Glendale honors Rick Caruso as Tongva leaders give invocation

Mayor Najarian opened the Glendale City Council meeting Tuesday by inviting leaders of the Gabrielino Tongva nation to give an invocation and cultural remarks, saying the city wanted the ceremony to be a listening moment rather than a routine acknowledgement.

Chairwoman Sandone Goad introduced vice chairman Ed White and secretary Joseph Dominguez, who led an invocation and ancestors’ song and described the tribe’s long history in the Los Angeles Basin. Goad told the council the Gabrielino Tongva people seek rights of “self determination, self preservation and self governance” and expressed an interest in closer cultural collaboration with the city.

Later in the meeting Mayor Najarian presented the mayor’s medal of honor to Rick Caruso, recognizing him for “outstanding economic advancement and exemplary civic leadership.” Najarian credited Caruso with transforming Downtown Glendale through the Americana at Brand, citing visitation and sales figures provided during remarks.

Rick Caruso told the council he was honored and praised Glendale’s leadership and staff for a long partnership. He recounted early controversies around design elements on Brand Boulevard and framed the Americana as a sustained investment in downtown vibrancy.

Council members delivered brief congratulatory remarks. Council member Ossentoria said the Americana is a family destination and praised security improvements; other members recalled watching the development’s evolution and thanked Caruso for local investment.

The mayor said the city will continue to invite the Tongva nation to participate in cultural and multicultural events and promised further outreach and future opportunities for the tribe to address the council.

The presentation concluded with a short video highlighting downtown changes and a photo opportunity with tribal leaders and Caruso.