Los Angeles City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2025
Los Angeles City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2025
The Los Angeles City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 9:35 AM. The meeting included a special presentation on the impact of federal immigration raids on faith communities, public comment on several agenda items, and unanimous approval of multiple items including a settlement package and a feasibility study amendment.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of October 14, 2025 (moved by Councilmember Judato, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez).
- Approved commendatory resolutions (moved by Councilmember Nazarian, seconded by Councilmember Soto Martinez).
- Approved Items 2 through 12 (items where public hearings had been held) with a unanimous 13-0 vote.
- Approved Items 23 through 26 (settlement cases: Armene Araquisian vs. City – $495,000; Joseph Marcantonio vs. City – $125,000; Abir Al Schumali vs. City – $125,000; Vincent Albano vs. City – $1,789,448) with a unanimous 13-0 vote after recommendation from the Budget and Finance Committee.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Faith Leaders Testimony: Councilmember Yaroslavsky introduced faith leaders from One LA IAF to describe the impact of ICE raids. Father Joey Evangelista (Precious Blood Catholic Church, CD1) reported three parishioners detained, one posting bail but confined to home, and a mother of a six-year-old still in Adelanto. He described a 30-40% drop in Mass attendance and a 30% decline in baptisms. Rabbi Dara Frimer (Temple Isaiah, CD5) shared stories of self-deportation, reduced attendance at religious services, and increased anxiety among students. Sheila Thomas (Holy Name of Jesus, CD10) highlighted the launch of Freedom Schools since July 4, 2025, with over 25 sessions and 1,000 participants. Robert Who (One LA lead organizer) noted that the raids have caused a 30-40% decline in attendance at 37 Spanish-language services countywide and that 300 baptisms per week dropped by 30%.
- General Public Comment: Numerous speakers urged the council to reform the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (LARSO) with a 3% rent cap, calling on Council President Harris-Dawson to prioritize the item. Several speakers also criticized the city's handling of homelessness, appointments to the ULA Oversight Committee, and the city's relationship with Israel. Some speakers were disruptive and were warned or moved to general comment.
Discussion Items
- Item 1 – Public Hearing Notice: Continued for 30 days to November 14, 2025, without objection.
- Item 13 – Homeless Feasibility Study: Councilmember Nazarian offered a friendly amendment to change the report-back timeline from 90 to 30 days, accepted by the motion maker (Councilmember Yaroslavsky). The item was then approved 13-0.
- Immigration Raids Impact (Special Presentation): Council members asked questions of faith leaders. Councilmember Yaroslavsky asked Father Evangelista how to respond to those who support anti-immigration policies while claiming faith; the Father urged prayer and reflection on God's teachings. Councilmember Hutt and McCosker expressed support for the faith community's work. Council President Harris-Dawson noted Holy Name's historic role for African American migrants.
Key Outcomes
- Item 1 continued to November 14, 2025.
- Items 2-12, 23-26, 14-22, and 13 (as amended) all passed with 13-0 votes.
- Settlements approved: Total of $2,534,448 in four cases.
- New Mar Vista Gateway Mural: Councilmembers Park and Yaroslavsky announced artist Julia Fortis will create a mural at Venice Boulevard near the 405, celebrating community restoration.
- Venisopoly Launch: Councilmember Park highlighted the new Venice-themed Monopoly game, with 10% of proceeds supporting the Venice Heritage Museum.
- Adjourned in memory of LA DOT traffic officer Denovius Gist, who died in a shooting at age 35.
Meeting Transcript
We are not powerless. We come together. We step up for our community. We stand up for our community. And we are here. Today we are celebrating Tom Laban's Day of Service at the Shine LA event. We are intentional to send a strong message that Los Angeles is united when we work together. We play together. We live together and we lift a better Los Angeles. Thank you very, very much for this day. I mean, man, you know what? Tom would be here. For him, this is what LA is all about. Number 35 on the channel, number one in our hearts. My family and I are really honored every year. Uh four years later, it started in 2021. And to be here now and to see the turnout and the leadership, the partnership with other city departments is really special. And that's what my dad was all about. He knew the names or at least the streets that he lived on of every person you work with. You know, he was really interested in connecting with people. He didn't always stay within the boundaries of his own council district. He loved all of the city and he really cared about making sure people who lived here and who were visiting saw that love and felt it for themselves. And so in his memory, in his spirit, we're gonna go about because LA is for everyone. And let me just say, for everybody, have a wonderful shine. LA Day. Thank you very much. Councilmember Isabel Herado joined city leaders and legal enforcers to highlight copper wire theft. This ongoing and pervasive crime drains city resources and has a huge impact on public safety for Angelinos. We're here today at the 6th Street Bridge to urge Governor Newstone to sign AB 476 that would make sure that folks that are stealing copper wires and selling them ensure that there's accountability there that recyclers won't be accepting the stolen copper wire that's keeping our city in the dark. We have to increase the penalties to folks who are stealing copper wire in this bridge alone. 38,000 square feet was stolen. 11,000 was cashed in on it, but it cost taxpayers 2.3 million dollars just to repair, and the lights are still out today. What makes our communities and our cities greater is its people, right? First and foremost. What supports its people though is infrastructure. And us having intact infrastructure that then is able to do the things that it's supposed to do, light up its streets to make our neighborhood safer, to then power the future by having EV chargers in order for us to make sure that we're ready for the future. We have to protect it today and make sure that foundation stays in place. Uh folks watching this sort of activity, the less value that the Copper Hour Wire actually has, and we can keep our communities connected and safe. Mayor Bass signs a new executive directive. A decade of revitalization is celebrated at Jordan Downs. And October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. These stories up next on City Beat. Projects underway include the convention center expansion, rebuilding the Palisades, LAX airfield and terminal upgrades, and modernization at the port. The executive directive aims to save time and money for the airport and port as they carry out complex infrastructure and logistics projects. For more information, visit mayor.lacity.gov slash press. Ten years of development has brought $664 million of investment into the Watts neighborhood, resulting in 787 affordable homes. At the event, HACLA also announced $6.1 million for a new children's park with the building set to begin in November. According to HACLA, their commitment to Watts continues and includes building more homes for rent and ownership, creating jobs, and expanding green space. For more information, visit Hackla.org. LA City Emergency Management Department is highlighting that October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
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