City council faces backlash over sports and rent issues

During the recent city council meeting in Paramount, several key issues were raised by community members, highlighting ongoing concerns about local governance and community engagement.

The meeting began with a report from Mister Moreno regarding public comments from the previous session. He addressed a concern raised by resident Michael Reedus about a business operating near the railroad tracks at Vermont and Monroe Street. Moreno informed the council that the city is aware of the situation and that the business is in the process of obtaining an unclassified use permit, pending a decision from the Department of Toxic Substances Control.

Public comments then shifted to community programs at the Paramount Library, presented by Andrea Crow, who invited residents to participate in upcoming events aimed at fostering community engagement.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions about sports and recreation in the city. Alejandro Yanez passionately advocated for the return of handball, a sport he claims has been historically significant in Paramount. He expressed frustration over the removal of various sports programs, including boxing and adult soccer, arguing that these decisions have systematically marginalized the community's interests, particularly among its Hispanic population.

The conversation then transitioned to housing issues, with Brooke Irvin from MH Action presenting concerns about rising rent prices in Paramount. She reported that nearly 100 residents signed a petition advocating for a rent stabilization ordinance, urging the council to address the issue in an upcoming meeting. Jose Sanchez, a resident facing potential eviction from his mobile home park, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term solutions to prevent homelessness in the community.

The meeting concluded with discussions about traffic safety, particularly in relation to a request for a traffic analysis on a local street. City staff indicated that they are working on this issue and will conduct a thorough analysis once school traffic normalizes.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's desire for more robust engagement from city officials on pressing issues such as housing stability, recreational opportunities, and public safety. The council's responsiveness to these concerns will be crucial in shaping the future of Paramount.