OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Los Angeles City Council Meeting - August 14, 2026

City CouncilFriday, August 14, 2026
BodyLos Angeles, California
SessionCity Council
DateFriday, August 14, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

We just wanted to come from City Hall to tell you to keep the faith and keep the fight because we've got your back.

0:14

We are here at El Nido Family Center in Pocoima to present a check of over 315,000 for the participatory budgeting program.

0:27

The residents of this community voted for these resources to serve and create a safe space where we can have a farmers' market.

0:40

And an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to sell their wares.

1:07

This funding is not only creating some large scale events for families, but it's also all the operational cost for a farmers market for an entire year of programming.

1:16

We actually had a skeleton crew of two and myself and another manager.

1:20

We're bringing four more community members on staff to help work at the market and be part of the strategy team that makes the decisions about what happens here.

1:30

And we are gonna be continuing with cooking classes, gardening classes, and nutrition classes, yoga and sumba.

2:16

We are united and we are a Los Angeles that is truly for everyone.

2:53

And that's what Los Angeles is about, has been about, and the LA Civil Rights Department today was pleased to bring this for Angelinos.

3:09

Originally cast in South Korea before its Trans-Pacific journey, the Korean Vella Friendship is housed within a striking stone pavilion.

3:18

This pagoda style structure was meticulously crafted over 10 months by 30 artisans brought from Korea to the site.

3:46

From this shared history to a preview of the future of another corner of Los Angeles, innovative plans are unfolding to link two distinct green spaces as part of a bold vision, bringing communities together.

4:14

This is a great opportunity to invite the community to come out and enjoy being in the open space.

4:21

Typically, Wilshire is full of cars and today is full of happy people enjoying the day and just having family time.

4:30

This is one of the goals that Metro has as an agency to be able to continue to provide funding for these type of events.

4:37

This is just a great example of a hugely successful program that the community has really come to enjoy over the last few years.

5:00

But for the pedestrians for the community, I think the closure of Wilshire Boulevard reunites the parts to bring the families together in a clean, safe environment where we can really enjoy our families and our cultural sway.

5:13

This is a really fun opportunity to come out and see your city and socialize.

5:20

Right now, helping the little kids play like a scrimmage.

5:24

It was really fun.

5:25

Anybody can walk and not have to worry about cars passing by.

5:29

And for us, we can play soccer and it's just safe.

5:32

And I think this whole event is really cool because everybody gets to get together and socialize.

5:38

Yeah, I would definitely look forward to more events, and um I would definitely come out if there were events like this.

5:48

Metro is more than trains and buses.

5:51

Metro provides grants for open streets events such as this one today.

5:55

We also provide other types of funding for construction for shuttle service, and it's a really great agency that is looking out for the community and making sure that there are transportation options for everyone.

6:10

It's a great event, and we're always looking to create partnerships with the city of LA.

6:16

It's a great opportunity for the community to continue to come out and enjoy these events.

6:26

A lot of people think of libraries as being just like a staunchy little place where you can't talk or anything, but this library is a live space, and it really tells the story of Los Angeles.

6:41

We are so excited to welcome you here to help celebrate our centennial.

6:47

We have been paying tribute to this incredible building all year long, and we plan on continuing to celebrate it through the end of the year.

6:59

Central Library opened 100 years ago, and ever since then we've been serving the public continuously for all that time.

7:07

Folks can look forward to live performances, arts and crafts, booths from other nonprofits and public institutions here in the city where they can find resources and celebrate with our neighbors.

7:20

I think it's a great event because it gets a lot of us readers out here together, and we can talk about books.

7:26

It's a great family event.

7:28

I'm here with my sisters and my nieces, and it's just so great that we all love reading.

7:33

The library has always moved with the times.

7:36

When the internet became the super highway, the library modernized and made sure that those people that couldn't have access, that they could come to the library and have access.

7:45

Now we have people that are teaching them how to use AI.

7:48

They can go online and have all those services, but my preference is to be at the library because it's a special space.

7:54

You can see people, the architecture is absolutely incredible, and things that you can't afford on your own, the library provides them for you.

8:02

We should take great pride in this incredible institution and continue investing in it.

8:07

Because doing so, we're investing in the community in generations of Angelinos that will benefit from the light of learning that we provide here at the library.

8:16

The mission of Los Angeles Public Library is to serve all the communities throughout the city, and that's what we do starting at Central Library.

8:27

The friendship bell is rung annually to celebrate Independence Day, Korean National Liberation Day, and New Year's Eve.

8:35

Additional observances include Constitution Week in September and Korean American Day in January.

8:42

Residents can also hear the bell ring out 13 times on the first Saturday of every month.

8:49

Another treasure in the LA landscape is the tradition of free Shakespeare in Griffith Park.

