City Council Meeting
Regular MeetingLos Angeles, CA · March 15, 2024
Minutes
Los Angeles City Council, Journal/Council Proceeding
Friday, March 15, 2024
JOHN FERRARO COUNCIL CHAMBER ROOM 340, CITY HALL 200 NORTH SPRING STREET, LOS
ANGELES. CA 90012 - 10:00 AM
(For further details see Official Council Files)
(For communications referred by the President see Referral Memorandum)
Roll Call
Members Present: de Leon, Harris-Dawson, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, Padilla, Park,
Raman, Rodriguez, Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (11); Absent: Blumenfield, Hutt,
Krekorian, Price Jr., (4)
Approval of the Minutes
Commendatory Resolutions, Introductions and Presentations - SEE ATTACHED
Multiple Agenda Item Comment
Public Testimony of Non-agenda Items Within Jurisdiction of Council
Items for which Public Hearings Have Been Held
(1) 09-1295-S8
CDS GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT and ORDINANCE
FIRST CONSIDERATION relative to acquiring an easement at 3185 Motor
Avenue, and swapping City-owned land at 3195 South Motor Avenue for
the Northvale Bike Path.
Recommendations for Council action, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF
THE MAYOR:
1. PRESENT and ADOPT the accompanying ORDINANCE, dated
December 4, 2023, to acquire a 712 square-foot easement at 3185
Motor Avenue to allow completion of the Expo/Northvale Bike Path
and to sell an 800 square-foot parcel of City-owned land at 3195
South Motor Avenue, to Aron and Ester S. Begun as partial
compensation for the easement.
Friday - March 15, 2024 - PAGE 1
Adopted Item
Ayes: de Leon, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, Padilla, Park, Price Jr., Raman, Rodriguez,
Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (11); Nays: (O); Absent: Blumenfield, Harris-Dawson,
Hutt, Krekorian (4)
(51) 16-1468-S1
PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
relative to identifying and reporting the proper mechanism and
documentation necessary for waiving the requirement of a Certificate of
Occupancy as the basis for accessory dwelling units (ADU) conversions
and the development of an ADU Amnesty Program, and related matters.
Recommendation for Council action:
INSTRUCT the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS),
with the assistance of the Department of City Planning, and in consultation
with the City Attorney, to prepare and present an Ordinance to permit the
conversion of ADU from an unpermitted structure constructed after
January 1, 2018 that meets prescriptive standards, to enable ministerial
approval of these projects, as recommended in the May 11, 2023 LADBS
report, attached to the Council file.
Fiscal Impact Statement: None submitted by the LADBS. Neither the City
Administrative Officer nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a
financial analysis of this report.
Community Impact Statement: Yes
Against:
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
Studio City Neighborhood Council
Adopted Motion (Rodriguez - Harris-Dawson) - SEE ATTACHED
Ayes: de Leon, Harris-Dawson, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, Padilla, Park, Raman,
Rodriguez, Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (11); Nays: (O); Absent: Price Jr., Blumenfield,
Hutt, Krekorian (4)
(52) 21-0643-S1
PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
relative to approving the allocation of $7,245,000 from the Development
Friday - March 15, 2024 - PAGE 48
Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.
Community Impact Statement: Yes
For: Palms Neighborhood Council
Adopted Item
Ayes: de Leon, Harris-Dawson, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, Padilla, Park, Price Jr.,
Raman, Rodriguez, Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (12); Nays: (O); Absent: Blumenfield,
Hutt, Krekorian (3)
(55) 23-1093
NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT relative to options to add additional funding for as-needed Relief
Animal Care Worker positions and as-needed Administrative Clerk
positions for the Department of Animal Services.
Recommendation for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Hernandez -
Blumenfield - McOsker):
INSTRUCT the City Administrative Officer (CAO) to report on funding
options, including the Unappropriated Balance and the Animal Welfare
Trust Fund, to add an additional $2,992,800 of funding to the Department
of Animal Services "Salaries, As-Needed" account, which would be
necessary to hire 90 as-needed Relief Animal Care Worker positions and
30 as-needed Administrative Clerk positions.
Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the CAO nor the Chief Legislative
Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.
