Los Angeles City Council honors youth leader Marianne Hayashi, plans Marianne Hayashi Square

The Los Angeles City Council on Friday formally recognized Marianne Hayashi for more than four decades of work leading the Central City Action Committee and building youth programs in Angelino Heights.

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and Councilmember Eunice Hernandez led the presentation, citing Hayashi's role expanding mentorship, after-school enrichment, arts and mental-health connections for thousands of young Angelenos. Rodriguez said Hayashi had been "a cornerstone of youth development" and recounted partnerships that brought hundreds of young people to city programs. Hernandez told Hayashi her work "changed thousands of lives," and said the council would name a public space "Marianne Hayashi Square" adjacent to the Central City Action Committee footprint.

Hayashi, 90, accepted the resolution and thanked staff, volunteers and family. She described her decades of work with neighborhood settlement houses, the Catholic Youth Organization, Team Post and, since 1981, as executive director of the Central City Action Committee. "This award belongs to me and the entire group and family that helped me," Hayashi said.

The council's action was a ceremonial recognition rather than a legislative vote; a resolution and ceremony were presented on the council floor. The item reflects longstanding city practice of honoring community nonprofit leaders with certificates and naming recommendations; the council indicated it will pursue the formal steps for a public dedication in Angelino Heights.

Marianne Hayashi and representatives from Central City Action Committee were present in the chamber for the recognition.