MINUTESRegular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California was called toorder at 7:37 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 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 and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero; and Deputy City Clerk I Crystal Contreras. City Treasurer Guy Mato was not present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
None
3. CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session.
RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Miguel Fernandez, a Gardena PD Explorer, and a 12th grade student at Santa Fe High School, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. INVOCATION
Reverend John Iwohara, of the Gardena Buddhist Church, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Certificate of Recognition to Stephen Rogers for his service to the community as a Member of the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission - To be accepted by Stephen Rogers Mr. Stephen Rogers accepted the Recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
6.B. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
7. PROCLAMATIONS
7.A. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - September 2025
The Proclamation was accepted by Freddie Muse, Jr., Founder & President of The Men's Cancer Network, Inc.
8. APPOINTMENTS
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9. CONSENT CALENDAR
9.A. Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only CONTACT: CITY CLERK
9.B. Receive and File Minutes:
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, June 17, 2025 Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, July 15, 2025 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
9.C. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, August 26, 2025 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
9.D. Personnel Report P-2025 08-26-2025
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
9.E. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1885, Amending Chapter 10.32 Special Speed Zones of the Gardena Municipal Code and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
9.F. Approval of Agreement between the City of Lawndale and City of Gardena for the Elderly Nutrition Program Services
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
9.G. Approve Amendment to the Agreement with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the Zero Emission Transit Capital Program
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve the Consent Calendar items. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
10. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. August 19, 2025, MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #17-24, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #7-24 The Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP #7-24), to allow the operations of private vehicle storage facilities within two existing industrial buildings (totaling 23,334 square feet), located in the General Industrial (M-2) zone, in accordance with Gardena Municipal Code Section
18.46.030.C.
APPLICANT: Mathew Farah, Westside Collection Car Storage LOCATION: 1608- 1612 W. 139th Street, APN (6102-014-067 and -068) Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission approved Resolution No. PC 12-25, by vote of 4-0-0 (with one commissioner absent), approving Conditional Use Permit #7-24, and Environmental Assessment #17-24 determined the project exempt and directed staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
Docusign Envelope ID: 6671A7ED-A554-4909-BA17-C4B19F73017C This Item was Received and Filed.
11.B. August 19, 2025, MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #7-25, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2-25 The Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request for a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP #2-25), per section 18.32.030.B of the Gardena Municipal Code, to allow the on-site-sale and consumption of beer and wine within a new restaurant located in the General Commercial (C-3) zone.
APPLICANT: Vicky's Bubbly Café
LOCATION: 14782 Crenshaw Boulevard, APN (4064-013-021)
Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission approved Resolution No. PC 11-25, by vote of 4-0-0 (with one commissioner absent), approving Conditional Use Permit #2-25, and Environmental Assessment #7- 25 determined the project exempt and directed staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
This Item was Received and Filed.
11.C. August 19, 2025, MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #2-25, SITE PLAN REVIEW#1-25, AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP # 1-25 The Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request for approval of an Environmental Assessment (EA #2-25); Site Plan Review (SPR #1-25); and Tentative Parcel Map (TPM #1-25; Tentative Parcel Map No. 84583) to allow for the construction a multifamily residential condominium development consisting of three (3) three-story townhome units (1,684 sf living area per unit, exclusive of a 550 sf garage and 100 sf deck) on a 7,405 sf lot in the Medium Density Multi-Family Residential (R-3) zone in accordance with Section 18.44.010.A and Chapter 17.08 of the Garden Municipal Code (GMC).
APPLICANT: Mason Zojaji
LOCATION: 15903 Brighton Avenue, APN (6105-014-017)
Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission approved Resolution No. PC 10-25, by vote of 3-1-0 (with one commissioner absent), approving Site Plan Review #1-25 and Tentative Parcel Map #1-25, And Environmental Assessment #2-25, determined the project exempt and directed staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
This Item was Received and Filed.
