City Council - Regular Meeting

I'm ready. [music] All right. Good evening. I'm going to call to order the successor agency to the of February 3rd, 2026. Uh Teresa, can we have a roll call, please? Agency members Valencia present. Vice Chair Rios, Chair Perez, here. Thank you. Moving on to consent calendar. Can I get a motion? Teresa, can we have a roll call? Agency member Valencia, I. Vice Chair Rios, I. Chair Perez, I. And do we have an executive director's report tonight?

No executive report tonight. Thank you. And do we have any oral communications for close session? I mean for successor agency? No.

All right. With that, we are officially adjourned for the successor agency. And I will now call to order the Norwok City Council meeting for February 3rd, 2026. Tonight, good evening everyone. I apologize for being a few minutes late. Um, tonight, this evening, we are honored to welcome Mr. Zed who serves as the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism and is globally recognized as a Hindu religious religious leader. He active act advocates I can't talk tonight. He advocates for interfaith dialogue. Mr. Zed has delivered opening prayers for the Cal California State Senate and the United States Congress in Washington DC including other state legislators. In his spare time, if he's not traveling back and forth from Nevada, Mr. Mr. Zed produces a weekly interfaith panel called Faith Forum. We are grateful to have you this evening, Mr. De Mr. Zed, and you're going to be leading us in the invocation. We are also pleased this evening to welcome Rosalie, a seventh grade student at New Harvest Christian School who has been a lifelong Norwok resident. Could everybody please stand? Mr. said

starting with Gaitri mantra which is the considered the most sacred mantra of Hinduism. I shall be reading from ancient Hindu scriptures some as old as 1500 B.CE then interpret in English. We meditate on the transcendental glory of the deity supreme who inside the heart of the earth inside the life of the sky and inside the soul of the heaven. May he stimulate and illuminate our minds. Lead us from the unreal to the real. Lead us from darkness to light. Lead us from death to immortality. The karma janky loca may sashankasi. Strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world. By devotion to selfless one attain the supreme goal of life. Do your work with the welfare of others always at mind. May we be protected together. May we be nourished together. May we work together with great vigor. May our study be enlightening. May no obstacle arise between us. Om shanti. Shanti. Shanti. Peace. Peace. Peace be unto all. Om. Thank you.

So we ready begin. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice. Thank you. If you could both join us up in front for a photo. Three, two, one. Thank you. Thank you so much. [applause] All right. Thank you everyone and welcome once again to our Norwok City Council meeting. Um, Teresa, can we have a roll call, please?

Council members Valencia here. Vice Mayor Rios here. Mayor Perez here. Thank you. Um, welcome to February. Is anybody else like a little freaked out with that? And we're already we're already one month into 2026. So, thank you all for being here with us tonight. Um, we had our roll call. So, John, can we have a close session report, please?

Thank you, Madam Mayor. City Council, uh, earlier this evening, the city council recess close session. All council members were present with the exception of council member Ayala and Ramirez who were absent. Uh, the first item was conference with legal counsel, anticipated litigation on three matters. Uh, council was briefed. Uh, there was no reportable action taken on item one uh, for all three cases. Um, item two, conference with legal, I'm sorry, with real property negotiators uh, relating to the walk. council was briefed. Uh, no final action was taken. There's no reportable action on this item. Item three, conference with real property negotiators. Uh, this item number three was pulled prior to close session and was not cons was not um discussed in close session. There is nothing to report. Item four, pursuant to government code section uh 54957.6, conference with labor and negotiators. Council was briefed by city staff. Um, no final action was taken. There is no reportable action. That concludes my

Thank you, John, and thank you for being here tonight with us in the city of Norwok. Um, moving on to council comments tonight. We'll start with Councilwoman Valencia. Anna, Teresa, we need to make sure we put that in the record. Thanks, Anna. Vice Mayor Rios Margarita.

Thank you, Mayor. I just want to welcome everyone to our meeting uh this evening and it's really nice to see um a lot of the seats being taken especially as I see a lot of our youth uh in the community and and teachers and educators and and uh I just really nice to see that our community is here to listen to a little bit of what we have um to contend with this evening and our decision- making our agenda and just meeting as a council um the leadership of your city and and happy to do the work that we do on behalf of you every Okay, thank you.