Community Impact Statement: None submitted.
(Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee waived consideration
of the matter)
Adopted Item as Amended by Amending Motion SSA (Hernandez - McOsker) - SEE
ATTACHED
Ayes: de Leon, Harris-Dawson, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, Padilla, Park, Raman,
Rodriguez, Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (11); Nays: (O); Absent: Price Jr., Blumenfield,
Friday - March 15, 2024 - PAGE 53
3. INSTRUCT the Chief Legislative Analyst to execute a resolution
evidencing that Council and Mayor authorized the City to prepare
and execute the necessary documents, including the public agency
commitment letter, in support of the four AHSC Round 8 project
applications as a subrecipient.
4. DIR ECT the LAHD, in coordination with the Department of
Transportation, Bureau of Engineering, Bureau of Street Lighting,
Bureau of Street Services and Bureau of Contract Administration ,
along with other City Departments as necessary, to report to Council
on the award of AHSC STI and/or TRA grant funding after the
issuance of awards in August 2024, and to return to Council for any
actions required to enter into necessary agreements with the
awardees for the implementation and delivery of the STI and TRA
capital project improvements in accordance with AHSC guidelines.
Fiscal Impact Statement: The LAHD reports that approval of the
recommendations in this report will have no impact on the General Fund.
Community Impact Statement: None submitted
(Housing and Homelessness Committee waived consideration of
the above matter)
Adopted Amending Motion 698 (De Leon - Rodriguez) - SEE ATTACHED
Ayes: de Leon, Herna ndez, Lee, McOsker, Pa dilla , Park, Ra ma n, Rodriguez, Soto-Mart
inez, Yaroslavsky (10); Na ys: (0); Absent: Ha rris-Da wson, Price Jr., 8Iumenfield, Hutt,
Krekorian (5)
Adopted Amending Motion 69A (Raman - Soto-Martinez) - SEE ATTACHED
Ayes: de Leon, Herna ndez, Lee, McOsker, Pa dilla , Park, Raman, Rodriguez, Soto-Mart
inez, Yaroslavsky (10); Na ys: (O); Absent: Ha rris-Da wson, Price Jr., 8Iumenfield, Hutt,
Krekorian (5)
Adopted Item as Amended by Amending Motions 69A & 698
Ayes: de Leon, Herna ndez, Lee, McOsker, Pa dilla , Park, Ra ma n, Rodriguez, Soto-Mart
inez, Yaroslavsky (10); Na ys: (0); Absent: Ha rris-Da wson, Price Jr., 8Iumenfield, Hutt,
Krekorian (5)
Friday - March 15, 2024 - PAGE 64
Items Called Special
Motions for Posting and Referral - SEE ATTACHED
Council Members' Requests for Excuse from Attendance at Council Meetings
Closed Session
(70) 24-0134
The Council may recess to Closed Session, pursuant to Government Code
Section No. 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with its legal counsel relative to the
case entitled Antigwe Lumukanda v. City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 20STCV10237. (This matter arises from a
dangerous condition incident wherein Plaintiff Antigwe Lumukanda struck a
pothole while on his bike at 83rd Street and Denker, in the City of Los
Angeles.)
(Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee considered this matter
on February 28, 2024.)
Adopted Motion (Blumenfield - Harris-Dawson) in Open Session - SEE ATTACHED
Ayes: de Leon, Harris-Dawson, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, P adilla, P ark, Raman,
Rodriguez, Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (11); Nays: (0); Absent: Price Jr., Blumenfield,
Hutt, Krekorian (4)
(71) 24-0135
The Council may recess to Closed Session, pursuant to Government Code
Section No. 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with its legal counsel relative to the
case entitled Savannah Stranger v. City of Los Angeles, et al., Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 21STCV42663. (This matter arises from a trip
and fall incident at 245 Windward Avenue in Venice, California.)
(Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee considered this matter
on February 28, 2024.)
