Meeting started at 6:01 p.m.

Members Present: Grimmig, Kato, Khalfani, Mandel, Shannon, and Sirota (6); Absent: Avila, Estradas, Hisserich, Lemus, and Ossey (5); Vacant: Council Districts 6, 7, 10, and 12 (4)

Approval of the Minutes from November 9, 2020.

Minutes from the November 9, 2020 meeting were approved.

Motion: Sirota - Khalfani

Ayes: Grimmig, Kato, Khalfani, Mandel, Shannon, and Sirota (6); Absent: Avila, Estradas, Hisserich, Lemus, and Ossey (5)

Comments by Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, District Seven, relative to the possibility of establishing an independent health department for the City of Los Angeles, to address the needs of residents; and possible Commission action.

Councilmember Rodriguez discussed the costs associated with the City resources expended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the role of the Los Angeles Fire Department in the City's testing centers, and of the Los Angeles Police Department in placing homeless individuals in temporary shelters at the City's recreation centers; the impact of the County Health Orders on the City's businesses and communities of color; the lack of investment by and the need for equity in the health services provided by the County; and the need for better communication with the County; and responded to questions from the Commissioners.

Members Present:  Avila, Grimmig, Hisserich, Kato, Khalfani, Lemus, Mandel, Shannon, and Sirota (9); Absent:  Estradas and Ossey (2)

Comments by Council President Nury Martinez, District Six, relative to the possibility of establishing an independent health department for the City of Los Angeles, to address the needs of residents; and possible Commission action.

Council President Martinez was not able to join the meeting. Commissioner Shannon discussed sending a letter to the City Council on the need for a feasibility study on the establishment of an independent City Health Department.

Motion: Shannon - Grimmig

Ayes: Avila, Grimmig, Mandel, Shannon, and Sirota (5); Noes: Hisserich (1); Abstentions: Kato, Khalfani, and Lemus (3)

The motion was approved. A written motion will be sent to the City Council.

Discussion and possible action on a draft letter from Commissioner Shannon relative to public testimony provided at the November 9, 2020 meeting, by advocates of and unhoused people.

Commissioner Shannon discussed the draft letter. Several Commissioners questioned the need for the letter since it was a summary of the testimony provided at the November meeting, and did not offer recommendations for the City Council to consider. It was also noted that the Annual Report will be presented for discussion and adoption in the new year, and can include any recommendations identified. Commissioner Kato requested a few corrections. The Commissioners discussed approving the draft letter and sending it to the City Council on behalf of the Commission.

Motion: Shannon - Sirota

Ayes: Avila, Kato, Lemus, Shannon, and Sirota (5); Nays: Grimmig, Hisserich, Khalfani, and Mandel (4); Absent: Estradas and Ossey (2)

The motion was approved. A determination will be made as to whether all Commissioners need to sign the letter.

Items for future discussion.

Commissioner Kato discussed the need to follow-up with the Los Angeles Unified School District on its efforts to ensure students, particularly those in elementary school and those who are low-income, do not fall behind in their learning.

Members Present: Avila, Grimmig, Hisserich, Kato, Khalfani, Lemus, Mandel, Shannon, and Sirota (9); Absent: Estradas and Ossey (2)

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Motion: Grimmig - Kato

Ayes: Avila, Grimmig, Hisserich, Kato, Khalfani, Lemus, Mandel, Shannon, and Sirota (9); Absent: Estradas and Ossey (2)