Thank you, Margarita. Um, it is the first of the month like I mentioned, so your bulletins are available for social services and for the senior center and the Norwok now was in your mailbox today. I saw in my mailbox before I came to council. Um, there is a lot of information there, my friends. So, please make sure you take a look at all of those newsletters, our website, social media, etc. One big thing that I want to make sure that we highlight is this Saturday we are having our groundbreaking ceremony for the walk right here at city hall. Um, it is open to many of our residents and the public and it'll start at 10:00 on Saturday morning. So, if you are in the city and you'd like to join us, please feel free to join us here at city hall. Um, I do have um a few a few people that I want to remember this evening um as we adjourn our meeting in their honor. And the first is Miss Mary Bettincourt. Um Mary passed away peacefully on December 9th after a courageous battle with cancer in 1972. Mary moved here to the city of Norbach with her beloved husband Mike and their sons Mike and Steve. They built a life rooted in family. Faith did move to Texas to follow their oldest son Mike and his family. Um but she had family here in the city of Norwok Marada and surrounding cities. And while she was here in Norwok at the beginning of December, she took ill and passed away here locally in California. Um, so we will remember Mary Benton Court this evening at the close of our meeting.

And the next person that I would like to honor is a very very dear family friend and that was Mr. Bernie Galley. Bernie's family is here with us tonight. Um Nancy is here, his son Steve, and her his daughter Kathy. And I'm just going to read a little bit about So Bernie was a beautiful soul that was a devoted resident to the city of Norwok and he just passed away on January 28th of 2026. Bernie's love for his community was evident throughout a lifetime of dedicated public service. He served the city of Norwok with distinction as a council member as a planning commissioner having been appointed by former mayor Gordon Stefan Hag Stefan Hagen and remained deeply engaged in civic life for many many years. Bernie served on the planning commission, the water advisory committee, community services commission. He was appointed to the city council and the redevelopment agency and the Norwowak housing agency, completing the term of former Eleanor Zimmerman. Bernie chose not to seek election in 1999, but his commitment during that period reflected his integrity and dedication to public service. He additionally served on the citizens under freeway fallout committee which I had a conversation with him and Nancy about recently and talking about the struggles of that 105 freeway. He and Nancy helped address the community concerns related to the I 105 freeway and the metro parking lot.

Bernie is survived by his beloved wife Nancy and his children, as I mentioned, are here with us tonight, Steve and Kathy. He will be remembered for his kindness, his civic pride, and the lasting impact that he not only made on this community, but with his family. If you were a friend of Bernie, the viewing will be at Chapel of Memories on February 18th from 10 to 1:00 and the funeral services are on February 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the Good Sheepard Lutheran Church in Downey. Now, I am very honored to say like I like I had mentioned that Nancy, Steve, and Kathy are here with us tonight. And I'd like to invite Steve to come up to the podium if there's anything you would like to share about your dad and his commitment to the city of Norwok. Thank you, mayor and council members. [clears throat] We're closing this meeting on behalf of my father, Bernie. Bernard Galley, known as Bernie. When he was appointed to fill in for a vacant council member position by Gordon Stefenhagen, he insisted he recite his oath with one hand on his family Hungarian.

He did this because for him, family mattered. And whether it was a swearing in at a city appointment or how he lived each day of his life, he lived it for family. And Norok is a family community, which he also loved serving in various ways as you mentioned on the council, planning commissions, and even volunteering at the health fairs here. So, on behalf of my father and me, my sister Kathy Jordison, uh Bernie's wife Nancy Luke Galley, and all of his family present here are watching via live stream. My wife's husband Chris, the grandkids, Josh, Brianna, Jacob, Brandon, Nathan, and Bailey. We want to thank Gordon, all the previous mayors and council members, Mayor Perez, Vice Mayor Rios, and the rest of the Nor Council members for giving my father the ability to serve the community he loved, just like family. Thank you. [applause] Thank you all for sharing those beautiful words and being here with us tonight. Bernie was a staple in the city of Norwok and we will always remember Bernie and his entire family and those fond conversations had. Thank you so much. All right, moving on with our agenda tonight to our special presentations. We are recognizing the angel project sponsors and stuff a bus school participants tonight. The city of Norvok is pleased to recognize the community partners who generously helped make this year's

social services department angel project program and the Norwok transit system stuff bus toy drive a success. The Angel Project program plays a critical role each year by ensuring that holiday gifts reach children and families most in need across our community. In parallel, for more than 20 years, the Stuff A Bus program has supported local families during the holiday season through partnerships with schools, community groups, and local organizations. These combined efforts resulted in the collection of many new unwrapped toys, helping bring holiday joy to more than 1,500 Norwok children and families. The city of Norwok would like to recognize the many angel project sponsors who supported families during the holidays and participating schools. Netty Weight Middle School and John Glenn and Norwok high schools for hosting the stuff a bus at their school. At this time, I will turn it over to our city manager, Jesus Gomez, who will announce the angel project sponsors and transit stuff bus schools by category. Each individual or group sponsors is called for the angel project categories. We invite you to come forward and take a group photo with the city council. Following the sponsors, school representatives will be called for your photos. Council colleagues, please join me in the front for the presentations. And Jesus, we're turning it over to you. Thank you, mayor, members of the city council, and good evening to all our community members.

