1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Paulette C. Francis; and Council Member Wanda Love. Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero. It was stated that Mayor Tasha Cerda was running late and was on her way. City Clerk Mina Semenza was away on an excused absence; City Treasurer Guy Mato was not present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
None.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Designated Representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Employee Organization: 1. Confidential / Unrepresented Employees
4. RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Deputy City Clerk Romero called roll and reported that all Members of the Council were present.
5. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
When Mayor Cerda asked City Attorney Vasquez if there was anything to report out of Closed Session, City Attorney Vasquez reported that Council met with regards to Item 3.A; staff was provided with direction, but no reportable action was taken.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Enzo Biclar, Erin Gountang, and Daniella Guzman, all in the 5th grade, attend 186th Street Elementary School. Enzo is 11 years old and wants to be a doctor - cardiologist. One of his hobbies is playing games with his little brother and he likes learning new and advanced strategies for math and reading. Erin is 10 years old and wants to be a pediatrician. She enjoys drawing any type of art and likes learning new skills for middle school. Daniella is 11 years old and wants to be a marine biologist. One of her hobbies is to draw art around her. She likes learning about social studies and science.
Mayor Cerda mentioned that these students just returned from competing in the Future Problem Solving California State Bowl competitions in Laguna Niguel, CA over spring break and were medal award winning participants! These are highly competitive events that focus on critical thinking and creative solutions. We are so proud of their work and achievement; they were the only school from LAUSD to qualify and attend!
7. INVOCATION
Reverend Christopher Codrington, of Gardena-Torrance Baptist Church, led the Invocation.
8. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Certificate of Recognition to Moe Shemirani in appreciation of his service to the community as a member of the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission
Mayor Cerda spoke regarding Mr. Shemirani's achievements, and appropriate photos were taken.
6.B. Certificate of Recognition to Sam Kang in appreciation of his service to the community as a member of the Gardena Beautification Commission
Mayor Cerda mentioned that Mr. Kang was not present to accept the Certificate; she then spoke about his achievements.
6.C. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
7.A. National Volunteer Week - April 19-25, 2026
Woods Woolwine, along with the City of Gardena Volunteers accepted the Proclamation and appropriate photos were taken.
7.B. "Challenge the Norm and Influence of Marijuana Use on Youth Day" - April 20, 2026
Tracy Saruwatari accepted the Proclamation and thanked the Council for all their support and appropriate photos were taken. Officer Sterling Kim then spoke on behalf of the Gardena Juvenile Justice Intervention Program and the Gardena Police Department; he thanked all the volunteers of GDAAP, ADAAP and BHS for their collaboration in getting the message out about the dangers of substance abuse in our youth; he then thanked Mayor Cerda for her unswerving support.
10. APPOINTMENTS
None.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no public comments.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
10.A. Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.B. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of the City Council, March 24, 2026
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Receive and File Minutes - Regular Meeting of the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, February 17, 2026
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.D. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, April 14, 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.E. Personnel Report P-2026-6 04-14-26
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
A motion was made by Council Member Francis and was seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve the Consent Calendar Items. The motion passed 4-1 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda, and Henderson; Abstain: Love).
13. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. April 7, 2026 MEETING ITEM 6.A
The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request to approve a modification to amend Conditional Use Permit (CUP #5-21); Site Plan Review (SPR #5-21); and Environmental Assessment (EA#2-26); to replace a previously approved pool and spa with a courtyard and landscaping for the 121-unit single room occupancy housing development that is currently under construction, per Section 18.36.030.P.4 of the Gardena Municipal Code. Environmental Consideration: The project was considered for a categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332 (Class 32- infill development project).
APPLICANT: Lee Johnson (West Realty Group) LOCATION: 13126 S. Western Ave., APN (6102-006-013)
Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission adopted Resolution No. PC 4-26, by vote of 4-0, with one commissioner absent, to approve Modification of Conditional Use Permit #5-21, Site Plan Review #5-21; and Environmental Assessment #2-26, subject to the conditions of approval, and directed staff to file a notice of exemption City Council Action:
Receive and file OR Call for Review (By way of two votes from the City Council).
