Investment Portfolio, March 2025
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8.G Personnel Report P-2025-8 05-13-25
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8.H Approval of Carnival Permit for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church to be Held May 16th through May 19, 2025, at 1050 West 163rd Street, Gardena, CA 90247 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.I RESOLUTION NO. 6701: Adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 funded by SB1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8.I:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Love and Francis and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 4 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.I PUBLIC WORKS: RESOLUTION NO. 6701: Adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 funded by SB1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. Director of Public Works Allan Rigg answered all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.I:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Francis, Henderson, and Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A APRIL 15, 2025 - Meeting Cancelled
10.B MAY 6, 2025, MEETING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #1 -25, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #1 -25 The Planning Commission reviewed a request for a conditional use permit, per section 18.32.030.B of the Gardena Municipal Code, to operate an indoor batting cage within an existing 5,677- square-foot warehouse located in the Industrial (M - 1) zone. The request also seeks approval to count street parking toward the facility’s required parking per Section 18.40.080.B.3 of the Gardena Municipal Code. Project Location: 18008 Halldale Avenue
Project Applicant: Peter Girgis (Maximize Athletic Performance) Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 6- 25, by a vote of 5-0, approving Conditional Use Permit #1-25, and directed staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
City of Council Action: Received and file OR call for review which requires two votes from City Council – Council Member Francis Called for Review
10.C MAY 6, 2025, MEETING
ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT #1-25 (ORDINANCE NO. 1883)
The Planning Commission considered a recommendation to the City Council on the adoption of Ordinance No. 1883 amending the Gardena Municipal Code Chapter
18.13 relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units.
Project Location: Citywide
Project Application: City of Gardena
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 7- 25, by a vote of 4-1, approving Zone Text Amendment #1-25 recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1883.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 5 City Council Action: No action needed. This item will be brought forth to the Council for review at a City Council meeting on May 27th, 2025.
10.D MAY 6, 2025, MEETING
ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT #2-25 (ORDIANCE NO. 1884)
The Planning Commission considered a recommendation to the City Council on the adoption of Ordinance No. 1884 amending the Gardena Municipal Code Chapter 18.12, and 18.76 of Title 18, Zoning Code, of the Gardena Municipal Code, Chapter 17.08 of Title 17, Subdivision to implement State Laws relating to housing.
Project Location: Citywide
Project Applicant: City of Gardena
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 7- 25, by a vote of 4-1, approving Zone Text Amendment #2-25 recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1884.
City Council Action: No action needed. This item will be brought forth to the Council for review at a City Council meeting on May 27th, 2025.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Travis Hernandez, representative from LA County Library; and 2) Chandler Weber, Public Information Officer of the Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience.
Both speakers filled out speaker slips but left the meeting before Oral Communicaitons started.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of the Proposed 51st Year CDBG Annual Action Plan for FY 2025-2026.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:15p.m. and closed at 9:25p.m.
Mayor Cerda then 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 all Members of the Council. Community Development Director Greg Tsujiuchi and MDG’s Consultant Esther Luis answered all questions.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 6 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Annual Action Plan for FY 2025-2026, as presented or as may be amended by Council action:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Francis, Henderson, and Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES - None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
15.A PUBLIC HEARING: INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1881 : 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.
Lt. Christopher Cuff made a presentation.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:37p.m.and closed at 9:42p.m.
Mayor Cerda then 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 s Love, Francis and Henderson. Lt. Cuff answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Love , seconded by Council Member Henderson and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1881:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Francis and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Council Member Love Introduced Ordinance No. 1881
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Award Construction Contract for the Local Streets Improvement 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, for various locations, JN 525 and 544, to LCR Earthwork & Engineering, Corp. in the amount of $3,388,850.00. Additionally, award Construction Management and Inspect ion Services contract to Onward Engineering, in the amount of $111,270.00, and the Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Testing Consultant Services contract to Terracon Consultants Inc. in the amount of $20,000. Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, Con tingency, and declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 7 City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
A slide was presented of the item.