On behalf of the city of Norwok, thank you to our angel project sponsors and stuffabus schools. We couldn't do it without you. First, we would like to recognize our angel project sponsors. As each category sponsors are called, please come forward for a group photo with the city council. First, we have Diamond Level sponsors and we have Knights of Columbus Club of Norwok and Tom and Mary Jackson. [applause] Oh my gosh. As you can see, this is a beautiful display piece for your home. Yes. How do you do that? [snorts]

[laughter] Come on in.

[applause]

I'll bring it home. And next for our silver level sponsors, we have the Alandre Senior Club, [applause] Golden State Water Company, [applause]

Golden Trout Lodge number 273. Lolita Moreno with the International Club. [applause] Norwok Superior Court. [applause] Norwok Auto Auction, [applause] Norwok Toyota Envision Motors, [applause] NCC Inc., also known as the Bingo Board.

We have Pond Mart. Stephan Hagen family and the United Parents Senior Club.

Again, we couldn't do it without you. I have to go over.

He was uh lemon Of course, Hey, two more. Thank you so much. And next are the major level of sponsors. First we have the American Legion Norwok Post number 359. Next we have Beans and Friends for Health and Education. Oh, for Health and Education, Inc. [applause] International Senior Club, Lumina Home Health, Inc. MVP Hustle, Norwok Stingrays, Norwok Transit, Stuffabus, [applause]

Shin 2 Presbyterian Church, [applause] and the Water Replenishment District of Southern California. [applause] careful in the middle. Please I love it. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Don't don't fall now.

I love it. Thank you.

Next, we will recognize participating schools from Norwok Transit Stuff Bus program. These are our youth that are already making a difference. are already giving back to our community to make a difference in other people's lives. Thank you for that. When your school name is called, we invite representatives to come forward for a group photo with the mayor, the vice mayor, and the city council. First, we'll have John Glenn High School. [applause] Next we'll have Norwok High School and we will also call Netty Weight Middle School.

[applause]

I'll be nice and Do we have anybody from Middle School? closer together. All right. [applause] you want to sit there or

on behalf of the city of Norwok, we want to thank all of you

for your participation [laughter] and this concludes our special presentation of angel project sponsors and stuffabus school recognitions. Thank you very much for the contributions you made to families in our community. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right, let's go. All right. Thank you everyone. Um, moving on with our agenda, we will move next to our city manager comments. Jesus.

Yes, mayor, members of the city council and our community. Um, tonight I just want to uh thank the community, especially those who are here present for finding your way to the parking structure. We have a different u organized parking layout which is the parking structure. and we have begun probably the largest project in many many years here for the city of Norwok. And um we look forward for your cooperation, patience as we perfect this uh transition from existing u layout of parking spaces to the parking structure. Um there are two entrances, one um between the courthouse and the parking structure and the other is Emanuel Selenas. I recommend the Manuel Selena's entrance. Um, a lot easier to to get into the parking structure. So, thank you for your patience. Most of all, it'll be um what I say a short while, about two years for this construction project. Uh, but it'll be a 50 years, 75 years of uh making a difference here in the city of Norwok with this new project. The walk, it's the name of the project. Um, next I just wanted to mention that we continue to meet with the um Enosio Park uh community to be able to uh come to a um uh uh an agreement on what the park uh will will finally look like. And so I just wanted to make sure I I provide that update to you and the community. Um, next we have uh as we just uh saw the recognition for the angel project and stuffab bus, we wanted to give you a video. We want to make sure that the community knows what it what it looks like, what it's about. So with that, we can play the video. [bell]

[bell] Over the past few months, the city of Norwok came together during the holiday season to support our community through a series of meaningful initiatives rooted in service, generosity, and [music] compassion. Throughout the holiday season, gifts were collected at designated dropoff locations across the city thanks to the generosity of residents, local businesses, and community partners. These donations were carefully sorted and prepared by volunteers and city staff to ensure they reached local families. Through the city of Norwok's Angel [music] program, hundreds of children received clothing and toys, helping create lasting holiday memories for families throughout the community. This long-standing program continues to reflect the city's commitment to supporting local families during the holidays. [music] Norwok Transit's annual stuff a bus was also a tremendous success. Community members donated unwrapped toys that filled the bus and were distributed directly to local families on December 24th, delivering [music] gifts throughout neighborhoods and spreading joy before the big day. Thank you to the volunteers, sponsors, city staff, and community partners who made these events possible. Your generosity [music] and commitment continue to strengthen our connected community and bring holiday magic [music] to Norwalk families. So, we recognized um our our sponsors and now you you get to see a little bit of the video of what happened transpired throughout this time. Next, we had a great celebration. The senior center uh was 25th year birthday. Um and we want to share that with you as well. So, here it is. the word's [music] gotten out uh that that this is the place that they want to

