Hawthorne mayor and council reaffirm rule barring council-run city events after separate turkey giveaway; staff to compile report

A debate over event-hosting norms dominated the latter portion of the Hawthorne City Council meeting as members revisited a May resolution that reserves city‑organized events to staff and the city manager.

The dispute began after social-media posts revealed a councilmember had conducted a separate turkey giveaway contemporaneous with an Operation Gobble event the city and Chamber were operating. Council members said the separate giveaway depleted the Chamber’s supply and bypassed the prior agreement that the city and Chamber would conduct a joint giveaway. Councilmember Faye Johnson and others said such unilateral actions with city resources undermine staff and create a coercive workplace environment.

Mayor Vargas restated the council’s May direction: elected officials may propose agenda items and make proclamations but may not use city staff, city property, or city funds to host or promote private or individually organized events that have not been formally adopted by the council. Councilmembers discussed HR complaint pathways for employees who feel pressured.

Action taken: The council voted to direct staff to compile a written report that reviews the May meeting’s motions and clarifies the city’s current event policy, any gaps in implementation, and recommended enforcement steps. The motion passed on a recorded voice vote among the members present.

Ending: Councilmembers emphasized transparency and staff protection; the city manager said he will review the meeting record and return a staff report for council consideration in January.