Adopted Motion (Blumenfield - Harris-Dawson) in Open Session - SEE ATTACHED
Ayes: de Leon, Harris-Dawson, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, P adilla, P ark, Raman,
Rodriguez, Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (11); Nays: (0); Absent: Price Jr., Blumenfield,
Hutt, Krekorian (4)
Friday - March 15, 2024 - PAGE 65
(72) 24-0136
The Council may recess to Closed Session, pursuant to Government Code
Section No. 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with its legal counsel relative to the
case entitled Terry Webb v. City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Superior
Court Case No. 19STCV29102. (This matter arises from a trip and fall
incident on a sidewalk at or near 1651 West 253rd Street in the City of Los
Angeles, occurring on November 6, 2018.)
(Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee considered this matter
on February 28, 2024.)
Adopted Motion (Blumenfield - Harris-Dawson) in Open Session - SEE ATTACHED
Ayes: de Leon, Harris-Dawson, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, Padilla, Park, Raman,
R odriguez, Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (11); Nays: (0); Absent: Price Jr., Blumenfield,
Hutt, Krekorian (4)
(73) 24-0137
The Council may recess to Closed Session, pursuant to Government Code
Section No. 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with its legal counsel relative to the
case entitled Julie Golem v. City of Los Angeles, et al., Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 21STCV45560. (This matter arises from a trip
and fall where Plaintiff fell on an uplifted sidewalk at West Cumbre Drive
and Mermaid Drive on May 5, 2021.)
(Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee considered this matter
on February 28, 2024.)
Adopted Motion (Blumenfield - Harris-Dawson) in Open Session - SEE ATTACHED
Ayes: de Leon, Harris-Dawson, Hernandez, Lee, McOsker, Padilla, Park, Raman,
R odriguez, Soto-Martinez, Yaroslavsky (11); Nays: (0); Absent: Price Jr., Blumenfield,
Hutt, Krekorian (4)
(74) 24-0138
The Council may recess to Closed Session, pursuant to Government Code
Section No. 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with its legal counsel relative to the
case entitled Kristen Wheldon v. City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 19STCV05064. (This matter arises from a May
2017, incident and subsequent investigations regarding the Los Angeles
Fire Department and its civilian psychologist.)
(Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee considered this matter
on February 28, 2024.)
Friday - March 15, 2024 - PAGE 66
COMMENDATORY RESOLUTIONS
MOVED BY SECONDED BY NAME
Hernandez Rodriguez Endometriosis Awareness
Month
Raman Lee Ramadan Mubarak
Rodriguez McOsker Cristian Tafoya
ADJOURNING MOTIONS
MOVED BY SECONDED BY NAME
McOsker All Councilmembers Antoinette “Annette” Ciketic
No. 51
MOTION
I HEREBY MOVE that Council NOTE and FILE the Planning and Land Use
Management Committee report dated March 5, 2024 relative to identifying and reporting the
proper mechanism and documentation necessary for waiving the requirement of a Certificate of
Occupancy as the basis for accessory dwelling units (ADU) conversions and the development of
an ADU Amnesty Program, and related matters.
PRESENTED BY___________________________
MONICA RODRIGUEZ
Councilmember, 7th District
SECONDED BY___________________________
MARQUEECE HARRIS-DAWSON
Councilmember, 8th District
March 15, 2024
CF 16-1468-S1
ITEM NO. 70
3/15/24 Council – Regular Meeting Agenda
Closed Session
MOTION
I HEREBY MOVE that the Council ADOPT the following recommendations in order to
effect settlement in the case entitled Antigwe Lumukanda v. City of Los Angeles, Los
Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCV10237. (This matter arises from a dangerous
condition incident wherein Plaintiff Antigwe Lumukanda struck a pothole while on his bike
at 83rd Street and Denker, in the City of Los Angeles.), SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL
OF THE MAYOR:
1. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney’s Office to expend up to $150,000 in settlement of
the above-entitled matter.
2. AUTHORIZE the Controller to transfer $150,000 from the Liability Claims Fund
No. 100/59, Account No. 009798, Miscellaneous Liability Payouts, to Fund No.
100/59, Account No. 009795, Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts.
3. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/59, Account
No. 009795, Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts, as follows: Law
Offices of Robin E. Paley, APLC and Antigwe Lumukanda in the amount of
$150,000.
4. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney, or designee, to make necessary technical
adjustments, subject to the approval of the City Administrative Officer; and,
AUTHORIZE the Controller to implement the instructions.
