OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Los Angeles City Council Meeting - March 26, 2025: Presentations, Public Comment, and Votes on Immigration, Homelessness, and Settlements

City CouncilWednesday, March 26, 2025
BodyLos Angeles, California
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, March 26, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Center.

0:00

The one-stop hub provides comprehensive connections to help those hurt by the wildfires.

0:09

Two months after the devastation, the devastation, and the grief continues for too many people.

0:18

We are here at one of our four impacted worker and family recovery centers.

0:23

We have four throughout the city of Los Angeles, one in Culver City in the Valley and Boyle Heights, and this one here in South Los Angeles, helping families and businesses, individuals who are impacted or displaced because of the wildfires.

0:35

People have lost their homes, but people have also lost significant income.

0:39

There's been people who have lost their jobs and their livelihoods.

0:42

And so what we're doing today is offering a one-stop hub to connect people to multiple resources so that they don't have to navigate, you know, all of the red tape and the bureaucracy.

0:52

We're really trying to streamline that process for everyone impacted.

0:55

We have a range of services that we're making available for families.

0:58

We are offering comprehensive services from financial assistance to financial coaching.

1:04

Uh, if they are behind on their rent or they're behind on their utility bills, we're helping to connect them with those resources.

1:10

We're also, if they're a business, they're helping to apply for a business, a grant.

1:14

If they were displaced and they've lost income, we're helping people apply for their impacted worker relief fund, and then also connecting people that are uh interested in other employment opportunities to the workforce development system to help them there.

1:28

So the youth development department is here today to do a couple things.

1:32

One is to help connect young people to employment opportunities.

1:36

We're also here to make referrals to young people who are seeking services such as uh access to mental health services, after school program information, homework assistance.

1:46

We can help them with that.

1:47

We're also uh making sure that folks are aware of our Earn Learn Play website where they can find out about the programs and activities the city has to offer through our 18 different departments that serve young people.

2:01

We had a session today with the survivors, people who've lost their homes, and they talked about this being one of the most comprehensive meetings that they've been that they have attended.

2:15

You look at the census data and information about what the community needs.

2:21

Somebody has to do it.

2:23

And it's beautiful when we can find a group of folk who are committed to meeting the needs, the relevant needs of families from uh clothing to shelter to jobs.

2:37

So our organization, Community Bill, you know, we're a boots on the ground organization, and I've had a chance to look in the eyes of people who are hurting.

2:45

And I can do something about it.

2:47

Whether it's through influence, financial resources, or leveraging our corporate partners who have supported us greatly in this effort to help more people, and that's exactly what we do.

2:58

For more information, people can visit recovery.gov.

3:07

Although it's closed for regular activities, Pacific Palisades Rec Center has become central to utility operations in the neighborhood.

3:14

Residents who are rebuilding will get reconnected here.

3:18

And in the meantime, there's some good news about the water supply.

3:25

We're here at Unify Utilities Rebuild Operations Center and the Pacific Polices Rec Center.

3:31

We move into this location week one after the fires.

3:35

We brought our water and power crews here.

3:37

We had an incident command post here with an incident commander, and from here we deploy our power crews and our water crews to ensure that we were able to rebuild the power system and restore the water system.

3:48

And we just share the great news that we're lifting the do not drink advisory for all of Polestate's effective tomorrow.

3:55

For those that are fortunate to have returned to their homes and businesses here in the Palisades, before using the water, we encourage you to run the water from all faucets for 10 minutes.

4:07

We are also offering a $50 credit on their bill because of the water they're gonna use to flush the system.

4:13

We are leaving dog hungers in their doors with specific instructions on how to do so.

4:18

We have restored power to thousands of homes and businesses, and as of yesterday, we are down to 143 customers that are located in very hard-to-reach areas.

4:28

We're happy to be able to support our communities here.

4:32

This is a center where you can come in when you're ready to rebuild and connect your utilities, and we have people here to support you.

4:42

As LA's heroes, our firefighters, police officers, and first responders fought tirelessly to protect our city.

4:51

And two months since we have launched the largest disaster recovery operation in the history of the city of Los Angeles.

5:07

Getting greener and making the switch to EVs is an important decision for the city.

5:12

At the South Coast Air Quality Management District, they keep up with the latest in clean air technologies.

5:17

And their recent showcase aimed to help others do the same.

5:23

This is the South Coast ACMD Technology Showcase.

5:29

This event really is all about showcasing some of the latest clean air technologies to help us reduce emissions than to advance our goals of clean air.

5:48

There's a variety of different types of technologies and equipment that are here.

5:52

Some examples would be things like battery electric trucks, battery electric police vehicles, zero emission and battery electric lawn and garden equipment, as well as air filtration units that help reduce residents' exposure to emissions.

6:07

We are working to electrify trucking.

6:10

We all want clean air, right?

6:12

None of us like breathing in particles, they make us sick, they clog our lungs.