8:55

Now, throughout the summer months, an independent troupe presents two seasonal productions, which is a lot of fun, inviting Angelinos to unwind with a picnic and the Bard's classic tales under the starry Southern California sky.

9:23

Tonight we're about to do a performance of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

9:28

This is the Griffith Park.

9:30

Free Shakespeare Festival.

9:31

It's our 23rd year we've been doing it.

9:33

We do two productions every summer, so uh this is the fourth week of a five-week run of Coriolanus, and then in a couple of weeks we open the Comedy of Eros and that runs through Labor Day Weekend.

9:49

I think the Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival is one of the greatest traditions in LA, and I think when you see all of the fellow Angelinos and people from out of the country, you get new people that come, you get returning fans that come.

10:02

So I think everyone's here, able to be, you know, with each other in a in an outdoor setting.

10:07

It's just one of the most beautiful places to watch theater.

10:13

Martius is coming home.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment████████████████████20%
Public Engagement███████████████████19%
Procedural███████7%
Cultural Recognition██████6%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Arts and Culture█████5%
Senior Programs████4%
Public Safety████4%
Emergency Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Los Angeles City Council Meeting - August 14, 2026

The Los Angeles City Council convened on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM (assumed based on typical start time) with 11 members present. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, approval of routine agenda items, public testimony on various topics, and memorial adjournments.

Ceremonial Recognitions

  • Councilmember Lee recognized the 81st anniversary of Korean Independence Day (August 15). Robert Ahn, President of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, spoke on the occasion. Councilmember Hutt also honored the Korean American community, noting the 10th District's partnership with KAFFLA.
  • Councilmembers Price and Hutt presented a proclamation for Muslim American Heritage Month (observed in July). Honorees included Rebecca Husani (Vice President of Operations at MPAC), Naeem Sunday (entrepreneur and community advocate), and Malik Abdul Mansur (Lakers photographer). Naji Ali also spoke on behalf of the Muslim community.
  • Councilmember Herado recognized city employee Mark Nesselhutt for heroism. On February 24, 2026, Nesselhutt used a spare tire jack and power drill to lift a vehicle and free a victim pinned underneath after a collision near Alameda Street, before first responders arrived. BSL Director Miguel Sangalang praised his actions.
  • Councilmember Nazarian honored Amir Tabach, retiring after 40 years of city service (Department of Building and Safety and LADWP). Tabach was instrumental in water conservation efforts (projected to reduce city water use by ~20% from 2009–2029), the La Kretz Innovation Campus, and efficiency upgrades at over 300 LADWP facilities. Former LADWP GM David Nahai and current AGM David Jaco spoke in tribute.

Consent Calendar and Agenda Items

  • The Council approved the minutes of August 12, 2026, without objection.
  • Items 1–7 were on the consent calendar. Councilmember Herado moved to note and file Item 1 (seconded by McOsker), which was approved. Councilmember Park requested Item 2 be referred back to the Government Operations Committee, granted without objection. Items 3–7 were approved with 10 ayes.
  • Item 8 (renter protection and homeless prevention grant) was called special. Councilmember Price recused himself as a landlord. After public comment, the item was approved with 10 ayes.
  • Ordinance for Item 6 was held over for second reading on August 21, 2026, unless considered with 12 members present.

Public Comments

  • In-person and virtual public comments were taken on Item 8 and general public comment.
  • Mark Williams (general): raised concerns about fraudulent bond debt repayment responsibility.
  • Unnamed speaker (general): alleged that council members have been deleting speaker requests and called for investigation into misconduct, referencing a report by Henry Marini.
  • Eliza Kim (general): requested speed bumps on Country Club Drive near Westchester Place after her dog was killed by a hit-and-run driver on August 8.
  • Jason (Smoke and Scan viewer) (Item 8 and general): made off-topic remarks and was warned; later yielded.
  • Daniel Gusto (Substack) (Item 8 and general): questioned accountability of funding for homeless programs, citing historic failures; also raised concerns about LA Animal Services and alleged criminal activity by employees.
  • Lara FM (general): urged the city to rename L. Ron Hubbard Way back to North Berendo Street, accusing the Church of Scientology of permit violations and harassment.
  • Anonymous caller (Item 8 and general): supported renter protection but called for statewide repeal of Costa-Hawkins and social housing; made an obscene comment about Italian culture.
  • Audit LA / Smoke and Scan supporter (Item 8 and general): discussed Scientology discarding members and called for protection for those in high-control groups; also complained about Councilmember Lee's alleged rudeness.
  • Henry Marini (Audit the Government) (Item 8 and general): alleged that the renter protection program is tied to Legal Aid Foundation LA, whose board president (Con Skolnik of Gibson Dunn) simultaneously defended the city in the LA Alliance case, constituting insider dealing.
  • Speaker (no name given) (Item 8 and general): noted dangerous rental properties owned by DWP and called for more frequent updates on Olympics spending.
  • Jason (second appearance) was not allowed to speak again.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent items (1–7) were approved as noted.
  • Item 8 (renter protection and homeless prevention grant) was approved with 10 ayes (Price recused).
  • A special meeting item (Item 1 on special agenda) was continued to August 21, 2026, upon motion by Councilmember Hutt.
  • The Council adjourned in memory of three individuals: Catherine Grace Strobel (17-year-old student and scout), Larry Vane (community leader in Pacific Palisades wildfire recovery), and Joyce Fredericks (18-year Harbor City Neighborhood Council member and community activist).
  • Councilmember Rodriguez expressed concern about ensuring accurate updates on Olympic spending; no formal action was taken.

