Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
COPA for Unincorporated Los Angeles County
- The Board approved a motion to advance a phased Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) for unincorporated areas.
- Staff directed to report back in 180 days with a program ordinance, public education strategy, and funding source identification.
- The program allows mission-driven organizations to receive notice and purchase opportunities for rental properties with five or more units.
- Public comment included support from tenant advocates and opposition from real estate associations regarding regulatory burdens.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Restoring Measure J Protections
- The Board approved a motion to correct an administrative error that inadvertently repealed Measure J following the passage of Measure G.
- The amendment moves Measure J to a new charter section to prevent future repeal and explicitly prohibits the County Executive from vetoing the set-aside.
- Supporters emphasized the need to honor voter intent for care-first community investment, while one supervisor raised concerns about transparency regarding the error.
- Public comment largely supported the restoration of funding for re-entry services and case management.
Passed 4–0 · abstained: Barger
Boyle Heights Commercial Building Fire
- The Board approved a five-signature letter to Lineage requesting a written response within 48 hours regarding resources, housing assistance, and remediation.
- Staff reported that debris removal has resumed under Lineage’s subcontractor, with air toxic levels consistent with pre-fire baselines despite elevated odors.
- Economic relief efforts include facilitating SBA loans, unlocking $2 million in assistance, and establishing a WorkShare program for affected businesses.
- The County is working to determine the cause of the fire and will pursue cost recovery from responsible parties once community needs are addressed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Closed Session
- The Board convened to discuss anticipated litigation, consider candidates for the interim director of the Department of Children and Family Services, and confer with labor negotiators.
- No reportable actions were taken on any of the closed session items.
Full summary
Opening and Administrative Matters
- The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgement, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Executive Officer read the agenda, noting that Items 4, 7, and A1 were held for discussion. The Board approved the meeting order, which prioritized public comment on non-held items, followed by discussion of Items 4 and 7, Item A1, general public comment, and closed session. The Code of Conduct was read to the public.
Consent Calendar (Items 1–3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10–41, 1D–3D)
- Public comment was received on various consent items, including Item 3 (proclaiming July 2026 as Parks Make Life Better Month) and Item 6 (permanent funding for the Public Health Councils program). Speakers expressed support for both initiatives.
- Motion: Supervisor Hahn moved, seconded by Supervisor Barger, to approve the consent calendar items with exceptions noted by the Executive Officer.
- Vote: The motion carried.
Agenda Item 4: Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) for Unincorporated Los Angeles County
- Supervisor Solis introduced the motion, co-authored by Supervisor Mitchell, to advance a phased approach implementing COPA for unincorporated areas. The motion directs the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) and relevant departments to report back in 180 days with a COPA program ordinance and public education strategy. It also directs a reassessment of the 2023 DCBA/HRNA Advisors report within 120 days and requests the County Executive Office to identify potential funding sources within 180 days. The program would allow mission-driven organizations, such as community land trusts and non-profit developers, to receive notice and an opportunity to purchase rental properties with five or more units when offered for voluntary sale.
- Staff from DCBA and the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) explained the previous engagement process, which included stakeholder sessions with tenant advocates, property owners, and developers. They outlined plans to pre-qualify a bench of potential purchasers based on financial capacity and mission alignment. Staff noted that the program does not cap purchase prices or force sales but creates a fair process for voluntary transactions. They referenced models from San Francisco and Washington, D.C., to inform timelines that minimize market delays.
- Supervisor Barger asked for clarification on the definition of "mission-driven" organizations and inquired about potential conflicts with other housing funds. Staff confirmed that the program aims to leverage existing resources and that DCBA is coordinating with LACDA on Altadena recovery efforts. Supervisor Barger requested regular progress updates prior to the final ordinance report.
- Supervisor Mitchell emphasized the importance of the notice provision for tenants and mission-driven entities, noting that the motion is not about eminent domain but about leveling the playing field against corporate buyers. He requested that the report back consider options for co-listing properties on the open market while providing notice to eligible purchasers and including the county as an eligible purchasing entity.
