Los Angeles City Council Meeting – November 7, 2025

The Los Angeles City Council met on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 9:30 AM. The meeting included roll call (10 members present, quorum), approval of the previous meeting's minutes, adoption of commendatory resolutions, and several special presentations. Public comment was taken on general city matters. The council also voted on a continued agenda item with an amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of November 5, 2025: Approved (moved by Councilmember Hutt, seconded by Councilmember Lee).
• Commendatory Resolutions: Approved (moved by Councilmember Price, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez).
• Items 1–3: Approved after roll call (no discussion).

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (in-person, 1 minute per speaker): Speakers addressed a range of topics:
  • Manny Morelis (Sage in South LA): Expressed strong support for the ULA (United to House LA) program, stating it has kept more than 10,000 families housed, funded nearly 800 new affordable homes, and provided rent relief to over 4,000 households. Urged the council to protect ULA funding.
  • Multiple speakers: Voiced opposition to federal immigration enforcement actions, criticized LAPD use of force and lack of accountability, called for Police Chief Jim McDonnell's resignation, and urged the council to request state intervention.
  • One speaker: Made hostile, profane remarks against the council and certain members, which the council president acknowledged but disavowed.
  • Several speakers: Defended ULA as a voter-approved measure, emphasizing its importance for working-class families, immigrants, and seniors.

Discussion Items / Presentations

• Declaration of OMD Day: Councilmember Rodriguez honored the band Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark (OMD) for their musical legacy and influence, especially in the Latino community. The band's Andy McCluskey accepted the proclamation, recalling their first LA concert at the Whisky a Go Go in 1981. The council declared October 17 (from earlier ceremony) as OMD Day (the presentation date was November 7, but the certificate was for October 17 per earlier proclamation).
• Native American Heritage Month: Councilmember Padilla led a presentation with tribal leaders. Chief Anthony Morales (Gabrielino/Tongva) offered a traditional welcome. Councilmember Rodriguez recited the first official land acknowledgement in council chambers. Sean Emmatate Stag (Oglala Lakota) and chair of the LA Native American Indian Commission highlighted the month's theme "Fire Keepers," honoring tribal firefighters from 14 nations who aided LA during the January 2025 wildfires. The commission recognized three honorees: Tensha Chavez (Spirit of Community), Metzli Projects (Spirit of Creativity), and The Chapter House (Spirit of Tradition). Councilmembers expressed gratitude and underscored the need to integrate Indigenous ecological knowledge into land management.
• Catalyst California 25th Anniversary: Councilmember Soto Martinez and Councilmember Rodriguez celebrated the organization's quarter-century of racial equity work. Catalyst California (formerly Advancement Project) launched the Budget Power Project, released research on police traffic stop bias, and helped create LA's independent redistricting commission. Executive Director John Kim accepted the proclamation and urged the council to approve the Housing and Homelessness Committee's recommendations on the rent stabilization ordinance at the next meeting, calling it a critical opportunity to prevent mass poverty.
• Crayon Collection – Banners of Hope: Councilmember Park honored Sheila Moravati and Sophia Moravati of Crayon Collection. After the January 7 Palisades fire, the organization partnered with 11 local schools to create "Banners of Hope" – student artwork displayed on light poles along Sunset Boulevard. They donated over 3,500 pounds of art supplies and launched arts-based programs for trauma recovery. The council recognized the project's role in healing and community resilience.
• Sandra Figueroa Villa Square: Councilmembers Rodriguez and Soto Martinez led a tribute to Sandra Figueroa Villa, executive director of El Centro del Pueblo for 45 years. She transformed the organization from a $25,000 deficit and two part-time staff to an $8 million budget and 80 employees. She also served on the LA Police Commission, shaping de-escalation policies. The council announced the future dedication of Sandra Figueroa Villa Square at Sunset and Lemoyne Street in Echo Park. Villa spoke, thanking her family, staff, and community.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of November 5, 2025: Approved.
• Commendatory Resolutions: Approved.
• Items 1–3: Approved unanimously (no public hearing items).
• Item 4: Continued to Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with an amending motion (4A) also continued.
• Item 5 (Continued Agenda): Called special by Councilmember Padilla for an amendment; the amendment was circulated and the item was approved with 10 ayes.
• Motions for Posting and Referral: Posted and referred.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned with a reminder of Veterans Day events and a farewell to Sahog Gedalian, a long-time city staffer moving to LA Metro.