This matter was recommended for approval by the Budget, Finance and Innovation
Committee (Blumenfield – Harris-Dawson – Yaroslavsky – McOsker – Rodriguez: “Yes”)
at its meeting held on February 28, 2024, in Closed Session as permitted by Government
Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
PRESENTED BY_________________________________
BOB BLUMENFIELD
Councilmember, 3rd District
SECONDED BY _________________________________
HARRIS-DAWSON
Councilmember, 8th District
LV 2.28.24
CF 24-0134
ITEM NO. 71
3/15/24 Council – Regular Meeting Agenda
Closed Session
MOTION
I HEREBY MOVE that the Council ADOPT the following recommendations in order to
effect settlement in the case entitled Savannah Stranger v. City of Los Angeles, et al.,
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCV42663. (This matter arises from a trip and
fall incident at 245 Windward Avenue in Venice, California.), SUBJECT TO THE
APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:
1. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney’s Office to expend up to $390,000 in settlement of
the above-entitled matter.
2. AUTHORIZE the Controller to transfer $390,000 from the Liability Claims Fund
No. 100/59, Account No. 009798, Miscellaneous Liability Payouts, to Fund No.
100/59, Account No. 009795, Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts.
3. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/59, Account
No. 009795, Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts, as follows:
Heimanson & Wolf, LLP and Savannah Stranger in the amount of $390,000.
4. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney, or designee, to make necessary technical
adjustments, subject to the approval of the City Administrative Officer; and,
AUTHORIZE the Controller to implement the instructions.
This matter was recommended for approval by the Budget, Finance and Innovation
Committee (Blumenfield – Harris-Dawson – Yaroslavsky – McOsker – Rodriguez: “Yes”)
at its meeting held on February 28, 2024, in Closed Session as permitted by Government
Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
PRESENTED BY_________________________________
BOB BLUMENFIELD
Councilmember, 3rd District
SECONDED BY _________________________________
HARRIS-DAWSON
Councilmember, 8th District
LV 2.28.24
CF 24-0135
ITEM NO. 72
3/15/24 Council – Regular Meeting Agenda
Closed Session
MOTION
I HEREBY MOVE that the Council ADOPT the following recommendations in order to
effect settlement in the case entitled Terry Webb v. City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 19STCV29102. (This matter arises from a trip and fall incident
on a sidewalk at or near 1651 West 253rd Street in the City of Los Angeles, occurring on
November 6, 2018.), SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:
1. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney’s Office to expend up to $750,000 in settlement of
the above-entitled matter.
2. AUTHORIZE the Controller to transfer $750,000 from the Liability Claims Fund
No. 100/59, Account No. 009798, Miscellaneous Liability Payouts, to Fund No.
100/59, Account No. 009795, Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts.
3. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/59, Account
No. 009795, Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts, as follows: Joseph
Farzam Law Firm and Terry Webb in the amount of $750,000.
4. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney, or designee, to make necessary technical
adjustments, subject to the approval of the City Administrative Officer; and,
AUTHORIZE the Controller to implement the instructions.
This matter was recommended for approval by the Budget, Finance and Innovation
Committee (Blumenfield – Harris-Dawson – Yaroslavsky – McOsker – Rodriguez: “Yes”)
at its meeting held on February 28, 2024, in Closed Session as permitted by Government
Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
PRESENTED BY_________________________________
BOB BLUMENFIELD
Councilmember, 3rd District
SECONDED BY _________________________________
HARRIS-DAWSON
Councilmember, 8th District
LV 2.28.24
CF 24-0136
ITEM NO. 73
3/15/24 Council – Regular Meeting Agenda
Closed Session
MOTION
I HEREBY MOVE that the Council ADOPT the following recommendations in order to
effect settlement in the case entitled Julie Golem v. City of Los Angeles, et al., Los
Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCV45560. (This matter arises from a trip and fall
where Plaintiff fell on an uplifted sidewalk at West Cumbre Drive and Mermaid Drive on
May 5, 2021.), SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:
1. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney’s Office to expend up to $990,000 in settlement of
the above-entitled matter.
