Public commenters press council on wage implementation, immigration enforcement and police conduct; community memorial recognized

Public comment at the Los Angeles City Council meeting on Tuesday featured a wide range of concerns: business and labor representatives pressed the city on signature verification for a referendum and on timely payment of a recently approved wage ordinance; community members urged readiness and responses to immigration enforcement after a Supreme Court decision; speakers accused police of violence at demonstrations and called for accountability; residents reported sharp rent increases and called for tighter caps; and the council recognized the death of a local community leader.

Elle Mac Surpian, who identified herself as representing Pestfit LA and a coalition partner of Alia Alliance, told the council the group had submitted what she described as about 1,000 signatures for a referendum on a wage measure and demanded a transparent review. "We deserve a transparent process, not one that is in the shadows," she said, pressing the city attorney to investigate signature verification procedures that she said had not been accounted for in time.

Joan Huison, who identified herself as a member of SIU and an airport worker at Los Angeles International Airport, urged the council to implement pay increases already approved by ordinance. "We had this reform approved ... but now it is time to pay. Do not make us wait any longer," she said, noting workers had waited more than two and a half years.

Other commenters raised immigration enforcement concerns after a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. Councilmember comments read into the record characterized the decision as likely to increase immigration enforcement actions and arrests in the city; one councilmember urged preparing responses to anticipated raids and protests and said the city should be ready to protect residents and maintain public safety.

Several speakers criticized the Los Angeles Police Department, alleging excessive force at demonstrations and linking council votes on police overtime funding to injuries at protests. One commenter displayed photos and accused specific council votes of contributing to those outcomes; the speaker told the council, "You have blood on your hands," while urging accountability.

Others used public comment to raise neighborhood-level concerns: a North Hollywood resident asked the council to cap rent increases above the current proposed percentages; callers asked that public pools be kept open on weekends; members of faith communities urged prompt enactment of wage protections; and multiple people described past experiences with the Church of Scientology and urged officials to review reported abuses.

Councilmember remarks during the meeting included a formal recognition of the late Kathy Wooden, described as a long-time Watts community advocate who founded Lovinghands Community Care and provided support services to families affected by violence; the memorial notice included details about a forthcoming service in the community.

Ending: The council opened public comment until 11 a.m. and heard dozens of speakers across these topics; many callers asked the council to take concrete follow-up steps (investigations, implementation of wage payments, community protections) but the transcript excerpt records the comments themselves rather than formal council directives resulting from them.