Chair Luis Rodriguez opened public comment at the Whittier Planning Commission meeting and heard repeated calls from residents for Commissioner Richard Quirk to resign or be removed after social-media posts that commenters described as racist. The commission did not take formal action on the calls, citing the Brown Act’s restrictions on taking up items not on a published agenda.

The public attorney reminded the commission that, “Pursuant to the Brown Act, the commissioners are prohibited from discussing or acting on an item or expressing consensus or approval or disapproval on any communications received from the public that do not appear on the duly noticed and published agenda.” Chair Rodriguez and staff confirmed written public comments were received and would be added to the record.

Speakers at the meeting identified themselves as residents and community members and recounted the posts and videos. Jenny Martin said, “I must request that … Mister Richard Quirk stepped down or resigned from his position.” Another commenter urged removal, saying Quirk’s social posts “undermine the integrity of the planning commission.” Multiple speakers said the posts created a hostile environment for immigrant residents and demanded immediate action by the commission or city council.

Speakers also criticized other local officials; one public commenter urged broader changes in city leadership and described the conduct as part of “corruption” in Whittier. Commissioners listened but did not debate or vote on removal. At the close of public comment, Chair Rodriguez noted the commission’s role reviewing projects and reminded speakers that items not on the agenda could be referred to staff for follow-up or scheduled for a future noticed agenda.

The transcript shows no motion, referral, or formal investigation of the allegations during the meeting. Staff said written comments would be entered into the record; the commission noted it could ask staff to put an item on a future agenda if it wished. No date was set to agendize the subject.

The meeting therefore produced public record of community concerns about Commissioner Quirk but no immediate disciplinary or removal action by the Planning Commission.

Residents and others who raised the issue said they expect the city or council to act; commissioners and the city attorney limited their responses to procedural options and the avenue of referring matters to staff or placing them on a future published agenda.