2. AUTHORIZE the Controller to transfer $990,000 from the Liability Claims Fund
No. 100/59, Account No. 009798, Miscellaneous Liability Payouts, to Fund No.
100/59, Account No. 009795, Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts.
3. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/59, Account
No. 009795, Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts, as follows: Abir
Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP and Julie Golem in the amount of $990,000.
4. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney, or designee, to make necessary technical
adjustments, subject to the approval of the City Administrative Officer; and,
AUTHORIZE the Controller to implement the instructions.
This matter was recommended for approval by the Budget, Finance and Innovation
Committee (Blumenfield – Harris-Dawson – Yaroslavsky – McOsker – Rodriguez: “Yes”)
at its meeting held on February 28, 2024, in Closed Session as permitted by Government
Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
PRESENTED BY_________________________________
BOB BLUMENFIELD
Councilmember, 3rd District
SECONDED BY _________________________________
HARRIS-DAWSON
Councilmember, 8th District
LV 2.28.24
CF 24-0137
ITEM NO. 74
3/15/24 Council – Regular Meeting Agenda
Closed Session
MOTION
I HEREBY MOVE that the Council ADOPT the following recommendations in order to
effect settlement in the case entitled Kristen Wheldon v. City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles
Superior Court Case No. 19STCV05064. (This matter arises from a May 2017, incident
and subsequent investigations regarding the Los Angeles Fire Department and its civilian
psychologist.), SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:
1. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
to expend up to $5,750,000 in settlement of the above-entitled matter.
2. APPROVE the following recommendations to make payable in Fiscal Year 2023-
24:
a. AUTHORIZE the Controller to transfer $1,810,718.37 from the Liability
Claims Fund No. 100/59, Account No. 009798, Miscellaneous Liability
Payouts, to Fund No. 100/59, Account No. 009790, Fire Liability Payouts.
b. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/59,
Account No. 009790, Fire Liability Payouts, as follows: Gladius Law, APC
and Kristen Wheldon in the amount of $1,414,291.16.
c. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/59,
Account No. 009790, Fire Liability Payouts, as follows: Kristen Wheldon in
the amount of $396,427.21.
d. AUTHORIZE the LAFD to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/38, Account
No. 1012, Salaries Sworn payable to Kristen Wheldon in the amount of
$1,189,281.63, as gross wages subject to all applicable taxes, deductions
and payroll withholdings.
e. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney, or designee, to make necessary technical
adjustments, subject to the approval of the City Administrative Officer;
and, AUTHORIZE the Controller to implement the instructions.
3. APPROVE the following recommendations to make payable in Fiscal Year 2024-
25:
a. AUTHORIZE the Controller to transfer $1,631,565.63 from the Liability
Claims Fund No. 100/59, Account No. 009798, Miscellaneous Liability
Payouts, to Fund No. 100/59, Account No. 009790, Fire Liability Payouts.
b. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/59,
Account No. 009790, Fire Liability Payouts, as follows: Gladius Law, APC
and Kristen Wheldon in the amount of $1,258,754.17.
c. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/59,
Account No. 009790, Fire Liability Payouts, as follows: Kristen Wheldon in
the amount of $372,811.46.
d. AUTHORIZE the LAFD to draw a demand from Fund No. 100/38, Account
No. 1012, Salaries Sworn payable to Kristen Wheldon in the amount of
$1,118,434.37, as gross wages subject to all applicable taxes, deductions
and payroll withholdings.
e. AUTHORIZE the City Attorney, or designee, to make necessary technical
adjustments, subject to the approval of the City Administrative Officer;
and, AUTHORIZE the Controller to implement the instructions.
This matter was recommended for approval by the Budget, Finance and Innovation
Committee (Blumenfield – Harris-Dawson – Yaroslavsky – McOsker – Rodriguez: “Yes”)
at its meeting held on February 28, 2024, in Closed Session as permitted by Government
Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
PRESENTED BY_________________________________
BOB BLUMENFIELD
Councilmember, 3rd District
SECONDED BY _________________________________
HARRIS-DAWSON
Councilmember, 8th District
LV 2.28.24
CF 24-0138