be uh because this is where they feel the most comfortable. This is where they feel wanted. This is [music] where they they feel heard and I think that's the biggest difference uh [music] that we have here that that they are noticed that they are recognized even as just as a simple hello makes a difference in [music] their day. In fact, I told I told my I told my wife I said, "They got a sign out there. Feel if you feel bad, don't come." Well, when I feel bad, I come in here and I I feel good. I I just feel good. In the heart of Norwok, California, [music] there is a place where friendships grow and purpose finds new meaning. This is the Norwok Senior Center. This is a place they can come, they can socialize meal and most of all as you see today making friends and I think this is a vital vital uh role that we play both in human services or health and welfare and their emotional well-being.

One of the other things I think that that made us different was that we were actually just a senior center. Uh most other locations are [music] slash community centers. So in the morning you do all your senior stuff. Afternoon it becomes a community center. It's open to everybody else. Here they get to stay here all day. They get to do activities all day. And I think that's one of the biggest differences we have. People come here now. They think this just been built. Is this the new building? No. It's been here 25 years.

Before the doors opened 25 years ago on San Antonio Drive, the center existed elsewhere. It was a different space, but one filled with the same spirit of care and community. It was the early chapter of Norwok's promise to support aging with dignity. Welcome to Norwok today. Today we're going to do a segment on the senior center this morning. So all my friends are here and it's a very nice, beautiful place here. There's better food. Hospitality is good

and I enjoy coming here. first day I I didn't think I'd want to, you know, would like this, you know, be around these older people. But you learn from them, people dancing and I think, "Yeah, lady, the guys I came with, they said, you want to come tomorrow?" I said, "Yeah, I I'll come back." And I just kept coming back.

Today in 2025, that promise continues with renewed strength. [music] Each weekday, residents gather here, share a meal, create art, [music] and find joy in one another's company. They join classes, stay active, [music] and take part in programs that nurture health, culture, diversity, and connection.

I love living in Norwalk because I think they have the best program for seniors. me looking at other programs from other cities, they don't have not one inch of what we do here. When there is a need, the senior center is ready to help. Case workers listen with care. Services guide the way. Together, we find strength [music] and hope. No one walks through change alone. People knew about us because of our case workers. [music] you know, we have people still coming to speak with somebody who who's knowledgeable about what they're dealing with.

There's so much help. There is mental health assistance. [music] There is help with techniques of scamming to protect our elderlys. They devote so much time in looking at the needs of our senior community. As we celebrate 25 years in this home, we honor the generations who have built and sustained this place. Their energy, wisdom, and care continue to lift Norwok higher.

Yeah, I've been coming here almost every day since they opened. In 25 years, I'm still here and I'm going to keep coming. I find the senior center to be an ongoing therapy and I know that those that come here even if they don't participate [music] in classes or activities just mingling and talking to each [music] other is so positive and it's what we need in every community and Norwok Senior [music] Center has it. With every step, every smile, and every shared story, [music] it becomes clear. The Norwok Senior Center is more than a building. It is a bridge between yesterday [music] and tomorrow. A place where age brings purpose, where belonging has no limits, and where every [music] person matters. Welcome to the Norwok Senior Center.

Welcome to the Norwok Senior Center. Welcome to the Norwalk Senior Center. Welcome to the Norwok Senior Center. Welcome to the Norwok Senior Center.

Welcome to the Norwok Senior Center. [music] Thank you. And the goal is for another 25 years so we can celebrate 50 years. So stay tuned. Next, we like to share a video of the homeless count. the um uh county requires the cities to do a homeless and so uh we take video to be able to share with the community uh this uh count for the unsheltered residents in our community. So with that we can go ahead and uh share the video. [music] Each year, communities across Los Angeles County come together for the Greater Los Angeles homeless count, a countywide effort led in partnership with LAHSA to better understand homelessness [music] and guide critical funding and services. In Norwok, the count began at the Social Services Center, where volunteers gathered alongside public safety officers and the city's hope team before heading out into the community, helping ensure every person is seen and every story counts. This information is sent to the county. The county ends up using the numbers and the data to distribute funding. And the goal is to identify everybody who's experiencing homelessness in the city of Norwok.