- Public comment was received from numerous individuals and organizations. Speakers in support of the motion included representatives from various community land trusts and tenant advocacy groups. They argued that TCOPA provides a fair market opportunity for tenants and community organizations to purchase buildings before speculative investors, thereby preventing displacement and preserving community stability. Several speakers shared personal anecdotes of displacement or near-displacement when buildings were sold to corporate investors. Supporters emphasized that the policy does not force sales below market value but rather creates a structured opportunity for community ownership.
- Speakers opposing the motion included representatives from real estate associations and apartment owners associations. They argued that the proposal adds regulatory burdens, delays transactions, and increases costs without creating new housing units. Opponents stated that the most effective solution to housing affordability is increasing housing supply and reducing barriers to development. They expressed concern that the policy would discourage private investment in rental housing, create uncertainty for owners and lenders, and impose significant administrative costs on the county. Some opponents suggested alternative approaches, such as focusing on mobile home parks or using county funds to bridge financing gaps.
- Other public comments included requests for enhanced transparency regarding beneficial ownership, concerns about the impact on small landlords, and calls for fair wages as a complementary solution to housing affordability. One speaker raised concerns about the lack of a beneficial owner registry for affordable housing units. Another speaker emphasized the importance of centering tenant stability and protecting vulnerable communities in the ordinance development.
- Supervisor Mitchell thanked the public commenters and requested that representatives from land trust organizations and tenants’ rights groups engage in conversation with realtors and property owners present in the foyer. She also asked the board to recall whether the Association of Government Leaders of Los Angeles (AGLA) took a formal position on the closure of Men’s Central Jail in 2020.
- Motion: The Chair moved to approve the item, seconded by Supervisor Mitchell.
- Vote: The motion carried.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Agenda Item 7: Restoring the Will of Los Angeles County Voters at the Ballot Box
- Supervisor Mitchell, the item’s holder, explained that the motion addresses a clerical and administrative error that resulted in the repeal of Measure J following the passage of Measure G. She stated that the motion directs the County Council to fold two protections into the charter amendment already underway regarding the Ethics Commission: moving Measure J to a new section of the charter to prevent its repeal in 2028, and explicitly requiring the elected county executive to follow Measure J, including prohibiting a veto of the Measure J set-aside through the budget process.
- Supervisor Horvath, co-author of the motion, expressed support, stating that the motion honors the mandates of both Measure J and Measure G.
- Supervisor Barger stated that while she supports the correction of the oversight, she opposed Measure G due to a lack of stakeholder engagement and transparency. She expressed concern that adding this language to the Ethics Commission ballot measure without full disclosure to voters about the error sets a concerning precedent.
- Supervisor Hahn, a co-author of the Measure G ballot measure, stated that the repeal of Measure J was an unintended consequence. She supported the motion, noting that the charter amendment will ensure both the Board of Supervisors and the County Executive are responsible for Care First Community Investment implementation and that the County Executive cannot veto the board’s recommendations.
- The Chair expressed support for the motion, noting it corrects an administrative oversight and reaffirms the county’s commitment to care-first policies.
- Public comment was received from numerous individuals and representatives from community organizations. Speakers generally expressed support for the item, citing personal experiences with incarceration, the importance of stable funding for case management and re-entry services, and the need to ensure Measure J commitments remain permanently reflected in the county charter. Several speakers stated that Measure J funds life-saving services and that an administrative error should not override voter intent. Others noted that Measure J funding supports services for hundreds of people annually and enabled programs such as expungement and housing initiatives. Speakers also highlighted the disproportionate impact of incarceration and houselessness on the TGI community and urged the board to protect Measure J to support low-income communities. Some speakers questioned who created the administrative error and urged the closure of Men’s Central Jail. One speaker expressed opposition, arguing that jails are essential and that the historical failure to fund the system commensurate with its mission was a self-fulfilling prophecy. Another speaker raised unrelated issues regarding mail-in ballots before being directed to the general public comment queue.
- Motion: Supervisor Mitchell moved to approve the item, seconded by Supervisor Horvath.
- Vote: The motion carried.
