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Compton residents press council on code enforcement, transparency and call for city manager’s removal
Summary
During public comment at the Oct. 7 meeting, multiple residents urged stronger code enforcement, requested audit and transparency updates, complained about city clerk access, and a series of speakers demanded the removal of the city manager or questioned his conduct.
Compton — Public commenters at the City Council meeting on Oct. 7 used the allotted time to press elected officials on code enforcement, transparency and leadership concerns, and to announce community events.
Several residents described persistent code and safety issues. Marjorie Ship (Third District) thanked council staff for handling permit-parking enforcement but urged the city to begin issuing citations in January and to address an overgrown lot on Eastandre she said poses a safety hazard. “The only thing I have a concern about is the 24-hour … code enforcement. I’m hoping you can put people in there that will really enforce the codes,” Ship told the council.
Other speakers pressed transparency and audit questions. A resident identifying as Baneova (District 2) asked when the audit committee will meet and requested updated committee minutes and an update on overdue audit recommendations. Barbara Calhoun raised concerns about city clerk office hours after finding the clerk’s office locked when she attempted to purchase the charter; she asked whether the council had changed hours by ordinance or resolution.
Multiple speakers criticized the city manager and demanded accountability. Limbo said the city manager had referenced his name in a letter and argued the manager’s authority needs limits. Vanessa directly urged the council to remove the city manager, saying the public “want[s] him gone” and accusing council members of being afraid to act. Craig Henry, by contrast, defended city leadership and said the city appears cleaner and better run than in the past.
Other public comments included a development update: Van Scott of the Coalition for Responsible Community Development said construction has begun at 1434 West Compton Boulevard and announced a groundbreaking set for Nov. 6; Brent Reevas of the recreation department invited residents to Compton’s 70th annual Christmas parade on Dec. 13.
What residents requested Residents asked for: (1) a timeline and enforcement plan for permit parking and repeat code violations; (2) an audit committee meeting schedule and posted committee minutes; (3) a public accounting of attorney fees paid to date; and (4) clarity on development activity near neighborhood schools.
What the council said The mayor and city manager acknowledged the concerns and committed staff follow-up in several instances — for example, providing information about the 134th Street development at a future council meeting and promising a fuel and legal-fee accounting requested during public comment.
Next steps Council staff indicated follow-up items will be provided to council and residents, including the requested fuel usage breakdown and development information; no formal actions related to personnel were recorded on Oct. 7.