It's because of all of you and all of our volunteers that we get to have the programming that we have in the city of Norwalk. So, thank you all. Be safe, stay with your team, and just know we appreciate everything you guys doing. Thank you all. Later that evening, staff and volunteers rode alongside Norwok Public Safety and Hope [music] team, identifying individuals experiencing homelessness and ensuring every count was conducted [music] safely and respectfully. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to be part of the solution. Together, Norwok [music] is building a stronger, more compassionate community. [music] Great. Um, next we have the bi-weekly video and that's a recap of all the activities that have happened here in in the city of Norwok and you'll find that we are a fun city. Check this out. On January 17th, the Norwok Senior Center celebrated a major milestone. 25 years of service to our community. With food and refreshments, seniors and guests came together to share memories. Enjoy the moment and look ahead to the future. Happy 25th anniversary to the Norwok Senior Center. Here's to many more years ahead.

Happy 25 years.

The Social Services Center hosted a winter wonder putt event on January 20th, bringing families together for a fun-filled evening of miniature golf. Families enjoyed time on the course with laughter and community connection. On January 21st, the city celebrated a major milestone with a mobile home red ribbon celebration, welcoming the Tahada family into their new home. The city thanks SMG Mobile Homes for providing guidance and representation throughout the home buying process. [cheering] [applause] On January 28th, Mayor Jennifer [music] Perez visited St. Lionus Catholic School to speak with students about the importance of safety, awareness, and community. Joined by the city of Norwok public safety department and the LA County Fire Department, students learned firsthand from local first responders. [music] And that's just a little piece of Norwok. So next, um, as I do, um, in my comments, I want to update the city council and our community in the city's efforts in assisting Norwok families impacted by ICE activities since our last council meeting on January 20th, 26. Um we have uh been very grateful to Chidla uh because uh social services and senior centers continue to work closely with them to offer monthly know your rights workshops. These workshops take place every third Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the social services center. The next resource table on

Tuesday, February 10th. Um, Chile will also host a resource table at the senior center every third Wednesday from 9:00 am to 12 pm beginning on Wednesday, February 18th. So, they have sort of made it their home here in our uh centers in the city of of Norw. Um, I'd also like to share um a piece of information that I've learned in this this past week. Um if you have um family members or and or friends that have been detained by ICE, uh we have learned that um their uh right is to be able to call the Mexican consulate and let me give for assistance and that's area code 424 309009 and that is uh one of the latest resources that we have found uh lately here. Um, as we continue to provide resources and information to our residents and mayor, with that, that concludes my city manager comments. Thank you.

Thank you, Jesus. All right, bringing it back to our agenda. We have a consent calendar, items 1 through eight. Do I have a motion? Second. And before we take the vote, Teresa, I do have a list of commercial demands that I'm going to be abstaining on, and I'll provide you that list. On item number three, we have a first and a second. Can I have a roll call, please? Council member Valencia, I. Vice Mayor Rios, Mayor Perez, I. Moving on to item number nine, appointments. Do we have any appointments this evening?

Thank you. Then moving on to item number 10 to approve the selection of the personnel appeals board members for upcoming appeals hearing. Uh do we have a staff report or any notice on that? Yes. Uh Miss Karina Montes will present.

Good evening honorable mayor and city council. Um today's item was related for approval of the selection of the personnel appeals board members when upcoming appeals hearing. The department of HR received a request for an appeal hearing before the personnel appeals board for the Norwok Municipal Code section 2.24.110 section B. Subject to approval of the city council. The mayor shall select three persons from the five member personnel appeals board list to hear the appeal. The mayor has chosen the following three members to hear the matter. Imma Podaka, Gloria Rodriguez, Maria Carvajal, and the following member will be utilized should there be a resignation from the board who is Olga Aign. In accordance with the municipal code, the affected employee via union representation has been notified of the proposed board composition. Funds for the appeals are included within the HR department budget. Staff recommends that the city council approved the mayor's personnel appeals board selections of Kima Podaka, Gloria Rodriguez, Maria Carvajal, and the backup member should it be necessary. This concludes my report.

Thank you, Karina. I'll make a motion to move it. Can we have a roll call, please? Teresa. Council member Valencia. I, Vice Mayor Rios, Mayor Perez. I, thank you. Moving on to item number 11, and that is direction for fiscal year 2627, annual action plan, community development block grant, social services agency funding allocation. Jesus, can we have a staff report, please? Yes. And Miss Bethany Cardinz will present.