Mayor Cerda then 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 Henderson and Council Member Francis. Public Works Director Allan Rigg answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson and carried by the following roll call vote to:
• Award Construction Contract
• Award Construction Management, Inspection, and Geotechni cal Soil Testing Services
• Approve Project Plans and Specifications
• Declare CEQA Exemption
• Approve Project Contingency
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
While Item 16.B was being presented, Council Member Love left the meeting; the time was 9:54p.m.
16.B PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6690 : Confirming the Diagram and Assessment contained in the Engineer's Report dated March 24, 2025, for the Gardena Artesia Boulevard Landscape Assessment District and ordering the levy of assessments on the same for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:54p.m.and closed at 9:56p.m.
Mayor Cerda then 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 Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution 6690:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Francis and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 8 16.C PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6691 : Confirming the Diagram and Assessment contained in the Engineer's Report dated March 24, 2025, for the Gardena Consolidated Street Lighting Assessment District and ordering the levy of assessments on the same for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:59p.m. and closed at 9:59p.m.
Mayor Cerda then 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 Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Reso No. 6691:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Francis and Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
16.D Audit for the City's Refuse Hauler, Waste Resources of Gardena
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then 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 all Members of the Council. Public Works Director Rigg gave kudos to Waste Resources Gardena and explained the process of the team effort to pass the audit; he also answered all questions. City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez also commented.
This Item was Received and Filed.
16.E Award Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal Contract for the Pedestrian Safety Project FY 2024- 2025, JN 545, to Southern California Precision Concrete Inc. in the Amount of $147,693.24, approve 10% construction contingency, and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
A slide was presented of the item.
Mayor Cerda then 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 and Mayor Cerda.
Public Works Director Rigg replied to all questions ; City Attorney Vasquez commented.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 9 It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and carried by the following roll call vote to:
• Award Construction Contract
• Approve Construction Contingency
• Declare CEQA Exemption
Ayes: Council Members Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
17.A Ratify Administrative Approval of Professional Services Agreement between the City of Gardena and MDG Associates, Inc. for Grant Management Consulting Services for FY22 Community Project Funding Grant No. B -22-CP-CA-0033 for the Community Aquatics and Senior Center
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then 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 . City Manager Osorio replied to all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Ratify Administrative Approval of the Professional Services Agreement Between the City of Gardena and MDG Associates, Inc:
Ayes: Council Members Henderson, Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
17.B Authorization to Purchase a 2025 Ford Transit - 350 MR Passenger XL RWD Vehicle in the amount of $64,357.90
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then 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. City Manager Osorio replied to all questions.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 10 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize Purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford Transit – 350 MR Passenger XL RWD Vehicle from Airport Marina Ford in the Amount of $64,357.90:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Franc is and Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
Staff Recommendation: Authorize Purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford Transit - 350 MR Passenger XL RWD Vehicle from Airport Marina Ford in the Amount of $64,357.90
17.C Authorization to Purchase a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Touring ADA Commercial Mini Van with Folding Ramp from Mobility Works of California, LLC. in the amount of $71,551.06.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then 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 Cerda, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka. C ity Manager Osorio and Director of Recreation & Human Services Director Stephany Santin answered all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize Purchase of one (1) 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Touring ADA Commercial Mini Van Conversion with a Side- Entry – E4 Power Door with Manual Folding Ramp Van from Mobility Works of California LLC. in the amount of $71, 551.06:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Francis and Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
18.A Approve Purchase of Bus Stop Amenity Equipment from Tolar Manufacturing Company in the amount of $62,376 and a Project Total of $68,613
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 11 Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson and Mayor Cerda. City Manager Osorio and Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Purchase and Project Total:
Ayes: Council Members Francis, Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
18.B Approve Purchase of Safety Barrier Components at a Cost of $57,018 and a Project Total of $62,720
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then 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 Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Purchase and Project Total:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Henderson, Francis and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
19. COUNCIL ITEMS
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS - First of all, I want to say congratulations to the Gardena Police Department and Deputy Chief for their leadership in being awarded the Lexipol award for the 5th straight year in a row. And congratulations to both the Public Works department as well as the City Clerk’s department. We have an excellent staff and anytime we have an opportunity to say congratulations, for a job well done, we should.