Passed 4–0 · abstained: Barger
Agenda Item A1: Proclaimed Local Emergency – Boyle Heights Commercial Building Fire
- The Chair held the item for an update on the fire emergency in Boyle Heights/East Los Angeles. The Chair noted that while the main fire has been extinguished, significant debris remains, posing potential public health risks. The Chair highlighted the county’s response efforts, including the distribution of over 9,000 air purifiers, food, water, and masks, as well as the deployment of approximately 74 disaster service workers. The Chair inquired about the status of cleanup, debris removal, and the timeline for the continued presence of disaster service workers.
- Kevin McGowan, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, reported that the facility transition has moved fully to the responsible party, Lineage. He stated that Lineage’s subcontractor has brought in an incident management team for debris removal and stabilization. He confirmed that debris removal operations had resumed after a brief pause and that plans are being pre-approved by regulatory groups, including the Department of Public Works, Department of Public Health, and the Fire Department. McGowan indicated that the county is working to determine the specific timeline for the continued deployment of disaster service workers, noting that the initial target date may be extended.
- Jason Lowe, Deputy Executive Officer for the Monitoring Analysis Division at South Coast AQMD, reported on air quality monitoring efforts. He stated that over 240 air filters have been distributed to community members. Lowe explained that AQMD is reviewing daily data provided by Lineage’s contractor and conducted mobile measurements for volatile organic compounds. He reported that air toxic levels were consistent with pre-fire baselines, though odor compounds were elevated up to 25 times higher than normal. Lowe stated that AQMD is committed to continuing measurements and has input into the contractor’s community air monitoring plan.
- Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health, addressed health impacts and evacuation protocols. She noted that while air toxic levels are not alarming, smoke and nuisance odors pose health risks, including nausea, nosebleeds, and irritation. She stated that Public Health issued a directive to Lineage in late June to implement a community mitigation plan, including provisions for temporary relocation of affected residents. Ferrer explained that evacuation orders are issued by law enforcement within the incident command structure, which in this case was led by LA City Fire and LAPD, with the county serving as an assisting agency. She recommended that residents stay indoors with windows closed, use air purifiers with activated charcoal filters, or relocate to county facilities if possible.
- Anthony Moroney, Fire Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, confirmed that the county fire department was an assisting agency to the City of Los Angeles, which had jurisdiction. He noted that county personnel helped fight the fire and monitor air quality.
- Mario Treseras, Chief of Health Hazardous Materials for the Fire Department, detailed the initial response to an ammonia leak and lithium-ion battery concerns, which led to shelter-in-place orders. He reported that methane gas levels were found to be below hazardous thresholds. Treseras stated that the facility is being covered with plastic and misters are being used to mitigate odors. He confirmed that the deodorant product used has a safety data sheet indicating no public health concerns when highly diluted.
- Luis Ramirez, Deputy Director at LA County Public Works, described the department’s role in protecting water quality in the LA River and storm drains. He reported that initial water testing showed low pH and oxygen levels, potentially linked to fish die-offs, but conclusive evidence of long-term contamination is pending. Ramirez explained that Public Works is reviewing Lineage’s waste management plan, including the segregation of debris and haul routes to minimize traffic impacts and ensure proper disposal. He noted that some debris has already been removed and disposed of, and that haul routes are being made public as they are approved.
- Jessica Kim, Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, outlined economic relief efforts. She reported that the department is facilitating SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, with eight applications completed and five ready for submission. She also mentioned efforts to unlock $2 million in additional assistance and workforce funds for job training and subsidized employment. Kim stated that the department is working with philanthropic partners to secure further funding for long-term economic recovery.
- Staff reported on ongoing efforts to support the community following the fire at the Lineage warehouse. Key points included:
- Claims Process: Staff are working with the County Council and the City to establish a claims process. Technical assistance will be provided to help residents and businesses submit complete applications, with support available in multiple languages. Similar efforts are underway for the East LA oil spill.
- Outreach: Staff are canvassing businesses in Boyle Heights and East LA. Over 50 businesses have been contacted so far. Preliminary findings indicate that approximately one-third of contacted businesses have suffered smoke damage, one-third have experienced workforce impacts, and one-third have had supply chain disruptions or inability to fully operate.
- WorkShare Program: A WorkShare program is available for businesses reducing hours, allowing workers to earn full wages through county resources and grants.