Meeting Transcript

We just wanted to come from City Hall to tell you to keep the faith and keep the fight because we've got your back. We are here at El Nido Family Center in Pocoima to present a check of over 315,000 for the participatory budgeting program. The residents of this community voted for these resources to serve and create a safe space where we can have a farmers' market. And an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to sell their wares. This funding is not only creating some large scale events for families, but it's also all the operational cost for a farmers market for an entire year of programming. We actually had a skeleton crew of two and myself and another manager. We're bringing four more community members on staff to help work at the market and be part of the strategy team that makes the decisions about what happens here. And we are gonna be continuing with cooking classes, gardening classes, and nutrition classes, yoga and sumba. We are united and we are a Los Angeles that is truly for everyone. And that's what Los Angeles is about, has been about, and the LA Civil Rights Department today was pleased to bring this for Angelinos. Originally cast in South Korea before its Trans-Pacific journey, the Korean Vella Friendship is housed within a striking stone pavilion. This pagoda style structure was meticulously crafted over 10 months by 30 artisans brought from Korea to the site. From this shared history to a preview of the future of another corner of Los Angeles, innovative plans are unfolding to link two distinct green spaces as part of a bold vision, bringing communities together. This is a great opportunity to invite the community to come out and enjoy being in the open space. Typically, Wilshire is full of cars and today is full of happy people enjoying the day and just having family time. This is one of the goals that Metro has as an agency to be able to continue to provide funding for these type of events. This is just a great example of a hugely successful program that the community has really come to enjoy over the last few years. But for the pedestrians for the community, I think the closure of Wilshire Boulevard reunites the parts to bring the families together in a clean, safe environment where we can really enjoy our families and our cultural sway. This is a really fun opportunity to come out and see your city and socialize. Right now, helping the little kids play like a scrimmage. It was really fun. Anybody can walk and not have to worry about cars passing by. And for us, we can play soccer and it's just safe. And I think this whole event is really cool because everybody gets to get together and socialize. Yeah, I would definitely look forward to more events, and um I would definitely come out if there were events like this. Metro is more than trains and buses. Metro provides grants for open streets events such as this one today. We also provide other types of funding for construction for shuttle service, and it's a really great agency that is looking out for the community and making sure that there are transportation options for everyone. It's a great event, and we're always looking to create partnerships with the city of LA. It's a great opportunity for the community to continue to come out and enjoy these events. A lot of people think of libraries as being just like a staunchy little place where you can't talk or anything, but this library is a live space, and it really tells the story of Los Angeles. We are so excited to welcome you here to help celebrate our centennial. We have been paying tribute to this incredible building all year long, and we plan on continuing to celebrate it through the end of the year. Central Library opened 100 years ago, and ever since then we've been serving the public continuously for all that time. Folks can look forward to live performances, arts and crafts, booths from other nonprofits and public institutions here in the city where they can find resources and celebrate with our neighbors. I think it's a great event because it gets a lot of us readers out here together, and we can talk about books. It's a great family event. I'm here with my sisters and my nieces, and it's just so great that we all love reading. The library has always moved with the times. When the internet became the super highway, the library modernized and made sure that those people that couldn't have access, that they could come to the library and have access. Now we have people that are teaching them how to use AI. They can go online and have all those services, but my preference is to be at the library because it's a special space. You can see people, the architecture is absolutely incredible, and things that you can't afford on your own, the library provides them for you. We should take great pride in this incredible institution and continue investing in it. Because doing so, we're investing in the community in generations of Angelinos that will benefit from the light of learning that we provide here at the library. The mission of Los Angeles Public Library is to serve all the communities throughout the city, and that's what we do starting at Central Library. The friendship bell is rung annually to celebrate Independence Day, Korean National Liberation Day, and New Year's Eve. Additional observances include Constitution Week in September and Korean American Day in January. Residents can also hear the bell ring out 13 times on the first Saturday of every month. Another treasure in the LA landscape is the tradition of free Shakespeare in Griffith Park.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com