Thank you, Public Works, and thank you City Clerk. Since the last time we met, I attended the Gardena Beautif ication Commission meeting, the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District meeting. I also attended the 39th annual Cinco De Mayo Parade and Cinco De Mayo Festival. So, I was a little concerned that because the weather was so gray and drizzly that folks m ight not come out, but we had the largest turnout for that parade; it was an excellent parade, and I got to ride in a really nice car. So, thank you and congratulations, Cinco de Mayo committee. Although it's not really celebrated
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 12 in Mexico, but also mostly in the City of Puebla, celebrating Cinco de Mayo is important because it acknowledges the Mexican heritage of our residents here in the City of Gardena, as well the State of California. So, it's important that we continue to do that. It's been a great meeting. We got a lot going on. Thank you so much and for everybody that has contributed to me.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON - Since the last meeting, I participated in an event/seminar discussion in regard to the government adoption of artificial intelligence, pros and cons, and what we do as a government entity in regards to policy development and discussion on how we could use it in our daily operations, along with what we could do for things that are client facing or community facing and everything. So, it's just kind of really raising the awareness of what AI does and how it can be properly used, som e of the pitfalls that potentially come up with the use of that. It's gaining a lot of traction in a lot of public sector spaces. I was at the SCAG General Assembly. So, for those that don't know, the South Bay City Council of Governments (“SBCCOG”) elect ed me as a Regional Council Member to represent Hawthorne and Gardena in the Southern California area government's body, which comprises of six counties in Southern California. And we mostly talk about transportation, community development, economic development, and housing. So, we had our assembly in Palm Desert, I'm not going to go through all the topics we went over, but LA28 again is prevalent in everybody's mind in regard to what we can do to band together to make sure that we all understand that this is not Los Angeles's Olympics. This is the United States Olympics. So, we just need to make sure that we're mindful of that. I attended Youth Day, Cinco De Mayo parade.
Again, I want to thank our City Clerk, I always say our City Clerk's office is the best of the 88 in LA County. So, please continue the good work, I had my community and business meetings and Madame Mayor, thank you for the reminder to add this, pedestrian safety project, to a potential panel because we're doing our cut list of meeting tomorrow. So, everybody's got their ideas on what we need to talk about. Since I'm general President again, the goal is always to make sure that our 40 member cities have the opportunity to highlight the good work that we do. I know government always gets a bad name, but sometimes folks need to understand the good work that we do. So, that's an opportunity for us to speak to our peer cities and share ideas and best practices so we all know we're not just doing this in vain. We're actually trying to improve the environment and improve the community. Madam Mayor, because the hour is late, I will conclude my report, thank you.
3) MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA - Since our last meeting, I apologize I missed the meeting last month due to an issue, but I'm back. I've attended the SBCCOG’s legislative briefing. Congresswoman Waters, Senator Allen and a representative from Steve Bradford's office were on board w ith some other assembly and congress people. I attended and chaired the SBCCOG’S Transportation Committee meeting and the Steering Committee meeting. I attended the City employees quarterly mixer. I t's always great to celebrate with th em. I attended the Easter Bunny breakfast, that was well attended. I attended the promotion ceremonies for Sergeant Marisol Bazan and Jason Hooker. Congratulations to them, well deserved. I attended a badge pinning for a new lateral officer who used to actually, I think, be here at one time, Jazelle Ramirez, and so that was good for our department. He congratulated the Chief on making the department whole again. I think it's been a long time since we've actually had our focal compliment.