Thank you, Mr. Gomez. Good evening, honorable mayor and members of the city council. This presentation begins a conversation about the essential services our community relies on and the funding needed to support them. We are requesting your guidance on the proposed funding recommendations for fiscal year 2627 CDBG social services agencies before the first public hearing next month. The city is expected to receive CDBG grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Up to 15% of the awarded grant may be allocated to social and public service agencies that serve our community. For example, if the city receives CDBG grant of $900,000, then 135,000 will be allocated to social service agencies. A notice for funding availability for social service programs was issued on November 7th, 2025. The social service agencies were required to submit their applications by December 12th and we received 12 applications. The applications were distributed to the social services commissioners on dece December 17th and they provided funding recommendations on January 8th, 2026. The upcoming timeline for the fiscal year 2627 annual action plan includes the following key dates. The first public hearing will be held on March 17th, 2026. Then a 30-day public review period will begin on a council to adopt the annual action plan at the second public hearing and the submission to HUD by the May 15, 2026 deadline. The public services priorities include focusing on programs that address gaps in social service resources with a minimum funding level of $20,000 to

maximize each agency's goals and outcomes. This fiscal year, we received 12 applications, each offering a diverse range of services to meet our community's needs. These services include youth dentistry, science education, homelessness support, substance abuse and overdose prevention, legal assistance, mental health resources, job training, and life skills for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The city has worked with most of these agencies either now or in the past. Three new agencies applied. They are Harm Reduction Circle, Mad Science, and Msada Homes. All 12 application scores range from 23 to 78 points out of 100. The estimated CDBG entitlement is $900,000 with a 15% public service cap of $135,000. The recommended funding for social services activities includes $75,000 for the emergency services programs and $20,000 each for the three top scoring agencies. Community Legal Aid, Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Hovveness. The previous fiscal year 2024 and 2025 data highlights the success and impacts of various agencies in providing funding and assistance. Community legal aid set a goal to assist 50 individuals with the annual budget of 18,827 and exceeded expectations helping 87 individuals. Lacata aimed to support 150 individuals with over $17,000 in funding. They successfully assisted 1,69 individuals. Ovenous initially set a goal of assisting 15 individuals. Although they helped 14 individuals and received slight slightly less funding, they still had a positive impact in Norwok.

The social services center targeted 25 families with a $75,000 budget. While they assisted 19 families, they continued to provide valuable services resulting in final funding amount of $58,000. Norc Lamarada Adult School Job Training Program assisted six individuals. Low enrollment was one of their challenges, but they still secured a final funding amount of over $11,000. So overall, these agencies achieved varying levels of success with two exceeding their targets and making a positive difference in the lives of those they serve. Staff is requesting guidance from the

with the director of social services. We are ready to answer any questions. Thank you. Thank you, Bethany. Right. At this time, I'll bring it back to for comments, questions, any input to give back to the team for our margarita.

Bethany, thank you for the presentation. Um, here [laughter] I was looking over here. I was listening. Um, thank you for the presentation. I'm wondering if there's any slides or any information that staff would be able to share regarding um the actual were the actual assistance that was offered um through if you bring up the slide where it shows how many participants you just passed it I think I don't remember a page

I think it was the goals

it the uh no there you go okay So, um, can you give, uh, give us an idea of the type of assistance that was offered? I mean, it doesn't have to be a complete list, but maybe just, um, information on what type of valuable service was was provided for the community legal aid, LATA, I have a pretty good idea of that already. Coven is as well. So I guess on community legal aid and the so and social services center those two items the others I have a pretty good idea of um services rendered and um funding use. So what can you share in addition for community legal aid? So I can speak for um community legal aid based on the program services when they applied for the application. So, it was free legal assistance to low-income residents for eviction prevention. So, um anything regarding rent relations, fair housing, um those are what they added to the application. I I did see that. Um, so but my question is regarding the because I thought their services were a little more broad and um I I did see the request was for eviction services or assistance, but what other I mean the 87 how was it strictly for those dealing with eviction?

That is possible. we can look at their uh invoices and see what they build us for past 24 25. And I think just to piggyback on that, Margarita, if I could, Bethany, is what's the list of probable help that community legal aid would cover? I think that's something that I would like to see. Is it a broadspectctrum list of we can only talk and help and assist with these items or is it a little bit open where we might be able you know other people can ask for services with legal aid regarding multiple topics and the only ones that we are actually

have gotten a request for are this or for eviction services. Um but it is for broad. They can do civil suits um any any legal help for low income that they can't afford but they have to be Nor Rock residents but it's for broad.

Right. Okay. So that that was um my understanding and that's why I and I saw um the funding request services for but um I'm very interested in learning more about the 87 that were assisted through this uh legal aid aid funding because um as the mayor mentioned uh I'm under the impression that the services are a little bit more broad and inclusive and so I think that would be helpful to know at the onset so that if we've identified some type of need that's maybe more current or something that maybe um we can actually have an understanding that those are the type of services the city is looking for because that's what the residents need at this moment.

