Council approves consent items, reads dozens of settlements and hears public comment on worker safety and policing

The City Council completed a packed agenda that included approval of multiple consent items, reading and voting on settlement recommendations, and a public-comment period that raised workplace safety and policing concerns.

The clerk read recommended settlements for items 28–52, listing amounts case by case. Among the figures read into the record were recommended expenditures up to $135,000 for Crystal Shin et al.; up to $425,000 for Marcia McAdoo v. City of Los Angeles; a recommendation to expend up to $5,040,417.46 plus interest for Lillian Carranza v. City of Los Angeles; and an item for Los Angeles Times Communications with a recommendation up to $1,551.42. The clerk completed the list and the Council recorded the roll vote as 11 ayes in favor of the recommended expenditures.

During general public comment, workers and advocates urged better enforcement of worker rights and safety. Elsa Sanchez identified herself and said she works at McDonald’s in Los Angeles and urged support for the fair workers wage ordinance and for worker trainings: "As workers, it is very important for us to know our rights ... I got hurt at work. I didn't know that I could file a complaint." Michael Diggin, a shop steward for IBEW Local 18, testified about policing tactics and alleged excessive force: "I personally have been shot by a 40 millimeter foam round and have seen massive use of tear gas," he said, and urged council action to rein in LAPD conduct.

On procedural items, the council adopted the budget and finance committee report on item 10 after closed session and recorded votes on other separate items (item 11 recorded as 9 ayes, 3 noes). The clerk announced items continued or scheduled for second readings where required, and the council concluded with adjourning motions and memorials.