- County Cost Recovery: County Counsel stated that the County is working with an expert to determine the cause of the fire and identify responsible parties. Once community needs are addressed and costs are gathered, the County Council will pursue cost recovery from responsible parties, similar to processes used in previous incidents.
- Current Status: No formal claims process is established yet. The County Council cannot represent individual claims; residents must direct individual claim inquiries to other agencies.
- Motion: The Chair moved to approve the item, which included sending a five-signature letter to Lineage requesting a written response within 48 hours. The letter requests ongoing resources and financial support for community response centers, support for essential community responses including temporary and long-term housing assistance, a smoke and toxin remediation program at no cost to residents and business owners, funding for community health clinics, financial support for community-based organizations, creation of a dedicated multilingual hotline and claim center, participation in community meetings, comprehensive plans for material removal, identification of certified waste haulers, and publication of operating hours and daily truck haul numbers.
- Second: Supervisor Hahn seconded the motion.
- Vote: The motion carried.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
General Public Comment
- Remote speakers raised concerns regarding the closure of Men’s Central Jail and funding for the District Attorney and courts. A representative from the East L.A. Boyle Heights Coalition expressed concern over the handling of legacy contamination sites and recent environmental catastrophes. A resident of unincorporated East Los Angeles criticized the lack of urgency in the response, noting that requests for air purifiers were limited to business hours despite 24/7 toxic fumes. One speaker requested that the Board provide translation for speakers using foreign languages and raised concerns about air quality in District 2.
- In-person speakers included representatives from the East Rancho Dominguez Neighborhood Association who requested additional funding for the Department of Economic Opportunity to enforce street vending ordinances. A barbershop owner in Rancho Dominguez requested a solution to street vending congestion and parking issues affecting small businesses. A resident of Sylmar highlighted the impact of the Lineage fire on a five-mile radius, listing 15 affected cities and neighborhoods, and emphasized the need for evacuation and support for families locked indoors. One speaker presented a philosophical statement regarding the scientific method and personal experience. A lawyer and political scientist from Venezuela thanked the Board for supporting Venezuelan refugees and requested a meeting to discuss the future of youth, immigrants, and first-generation Americans in the county. One speaker raised concerns about the response time for LAHOP requests, noting that outreach can take several days, and thanked staff for new training initiatives.
Adjournments
- The Board accepted multiple motions to adjourn in memory of the following individuals:
- Maria de Lara
- Eric Washington and Mia Bordenave Jenkins
- Thaddeus Clark
- Clive Davis
- Tony Melia
- Charles "Chuck" Hanchett
- Frank Thompson, Jr.
- Maria de Jesus Mendoza ("La Chuchana")
- Paul Helfer
- Yolanda Espinoza Correa
- Kevin O'Malley
- Dale Harold Hetzel
- Frederick David Henry Williams
- Indigent Veterans: Luis Alfonso Garcia, Willard Arthur Weeks, Melvin Laverne Taylor, John David Boggs, Harvey D. McLeven, Brendan John Merholtz, Henry Raymond Devedal, Jerry Martin Hornstein, David Lawrence Dodson, Larry Edwin Salisbury, Roderick Rennell Breckenridge, and Robert Charles Peterson.
Closed Session
- The Board convened in closed session to discuss:
- CS2: Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation (one case).
- CS3: Public employment consideration of candidates for the position of interim director of the Department of Children and Family Services.
- CS4: Conference with labor negotiators Joseph M. Nikita and designated staff.
- CS5: Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation (one case).
- A video presentation recognizing the Youth at Work Parks and Recreation Program was shown during the closed session.
Return to Open Session
- The Chair called the meeting back to open session.
Report of Action from Closed Session
- The Executive Officer read the report of actions taken during the closed session held on July 7, 2026. The following items were reported:
- Item CS2: Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. No reportable action was taken.
- Item CS3: Public employment consideration of candidates for appointment to the position of interim director of the Department of Children and Family Services. No reportable action was taken.
- Item CS4: Conference with labor negotiators Joseph M. Nikita and designated staff. No reportable action was taken.
- Item CS5: Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation (one case). No reportable action was taken.
Adjournment
- The Chair announced that the next regular meeting would be held on July 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The Chair then adjourned the meeting.