And then also keep in mind when they assist doesn't necessarily they went from beginning to the end. It's can be when they assist it doesn't necessarily mean that they performed any services. that's just answering questions, answering phone calls, but it is broad. So, I think that they saw a need was eviction services because maybe the laws changes or the rental increases. So, I think that may be why they added it there, but we will look at the invoices and bring it to you for the public hearing. Yeah, I I I really would appreciate seeing that because again, if it's, you know, a number of calls that they're receiving for certain assistance or information, then I'd like to know that. And um what about the 19 social services? What What kind of assistance was

I'll refer to uh director of social services for that. Uh yes um Miss Rios uh for for social services it would be for fire home repair uh rental assistant first and last deposits um utility and car repairs. Okay. And um those that come and request assistance, I know obviously they have to be Norwok residents, right? Number one, are there any other requirements? No. I mean, other than the need that they've requested, I mean, yeah, we we just need proof to that they proof of residency and that's it. Yeah.

Okay. Okay. So, yeah. I mean, if you can bring the information next time, Bethany, for what I requested and then if there's anything that you'd like to share in addition, Gabby, always good to see how these funding allocations are benefiting our residents. Yeah, they can always call social services. We're here to serve.

Thank you. So, Vice Mayor Rios, my senior analyst, Rosio, provided me with the first quarter invoice for community legal aid. And so the services they provided were dovest domestic violence and elder abuse, tenant landlord issues, debt collection, and miscellaneous matters such as small claims assistance for disabled clients and consumer issues. H okay, that's that's good. Miscellaneous matters would be the broad. Yeah. Who's your analyst? Rosio. Boy, that was good. Rosio, kudos [laughter] to you. That's the kind of analyst everybody should have. Boom. You've got the information. Yes.

Good job. Thank you, Anna. Thank you. Uh my understanding is that well, I know our understanding and we know that it's really hard to to come down to which ones to to fund and what have you. But I really want to thank our um social services uh commissioners because I know that they meet with you and your staff and they go through this and they they look at all of the information provided. They bring in their own experience as well. Um so how many times do they meet to discuss this? Few times.

We met three times. three times and all the times I'm sure people have like hey what are the you know uh which one do you think what have you so this is no easy task and so I want to thank you and the commit commission um that have requested funding are are very um needy organizations and do great work in their So um but I do like the questions and I I respect the questions that um my colleague has shared uh and and the answers that have been given. Thank you. Uh because this is really good information. Uh we know that you know these folks are doing great work out there but it's nice to have some of the details as well. And uh some of us have even made referrals and um some folks have been able to get some in some really good services from community legal aid. I know from definitely from social service center um and you know so just you know thank you. Thank you so much. Um I think that these are really good numbers. These are good agencies. We wish we could give more but uh unfortunately we do have a Thanks, Anna. I mean, just to piggy back on some thoughts to bring back for the next presentation, I think what would be helpful is seeing how we advertise or se let our community residents know that this funding is available. So, when we're talking about legal aid, just to piggyback on, I think where myself and Margarita were going is who can ask for legal aid? What type of legal aid? What,

you know, are there any parameters like I can't we can't do this, but we can do this. Um, legal aid is so broad, but maybe our residents need to pinpoint or have some examples on what can it can be utilized for, they can request assistance for. I think looking at how we're sharing that information starting with the public hearing in the next round of meetings would be very helpful. Um, I do want to point out that several years ago, we were giving smaller dollar amounts to almost every agency and we really felt, this council really felt that the larger impact would be to narrow down the list and provide larger amounts. And I think the the total assisted numbers that you presented tonight is a result on really focusing that effort. So, thank you for that and thank you for bringing this slide tonight to even start that conversation because I know in the past this information was always requested right away. Um, so it's very helpful to see here we're providing funding, who's using it, how many people are using it and and that that such. So, thank you for that. I hope you got um information and what you were looking for to start the process for the next round of meetings. Um, again, thank you for everything to the team, the extra meetings, social services commission, thank you for continuing to partner and look at it. Sometimes reading the applications and making these hard decisions is not easy and like Anna said, we want to provide funding for as many as we can as long as the impact is needed. So, thank you for that. Bethany, is there anything else you need from us at this time?

Take it from here.