So, thank you. I attended and chaired the SBCCOG Homeless Task Force meeting. I attended the SBCOG Board meeting. I attended Kiwanis of Gardena Youth Scholarship
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 13 Award luncheon. It's the greatest thing because our Kiwanis clubs give way more than we do in scholarships, but we were really happy that we were able to give out some really good scholarships to our local students. I attended the City Clerk celebration; it was a great day there. I attended the 2nd Annual Pacific Heritage celebration at City Hall and it was all due to the efforts of retired Captain Osorio and his wife Candy who started that last year. This year was even better and bigger, it was a really great event. I attended the Cinco de Mayo parade; it was really great this year. Congratulations to Ernie for being the big guy. Got to wave with his kids. That was good, but it was a really good turnout this year, even though it was kind of misty, I also attended just r ecently the SBCCOG Transportation and Steering committee meetings. Lastly, this is kind of a tough one for me, but we lost three really great citizens this month. We lost Mr. George Castro, who was a stapled photographer in our City forever and ever. He had a place on Gardena Boulevard, and he was a photographer for the City that did almost everything for us. We lost Pat Worthy. She was on two of my commissions. She was also a Kiwanian, just a wonderful, loving, giving, and caring person; Stephany and her s taff are going to miss her at the Senior bureau. And lastly, we lost Sam Kaskanyan from Sam's Autoland; he was way too young; another guy that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He came to America with about $100 in his pocket and was a great businessperson and contributor to our City. And then lastly, I heard the Chief's leaving me, but congratulations on your extended time here and all the things you've accomplished.
4) MAYOR CERDA - Since the last Council Meeting, I attended the Youth in Government day. And again, kudos to the staff for doing an amazing job. It's like every year that just keeps getting better and better. And the kids are so enthusiastic about it. And I commend our staff who took time to escort the kids around and show them the different departments. Later on, that day, I attended Hermosa Beach's State of the City. I attended my CCGA meeting, my Sanitation meeting as well for LA County. I also attended a special screening at Gardena Cinema where a young man; he and maybe four or five of his friends were making short films and these are films that they produced with little to no money and they're aspiring filmmakers. Also, I attended a special City Selecti on meeting where we were choosing members who will sit on one of the Coastal commissions. But besides that, I also attended a driveby for one of our residents, Mr.
Walter Spragggins, who turned 97 years old. And I want to thank our Police Department and our Fire Department for coming out there. And if you saw Mr. Spraggins, he was 97 and this guy had so much energy. It was just amazing, and he attributes all of it to walking and so he was moving like he was 23. I had an opportunity to be on KGLH radio. T hey were doing a special show on female Mayors in the South Bay. It was myself, the Mayor of Carson, Compton, and also the former Mayor of Culver City. So, we all got a chance to get on the radio and just kind of talk about our experiences as the Mayors of our cities.
I attended the promotion ceremony for now Sergeant Hooker and Bazan. And I just want to congratulate them again on their promotion as well as attending the pinning ceremony of the lateral officer Ramirez. I also attended the military equipment meeting where our officers explained in more detail the military equipment that was open to the community.
So, thank Lieutenant Cuff for doing a great job in presenting that. I also attended our Senior Easter candlelight dinner where I always have a great time with our seniors. And I have to say, they constantly say how much they appreciate what Gardena does for them. So again, kudos to that department for doing an amazing job. I also did
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 14 my monthly Town Hall meeting at the Toss Up restaurant, and I just want to thank our speaker, which was Code Enforcement, and we had a great meeting and Council Member Francis, thank you for coming by. I attended the Kiwanis DCONN convention where I got a chance to be out there with the Gardena High School kids as well as the kids from CAMS and I have to say these are some of the most amazing kids in part of our key club. We're the Kiwanis, which helps facilitate and get our key club members there. They're excited to get out and just talk amongst other kids about things they're doing in their community and different accomplishments, and they have their awards ceremony and so on. But it's just a lot of fun to spend time with young people. There were 900 young people, and they were cheering and chanting and in fact the Gardena students won the spirit stick because they were chanting. It was a big deal, it was awesome. I also attended the 56th Annual Professional City Clerks week. Again, you guys do an amazing job. Thank you for what you do. A lot of people have no idea how much information has to go through our City Clerk's office before it even gets to us at the council level, and also what it even entails as far as putting these meetings together.