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD)
12.A. Public Comment-
Mayor Cerda asked City Clerk Semenza if any public comments had been received. City Clerk Semenza stated that we received a Public Comment from our 8/12/2025 Council Meeting but was received after our 5:00p.m. deadline; it was made part of the Agenda Packet, distributed to Council and made part of the record. 1) Travis Hernandez, Library Manager of the Masao W. Sato Library, came to give updates on both the Mayme Dear and Masao W. Sato Libraries.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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14.A. PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6698 Adopting a Resolution establishing fees for Vacant Property Program Registration and Renewal, as authorized pursuant to Ordinance No. 1882 and finding that the fee resolution is exempt from CEQA under Guidelines Section 15273 and Public Resources Code Section 21080(b) (8). The adoption of this resolution is statutorily exempt from the requirements of CEQA because these fees are imposed to meet operating expenses through cost recovery for staff wages incurred by the City and the adoption of this resolution falls within the exemptions for local agency decisions specified in Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(8) and CEQA Guidelines section 15273.
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 questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Mayor Cerda then opened the Public Hearing at 8:15p.m.
Questions and comments were made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Members Francis and Love. Economic Development Manager Jackie Choi, Community Development Director Greg Tsujiuchi and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 8:21p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Francis and was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Adopt Resolution No. 6698. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 (Yea: Francis, Henderson, Cerda and Tanaka; Noes:
Love)
14.B. Consideration of a contract with spcaLA for Animal Sheltering and Services 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 questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve the contract between the City and spcaLA for a 12 month term beginning September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
None
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
None
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
None
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20. COUNCIL ITEMS
20.A. Approval of the 2025 Gardena Wall of Fame Committee Recommendations for Individual Inductions to the Gardena Wall of Fame
City Manager presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by all members of the Council. City Manager Osorio, City Attorney Vasquez and Administrative Aide Anahi Corte answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Love to Approve the Appointment of Marcelino Almaraz. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Henderson, Love, Cerda, Tanaka and Francis).
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve the Appointment of Mike Saffell. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Love, Tanaka, Cerda, Henderson and Francis).
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve the Appointment of Philip A. Johnson, Sr. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Tanaka).
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve the Appointment of Susana Weltz Medina. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Tanaka).
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve the Appointment of Woods Rayburn Woolwine, Jr. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Tanaka).
20.B. Designation of Voting Delegate / Representative for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo - October 8-10, 2025
City Manager presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Mayor Cerda then asked for clarification; she stated since Council Member Tanaka is the actual delegate and will be attending this conference the entire time, only if he is absent on the voting day, then she will step in as the alternate. City Attorney Vasquez confirmed that was correct.
A motion was made by Council Member Francis and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to designate Council Member Tanaka as the Voting Delegate / Representative; and that Mayor Cerda will be designated as the Alternate. The motion passed 4-1 (Yea: Francis, Henderson, Cerda and Tanaka; Noes: Love).
20.C. RESOLUTION NO. 6712, Discuss and Consider Adopting Resolution No. 6712 Redistributing the Community Discretionary Fund of Councilmember Wanda Love to the Rest of the City Council City Manager presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Docusign Envelope ID: 6671A7ED-A554-4909-BA17-C4B19F73017C Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda. City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Adopt Resolution No. 6712 with the amendment to redistribute the $2,000 from the Community Discretionary Fund, previously allocated to Council Member Love, equally among the other three (3) Council Members, since Council Member Francis declined. The motion passed 3-2 (Yea: Henderson, Love, Cerda, Noes: Francis and Love).
21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
None
22. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS City Manager Osorio mentioned that there were three (3) memos that have been distributed to Council; they are as follows:
1) Community Development Department Monthly Report;
2) Traffic Safety on Rosecrans; and
3) Street takeover on Marine and Western.
23. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA - Since the last meeting, he attended the South Bay City Council of Government's Legislative briefing. He attended the Gardena Jazz Festival, which was a really great event. He congratulated and thanked Stephany and her staff for the Jazz Festival.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE - She mentioned that she did not attend a lot of events since the last meeting but did attend the 22nd Annual Gardena Jazz Festival put on by Senator Steven Bradford; it was a great event. She also mentioned that she wants to tell the community that the love that she received out there in the crowd was amazing, and she really needed that energy; and to Senator Bradford, she sends her condolences to his family regarding his sister. It was an honor to release a dove in her memory.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS - Since the last meeting, she attended the softball youth awards banquet; Camp DA, hosted by Gardena's own Dylan Andrews; the Gardena Jazz Festival; and the Second Time Around Club meeting. She thanked Rayshaun Riley for what he did on that airplane. She thanked and congratulated Steve Rogers for his service to the Gardena Economic Business Advisory and as a Business Leader in our City. She congratulated and thanked all of the Wall of Fame inductees. She appreciated the staff; they were amazing at the Jazz Festival, including Director Santin. She congratulated Senator Bradford for bringing the Jazz Festival to our City 22 years ago. She also mentioned and gave her condolences to his family for the passing of his sister, Vikki. She also mentioned for those of you who are watching at home, please tune in and come on down and sit in on a meeting; it would be nice to see someone here besides staff and some of our community folks.
4) MAYOR CERDA - Since the last council meeting, she attended Breakfast with the Mayor for the South Bay Association of Realtors. She thanked the South Bay Association of Realtors. Our City Clerk was the president, and she's still a very active member. She had a meeting with the Consulate General of Mexico, along with some of the neighboring Mayors, in the surrounding cities. She attended her monthly CCGA meeting. Along with Council Member Francis, she attended the youth baseball and softball awards banquet, and Home of the Month. To Council Member Francis and all those who are on the Board, thank you guys for honoring all the beautiful homes in Gardena. She mentioned she attended the Regina Napper's Appreciation ceremony, recognizing first responders; the funeral services of one of our church's first ladies, Miss Geneva Docusign Envelope ID: 6671A7ED-A554-4909-BA17-C4B19F73017C Futrell, for whom she and her husband had a church here in the City of Gardena for over 22 years; and the Annual Jazz Festival. She stated she really appreciates all the people who attended; as always, staff did an amazing job. She did a quick shout-out: Happy Birthday to Anthony Dixon.
5) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON - He attended his SCAG legislative committee meeting, and the Jazz Festival. He also gave his condolences to Senator Bradford. He congratulated all the inductees who will be going on the Wall of Fame. He congratulated his friend Steve Rogers. He also congratulated our City for the way we have our Invocation at the beginning of every meeting, and how we recognize all faiths in our community.
MAYOR CERDA ADDED – She made another announcement: she is excited to announce that we will have a new grocery store in the City of Gardena. It's official. She announced that Gardena will get Sprouts at the old 99-cent store, located by Redondo Beach Boulevard and Normandie Boulevard. She does not have the date in front of her yet, but it is coming to the City of Gardena.
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Meet the Chief, August 28, 2025 at Starbucks on Redondo Beach Blvd. from 9:00-11:00a.m.; 2) Cooling Centers at the Nakaoka Community Center, from 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. (Monday through Friday; if the temperatures reach 90 or above, they will open on the weekends) and at Rowley Park (if the temperatures reach 90 degrees or above) from 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.;
3) Keep Gardena Beautiful Day, Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m., register by September 5, 2025; 4) 24th Anniversary 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 9:00a.m. on the City Hall Lawn; 5) Movie Night Series 2025, featuring Paddington in Peru, Friday, September 12, 2025 from 7:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. on the City Hall Lawn;
6) 95th Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the City Hall Complex; and 7) Food, Wine & Brew, Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 12:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the City Hall Complex;
25. REMEMBERANCES
Mrs. Geneva Futrel, 94 years of age, served as the First Lady at South Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Gardena for 23 years and Berachah Baptist Church in Gardena for another 22 years.
26. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:29 p.m., Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m., and the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
By:__________________________________
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
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