6:26

We at LA Sanitation have always considered ourselves stewards of the environment.

6:30

We're here to look at the different types of electric vehicles.

6:34

And as you can see behind me, we have uh a trash truck that we've been looking at.

6:38

So we're testing and evaluating these vehicles to see how they'll work for us.

6:43

That's always been the goal and objective of LA Sanitation that we have clean air vehicles.

6:51

It is really amazing to see all the new technology available to people who want to make the switch from industrial combustion engines to EVs.

7:00

Air quality is extremely important.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment█████████████████17%
Labor and Employment█████████████13%
Education and Sustainability████████████12%
Immigrant Services████████8%
Public Engagement███████7%
Disaster Recovery██████6%
Community Engagement██████6%
Cultural Recognition██████6%
Procedural████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Los Angeles City Council Meeting - March 26, 2025

The Los Angeles City Council convened on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 9:34 AM in the John Ferraro Council Chambers. The meeting began with roll call, approval of minutes from March 25, 2025, and commendatory resolutions. The council then heard presentations honoring the César Chavez Foundation and the Black Business Association, followed by public comment on multiple agenda items. The council voted on routine consent items, closed session settlements, and several motions, including immigration-related measures and funding for homelessness services.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of March 25, 2025 (moved by Councilmember Yaroslavsky, seconded by Hernandez).
  • Approved commendatory resolutions (moved by Padilla, seconded by Price).
  • Items 1 through 5 and 7 through 21 were approved in a single roll-call vote (10 eyes). Item 8 was held over to April 2, 2025 for final adoption. Item 7 was later reconsidered and amended (11 eyes).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Maria Vasquez (SEIU USW, LAX worker): Expressed support for a living wage ordinance for LAX workers, urging the council to "vote yes."
  • Yaritza Gonzalez (CARECEN): Urged the council to pass motions providing legal services and outreach for immigrant families, citing threats of mass deportation and the need to strengthen the LA Sanctuary City Ordinance.
  • Marisela Granados (former employee of The Pantry cafe): Requested support to reopen the historic Original Pantry Cafe after its closure by the Riordan Trust, leaving workers without severance or jobs. Invited council to a pancake event.
  • Nada Quintania and Ivana (community advocates): Opposed LADOT's plan to dismantle 40 Blue LA EV car share stations in South and East LA, urging the council to delay the vote, halt dismantling, and require LADOT to provide transparency and replacement funds.
  • Cid's Barrios (community advocate): Expressed anger over disruptive behavior by other public speakers and argued that LADOT has redlined South LA by removing clean mobility investments.
  • Armando Munoz (LAX security officer): Supported the living wage ordinance, noting that any raise would be spent on necessities and that workers "need a raise."
  • Lydia Grant (President, Sunland Tujunga Neighborhood Council): Thanked Councilmember Rodriguez for support and raised concerns about toxic soil dumping from wildfire debris in a residential area, noting that the county refuses to let the city test the soil and that tests are not checking for fungi or other hazardous materials.
  • Diana Garcia (former Original Pantry Cafe employee): Testified that she worked at the restaurant for 17 years, was left without severance or job, and urged council to support reopening the historic landmark.
  • Other speakers: Spoke on immigration enforcement, homelessness spending, Dodgers celebration reimbursement, reward programs for unsolved crimes, and free speech concerns.

Discussion Items

  • Presentation on César Chavez Foundation and National Chavez Center (led by Councilmember Rodriguez): Recognized the organizations for preserving César Chavez's legacy through affordable housing, educational programs, media, and historic site stewardship. Manuel Bernal, CEO of the foundation, spoke about the ongoing work and the importance of the Delano Grape Strike's 90th anniversary. Councilmembers Rodriguez, Padilla, and the Council President expressed support.
  • Presentation on Black Business Association (BBA) Salute to Black Women (led by Councilmember Hutt): Honored eight women for their leadership, including Brigadier General Yvonne Cagle, Delphine Pruitt, and Tania Leckett. Sarah Harris, President of BBA, described the 22nd annual awards luncheon and symposium. Councilmember Price also commended the organization.
  • Item 6 and 7 – Immigration-related motions: Councilmember Rodriguez introduced amending motion 6A (Rodriguez/Padilla) and Councilmember Jurado introduced amending motion 7A (Jurado/Padilla). These motions aim to strengthen legal services and protections for immigrant communities. Councilmember Soto Martinez spoke in favor, stating the measures are crucial to counter federal immigration actions and to protect families.
  • Item 25 – Funding for Refresh Spot/Crisis Response Facility: A motion to extend a lease for a crisis response facility at a cost of $319,009.34, discussed during public comment.
  • Item 33 – Reimbursement for Dodgers celebration: The city will be reimbursed for costs incurred for hosting a celebration for the Dodgers.
  • Items 29 and 31 – Reward funds for unsolved crimes: Motions to increase reward amounts (e.g., $75,000 for a case). Some public commenters criticized these as ineffective.