These meetings don't just happen overnight. It takes time getting the agenda ready, getting it from all the different departments, making sure it's right and so on. And so, we really appreciate all that you guys do. I was once a City Clerk for six months. so, I understand what it entails, but you know, when you walk in somebody else's shoes, you really understand what they do. S o, you know we can always talk about that it looks easy what this one does or that one, but you do their job for a couple of weeks or a month or so and you have a whole different perspective. So, thank you again for what you do.
Also, I attended the second district Mayor’s meeting which is hosted by Holly Mitchell where she meets with the mayors in her district which is about 11 of us or so. We learned some of the things that are happening with the County and you know they kind of give us a progress report of as far as you know what we may be able to ask for as far as funding or what we're probably not going to get this year moving forward just because of some of the cutbacks some of the effects that they're still getting from COVID as well as from the wildfires and how it's affecting money moving forward to our local cities. One of the big things that I took from the meeting, which was really interesting, is that a lot of these cities are getting ready for the Olympics, of course everybody wants to host a game. We all want to have some part of that, but since we couldn't, everybody's being really creative with other ideas where they're having a host house and it's different places where people are able to gather and they're able to watch some of the events and you have these specified areas and I can kind of talk offline if anybody's interested in it, but it's just ways to get people to come to your city where you're you have these big screens in a certain area where people will come and they can hang out together, watch the different sports games. Afterwards, a lot of times, those who come to your city will go to your restaurants. They may stay in some of the neighboring hotels. A lot of people want to be a part of the Olympics. And even though they may have tickets to go to one particular game, they may be out here during that period, and they want to go somewhere to watch the game. And so, it was just interesting just seeing how everybody's getting really creative with that. I didn't make it to the PacFest event. I apologize. I got stuck working, but I know I saw all the pictures. It looked like everybody's having a great time.
So again, you know, thank you guys for putting that event on. And I know we didn't have a meeting two weeks ago, but one of the things we would have done was wish our City Manager and our Deputy City Manager a Happy Birthday. So happy birthday to you both.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E 15 23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Volunteen Summer Camp, registration opens Monday, May 12, 2025 – Friday, June 27, 2025 at 12:00p.m.; see flyer for more details
2) Older Americans & Mental Health Awareness Month Celebration, Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the City Hall Complex from 11:00a.m. -1:00p.m.
3) Kid’s to Parks Day Pop- Ups, Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Bell Park from 10a.m. to 12:00p.m. and at Thornburg Park from 12:30p.m. to 2:30p.m. 4) Coffee with a Copy, Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Chick-fil-A in Gardena from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.
5) City of Gardena Job Fair, Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Nakaoka Community Center from 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
6) Scavenger Hunt, Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the Willows Wetland Preserve from 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
7) Boys to Men Workshop, Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Nakaoka Community Center, from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.
8) Chief Mike Saffell’s Retirement Celebration, Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Gardena City Hall starting at 11:00a.m., program starting at 11:30a.m.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. George Castro, 97 years old; longtime resident, business owner, and Wall of Fame Honoree, who lived a long and full life with photographs making and capturing history; he will always be remembered and cherished for his dedication to this community, love for his family and kindness towards everyone.
Mrs. Patricia Worthy, 84 years old; longtime resident and member of the City's Beautification Commission, the Senior Citizen Commission, the Jazz Festival Committee, and longtime volunteer with the City of Gardena; she will be missed by all.
Mr. Sam Kaskanyan, 68 years old; beloved father and brother of former Council Member Art Kaskanian; long-time business owner and Kiwanis Member; he will always be remembered for his dedication to this community and will be missed by all.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:22p.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 27, 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: 9844FADE-4562-426A-AAC8-92A4204F3B1E