This Item was Received and Filed.
14. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD)
1) Travis Hernandez, Manager of the Masao W. Satow Library; came to give updates regarding the Mayme Dear and the Masao W. Satow Libraries.
2) Dr. Jessie Barbour, resident; shared concerns regarding homelessness in Gardena.
3) Valerie Barbour, resident; came to speak regarding Council Member Love's censorship and asked for more police presence amid ongoing concerns on Gardena Blvd.
4) Paul Randall, Director of Mama Rosa's Food Pantry; asked Council for a letter of support.
12.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Cerda asked Deputy City Clerk Romero if any public comments had been received. Deputy City Clerk Romero stated that we received eight (8) Public Comments, which have been added to the agenda packet, distributed to Council, and made part of the record.
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
No Items.
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
14.A. PUBLIC HEARING: INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1890, An Ordinance of the City of Gardena, California, Amending Portions of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code Relating to Review Process and Standards for Mechanical/Robotic Parking Structures, and On-Site Parking Standards for Commercial Uses on Gardena Boulevard Between Normandie Avenue and Vermont Avenue; and Finding the Action Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to the Common Sense Exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:52 p.m.
Dr. Jessie Barbour spoke regarding the project.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis, Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Mayor Cerda. Assistant Director of Community Development Jo-Anne Burns, City Manager Osorio, and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 9:12 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Cerda and was seconded by Council Member Francis to send the Ordinance back to the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission and create two separate Ordinances. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Cerda, Francis, Henderson, Tanaka, and Love).
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
No Items.
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
No Items.
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A. RESOLUTION NO. 6725, Approving the Engineer's Report for the Gardena Consolidated Street Lighting Assessment District for fiscal year 2026-2027, Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments Under the Gardena Consolidated Street Lighting District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, and Setting a Time and Place for Hearing Protests in Relation Thereto (Public Hearing: May 12, 2026)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. City Manager Osorio and Public Works Director Allan Rigg answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and was seconded by Council Member Love to Adopt Resolution No. 6725. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Henderson, Love, Cerda, Tanaka and Francis).
17.B. RESOLUTION NO. 6724, Approving the Engineer's Report for the Gardena Artesia Boulevard Landscaping Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments Under the Gardena Artesia Boulevard Landscaping Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, and Appointing a Time and Place for a Public Hearing Thereon (Public Hearing: May 12, 2026)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. Public Works Director Rigg answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Love and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6724. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Tanaka).
17.C. RESOLUTION NO. 6733, Adopting Storm Drain Master Plan
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
A presentation was given by the Carollo Engineer Consultant.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Love, Francis and Mayor Cerda. Public Works Director Rigg answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6733. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
20. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
No Items.
21. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
No Items.
22. COUNCIL ITEMS
No Items.
23. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
Subject: Provide a reminder for the GEBAC findings regarding the Gardena Blvd. Revitalization Funding
Purpose – Remind ourselves (website, social media, mailers to those business owners), the community, and businesses.
Reason – All are not aware of the process.
Benefit – Clarify any miscommunication.
Council Member Love seconded it.
Council Member Love
Subject: For staff to agendize the issue for Council to make the decision whether to direct staff to prepare a letter of support for Mama Rosa’s Food Pantry.
Purpose – To give support to the largest food bank in the city.
Reason – This will give resources for much-needed support.
Benefit – Give more resources to our Gardena residents.
Council Member Francis seconded it.
Council Member Francis
Subject: To remove both censures that were put on Council Member Love; to bring back as an agendized item and have a discussion.
Purpose – This will restore her ability to do her job as a Council Member.
Reason – The censures were put in place over a year ago, it’s time to lift them.
Benefit – Allow Council Member Love to pursue her position and responsibilities as a Council Member.
Council Member Love seconded it.
24. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
City Manager Osorio stated that he had nothing to report.
25. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Since the last meeting, she attended the Easter Brunch Buffet at the Nakaoka Center, then she went over to Rowley Park for the Easter Egg Hunt. She wishes more of our residents would come out. She encourages everyone to be engaged.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since the last meeting, she attended the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Commission meeting; the Easter Egg Hunt at Rowley Park, and she thanked staff for an excellent job. She thanked Moe Shemirani for his 17 years of service on the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission, and she also thanked Sam Kang for being a part of the Gardena Beautification Commission. She gave special thanks to our volunteers for their service, commitment, and dedication.
3) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Since the last meeting, he attended the Easter Brunch at Nakaoka Community Center; and the Basketball Awards Banquet at Rowley Park. He thanked the parents, the volunteer coaches, and all the staff. He also thanked the Department Heads and Managers for going above and beyond. He thanked the City Manager for allowing him to work through him so that the staff could work on some new ideas. He attended his Joint Policy meeting; and his ICA meeting. He did a lot of community visits and business visits. He announced a reminder that the election season is coming upon us. He stated what it means to sit up on this dais; that municipalities and governments don't run like a business; they are a social enterprise, and their job is to make sure we provide quality care and feeding to our community and make sure our constituents are safe and can happily pursue the pursuit of happiness; that's the role of government. He continued to say that the job on the dais is to make sure that we can take our community vision input from our community and work the levers of government through competent staff who have steady ears and are disciplined to make things work to make a better community; our job is to also to do our best to bring resources to the community to further positive existence; government has a higher calling to its constituents.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last council meeting, she attended the Finance meeting; her Town Hall meeting; the Gardena Police Foundation Scholarship Awards; the Tri City CERT; and a retirement event for one of the residents, Carolina Klein. She also attended the Homeowners Association meeting at Rowley Park; and a Birthday drive by for a resident, Ms. Williams, who is Laverne Knight's sister-in-law, who turned 100 years old. Then immediately after that, she went to another resident who turned 90 years old. She attended the Baker to Vegas run, which was really exciting because she had the opportunity to be a part of it. On a sad note, at the event, there was a Deputy from the San Dimas Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Levi Vargas, who had a medical emergency and passed away. He was 30 years old, and it was just a really hot day, and it was kind of a tough condition to run in, but she'd like to just add him to our agenda tonight under remembrances.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Since the last meeting, he attended the City's Finance Committee meeting; the South Bay Council of Government's ("SBCCOG") General Assembly where the topic was the World Cup and the Olympics; he thanked Dana Pynn, Assistant Director of Transportation for being part of the panel; the Boy Scouts Troop 719, Eagle Scout Ceremony, Assembly Member Muratsuchi, Mayor of Torrance, George Chen, and Council Member of Torrance, John Kaji were there. They were all able to give them Certificates of Accomplishment to Jake Mato, Jake Yokoyama, Aston Nagahashi, Calvin Ikeda, and Norman Sasamori. He attended the Police Foundation Scholarship Awards; the SBCCOG's Legislative Briefing; and the West Basin Water monthly meeting. Lastly, he congratulated the participants in the Baker to Vegas run. He ended his remarks by thanking the volunteers for always coming out to every event and being there for everything.
26. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Gardena Candidates Forum, Thursday, April 16, 2026 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center;
2) Candidates Forum for the Gardena Holly Park Homeowners Association, Thursday, April 30, 2026 starting at 7:00 p.m. at Rowley Park;
3) Earth Day Clean Up, Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Willows Wetland Preserve;
4) Compost Giveaway, Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Rowley Park;
5) Spring Community Yard Sale, Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mas Fukai Park;
6) Public Safety Day 2026, Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the City Hall Complex;
7) DEA National Drug Takeback Day, Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Gardena Police Department; and
8) 40th Annual Cinco De Mayo Parade & Festival, Saturday, May 2, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. on Gardena Blvd.
27. REMEMBERANCES
Mr. Norman McDade, 87 years old, retiree of the Public Works Department; and
Levi Vargas, 30 years old, the San Dimas Deputy Sheriff, who passed during the Baker to Vegas relay race.
28. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:17 p.m. Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m., and the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.