Thank you. All right, moving on to oral communications. Our first speaker is Paky City Hall meeting must only give a half a minute. You don't like my story. You know the wife of Joseph 4,000 years ago in Egypt her name was called two name Anna and you know Anaashi or Anastasi a lookout cave in Tongan we must be and then she also have anu of Japan. Now people will say her name will say what I mean I told you before I mean I mean making drink mean you know the man who save who saved the wine to Pharaoh he's the same one who saved Joseph because he first tast taste the wine right he's the man who taste the wine wine. That's why I knew in me they still wine and been doing that for the family of Pharaoh. And the king at the time of Joseph was the same thing. But Joseph talk about that guy with the bread, right? They killed him. Why? Because Joseph is the next one. The bread man. He is the bread man.

What do you think of that? And so what happened in the story? They don't understand it. This why they give me I don't know if it's uh it was look like Asian. I don't know if it's Japanese or they don't like me to tell the story. What do you think of that? I'm telling you. I told this guy they don't know I have a chief for this whole area mine people don't but I don't want to claim something stupid like that because I can get killed with you know people kill people for saying something so I don't believe I want to be a chief [gasps] [laughter] I I knew people I you know Y chromosome P and Q they were fighting they were divide among themsel why communication found my colleague and they found them in America we are the one you know you know I told him the story of Noah told the Gentiles you be in the house of younger brother and right. Thank you.

Thank you. Our next speaker tonight is San Lo. We're calling our next speaker Pocky. Thank you. Hello council. I wish I could be here at this podium under better circumstances. Yet other time I could be, but that time is not now. I take this opportunity to speak to you and ask, are you outraged? Outrage is not a pleasant feeling, but even more unpleasant is the fear that a child might have coming home one day from school not knowing if their parent will be present. The same fear a worker might feel not knowing if their place of employment can continue with an fellow employee being kidnapped. The same fear that a resident might have within them, knowing that tomorrow might be another day that their own elected representatives continue to allow the encroachment of secret police in their streets. The name I chose today, Sanino, is that of a saint, the same saint who guarded over the school I attended. And when I was a boy there, I held those very same fears. Fear that one day, for some reason, my parent wouldn't be there just because they missed some form of documentation, a piece of paper, that my whole life would be stripped of. And

there are kids now feeling that. There are citizens now in these streets feeling that. I don't know if an emotional appeal will work. I don't know what appeal will, but I hope that my presence here today might further your hand to write something, to say something, to post something, to feel a little more, to do a little more. It's uncomfortable, but this discomfort pales comparison of that felt by so many. Palees comparison of the discomfort felt by those who had their life taken by the same secret police. tomorrow. Who knows who we'll be? I hope no more. But hope is what we hold in times where things are better. Now is not the time for hope. Now is the time for action. Thank you for your time.

Thank you. Our next speaker is Andy Urebe. Good evening. As of last week, eight people have died either directly at the hands of ICE or Border Patrol or as this this year alone. A lot more last year to clarify um or as in the cases of Renee Good and Alex Freddy. Um or while under custody as in the case of Heraldo Luna Scampos, who ICE officials first tried to claim was a result of suicide. However, was ruled a homicide. um as a result of the investigation by the medical examiner. This last example only highlights the opaque nature of immigration detention and lays clear the consequences of allowing the federal government to continue to operate without oversight. When the government begins to state as facts that which is proven false by multiple sources of evidence, a complete lack of urgency besides the bare minimum of the continue know your right workshops. Other government officials continue to take bold actions in the face of this attack on our constitutional rights and on basic humanity. I list these not as a plea to our city councils, who I have little faith in doing anything more, but to let the residents of Norwok know what should we expect from a council who truly cares for residents and is willing to stand up for the values that they claim to have. Just last week, a council member in Downey organized a training on patrolling for immigration activity and is working on setting up a rapid response network in the community to help respond to immigration activity. In Long Beach, several council members have put forward a resolution calling for the city to formally take a stance against the ongoing immigration raids and

requesting the city attorney to draft a resolution calling for federal immigration accountability, expressing support for the impeachment and removal of the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, urging an end to federal policies and enforcement operations that subject the communities to violence and harm, and affirming the city's commitment to protecting civil rights, community trusts, and dignity of the residents. Finally, the New York Attorney General has committed to dispatching officials from her office to monitor immigration activity and document ongoing violations of human rights. These are just a few examples of actions that local governments are able to take or push for both as a whole and in their individual and personal capacities. But I want the Norwok residents to know that the community does not need to rely on government officials to protect our neighbors and ourselves. We have the power to organize ourselves and I encourage everyone to get connected with mutual aid groups in your area and any networks in any capacity that you can. We keep ourselves safe.

Thank you. All right, we are wrapping up our meeting as mentioned at the beginning. We will be closing tonight's meeting in honor of Mary Benton Court and Bernie Galley. This meeting is adjourned.

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