Key Outcomes

  • Voted to approve closed session settlements (Items 34-40): Up to $300,000 (Sarah Black), $350,000 (For Reshta Manchuri), $390,000 (Bridget Christian), $425,000 (Paulina Gorban), $500,000 (Giselle Ayar), $500,000 (Gabriela Sabakstash), and $750,000 (Onan Lopez Nelasco). All approved 11-0.
  • Voted to approve items 22-33 (roll-call, 12 eyes).
  • Voted to approve item 6 as amended (12 eyes).
  • Voted to approve item 7 as amended (12 eyes).
  • Items 2 and 3 sent forthwith without objection.
  • Item 8 held over to April 2, 2025 for second consideration.
  • Announcements: Councilmember Jurado announced the opening of the Corita Arts Center in the Arts District (free admission, Saturdays). The Council President announced a St. Patrick's Day celebration on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Van Nuys City Hall, led by Council District 15.

Meeting Transcript

Center. The one-stop hub provides comprehensive connections to help those hurt by the wildfires. Two months after the devastation, the devastation, and the grief continues for too many people. We are here at one of our four impacted worker and family recovery centers. We have four throughout the city of Los Angeles, one in Culver City in the Valley and Boyle Heights, and this one here in South Los Angeles, helping families and businesses, individuals who are impacted or displaced because of the wildfires. People have lost their homes, but people have also lost significant income. There's been people who have lost their jobs and their livelihoods. And so what we're doing today is offering a one-stop hub to connect people to multiple resources so that they don't have to navigate, you know, all of the red tape and the bureaucracy. We're really trying to streamline that process for everyone impacted. We have a range of services that we're making available for families. We are offering comprehensive services from financial assistance to financial coaching. Uh, if they are behind on their rent or they're behind on their utility bills, we're helping to connect them with those resources. We're also, if they're a business, they're helping to apply for a business, a grant. If they were displaced and they've lost income, we're helping people apply for their impacted worker relief fund, and then also connecting people that are uh interested in other employment opportunities to the workforce development system to help them there. So the youth development department is here today to do a couple things. One is to help connect young people to employment opportunities. We're also here to make referrals to young people who are seeking services such as uh access to mental health services, after school program information, homework assistance. We can help them with that. We're also uh making sure that folks are aware of our Earn Learn Play website where they can find out about the programs and activities the city has to offer through our 18 different departments that serve young people. We had a session today with the survivors, people who've lost their homes, and they talked about this being one of the most comprehensive meetings that they've been that they have attended. You look at the census data and information about what the community needs. Somebody has to do it. And it's beautiful when we can find a group of folk who are committed to meeting the needs, the relevant needs of families from uh clothing to shelter to jobs. So our organization, Community Bill, you know, we're a boots on the ground organization, and I've had a chance to look in the eyes of people who are hurting. And I can do something about it. Whether it's through influence, financial resources, or leveraging our corporate partners who have supported us greatly in this effort to help more people, and that's exactly what we do. For more information, people can visit recovery.gov. Although it's closed for regular activities, Pacific Palisades Rec Center has become central to utility operations in the neighborhood. Residents who are rebuilding will get reconnected here. And in the meantime, there's some good news about the water supply. We're here at Unify Utilities Rebuild Operations Center and the Pacific Polices Rec Center. We move into this location week one after the fires. We brought our water and power crews here. We had an incident command post here with an incident commander, and from here we deploy our power crews and our water crews to ensure that we were able to rebuild the power system and restore the water system. And we just share the great news that we're lifting the do not drink advisory for all of Polestate's effective tomorrow. For those that are fortunate to have returned to their homes and businesses here in the Palisades, before using the water, we encourage you to run the water from all faucets for 10 minutes. We are also offering a $50 credit on their bill because of the water they're gonna use to flush the system. We are leaving dog hungers in their doors with specific instructions on how to do so. We have restored power to thousands of homes and businesses, and as of yesterday, we are down to 143 customers that are located in very hard-to-reach areas. We're happy to be able to support our communities here. This is a center where you can come in when you're ready to rebuild and connect your utilities, and we have people here to support you. As LA's heroes, our firefighters, police officers, and first responders fought tirelessly to protect our city. And two months since we have launched the largest disaster recovery operation in the history of the city of Los Angeles. Getting greener and making the switch to EVs is an important decision for the city. At the South Coast Air Quality Management District, they keep up with the latest in clean air technologies. And their recent showcase aimed to help others do the same. This is the South Coast ACMD Technology Showcase. This event really is all about showcasing some of the latest clean air technologies to help us reduce emissions than to advance our goals of clean air. There's a variety of different types of technologies and equipment that are here. Some examples would be things like battery electric trucks, battery electric police vehicles, zero emission and battery electric lawn and garden equipment, as well as air filtration units that help reduce residents' exposure to emissions.

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