On the agenda: Cudahy meeting — Flock camera (Oct 15)

This meeting will be conducted in person.

Emerita Flores, Chair
Emmanuel Carrera Ruedas, Vice Chair
Jazmin Hernandez, Commissioner
Channel Ruiz, Commissioner

Council Chambers/Bedwell Hall
5240 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, CA 90201

AGENDA
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
October 15, 2026 – 6:30 P.M.
Written materials distributed to the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission within 72 hours prior to the meeting shall
be available for public inspection at www.cityofcudahyca.gov.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting,
you should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (323) 773-5143 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

2.

ROLL CALL
Commissioner, Hernandez
Commissioner, Ruiz
Vice Chair, Carrera Ruedas
Chair, Flores

3.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

4.

PRESENTATIONS - NONE

5.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each member of the public may provide a public comment in person. In person participants must
submit one comment card if they wish to address the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission.
Only speakers that submit a comment card within the first 20 minutes of the meeting will be permitted
to speak. Members of the public are permitted to speak for three (3) minutes concerning items under
the Commission’s jurisdiction, including items on the council agenda.)
(Any person who, without authority of law, willfully disturbs or breaks up a Parks & Environmental
Justice Commission meeting is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Pen. Code, § 403).)

6.

COMMISSION COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS (Each Commissioner is limited
to three minutes.)
Page 1 of 3
Page 1 of 15

City of Cudahy
Parks & Environmental Justice Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda

October 15, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.

(This is the time for the Commissioners to comment on any topics related to Parks & Environmental
Justice Commission business, including announcements, responses to public comments, community
events, general concerns regarding City matters within the Commission’s jurisdiction, questions to
staff, and requests for future agenda items. Commissioners shall refrain from discussing items not
properly agendized in accordance with the Brown Act.)

7.

WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS - NONE
(Consideration to waive full text reading of all Resolutions by single motion made at the start of each
meeting, subject to the ability of the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission to read the full text
of selected resolutions when the item is addressed by subsequent motion.)

8.

CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of September 10, 2026, for the Regular
Meeting of the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission (page 5)
Presented by City Clerk/Secretary of the Commission
Recommendation:

9.

The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission is requested to review
and approve the Draft Minutes for September 10, 2026.

BUSINESS SESSION
A.

Discussion Regarding Parks & Environmental Justice Commission Collaborative Objectives and
Survey (page 11)
Presented by the City Manager
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission
review, discuss, identify, and select priorities for the submitted
collaborative objectives.

10. COMMISSION DISCUSSION
A. Commissioner, Ruiz
i. Flock cameras.
B. Chair Flores
i. Discuss youth appointments to the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission.
ii. Discuss tracking system or work plan for the commission to keep track of their priorities.
C. Commissioner, Hernandez
i. Discuss warehouses in the City of Cudahy.
Page 2 of 3
Page 2 of 15

City of Cudahy
Parks & Environmental Justice Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda

October 15, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.

11. ADJOURNMENT

I, Richard Iglesias, hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing agenda was posted on the City’s Website, City Hall, Clara Park, and Lugo Park not less than 72
hours prior to the meeting. A copy of said Agenda is on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
Dated this 12th day of October 2026

Richard Iglesias, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary of Commission

Page 3 of 3
Page 3 of 15

Blank Page

Page 4 of 15

“Serving the People”

"Sirviendo A La Comunidad"

Item Number

8A
STAFF REPORT
Date:

October 15, 2026

To:

Honorable Chairperson and Commissioners

From:

Richard Iglesias, City Clerk/Secretary of Commission

Subject:

Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of September 10, 2026,
for the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission

RECOMMENDATION
The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission is requested to review and approve the Draft
Minutes for September 10, 2026.
BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS
On August 17, 2022, the City Council approved Resolution No. 22-51 establishing the Parks
and Environmental Justice Commission.
In accordance with Section VIII (Meetings) of Resolution No. 22-51, a record of the proceedings
(minutes) of The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission shall be made available for
inspection at the next scheduled meeting.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission approve the attached
Draft Minutes of the proceedings held on September 10, 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No Financial Impact.

Staff Report
10/15/2026

Page 1 of 2
Page 5 of 15

“Serving the People”

"Sirviendo A La Comunidad"

ATTACHMENT
A. September 10, 2026, Draft Minutes

Staff Report
10/15/2026

Page 2 of 2
Page 6 of 15

MINUTES
CUDAHY PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
September 10, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
City Clerk/Secretary of Commission Richard Iglesias called the meeting to order at 6:31
p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:

Commissioner, Hernandez
Commissioner, Ruiz
Vice Chair, Carrera Ruedas
Chair, Flores

ALSO PRESENT:

City Manager, Christopher R. Lopez, City Clerk/Secretary of
Commission, Richard Iglesias

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Vice Chair Carrera Ruedas motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by
Commissioner Ruiz. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

Hernandez, Ruiz, Carrera Ruedas, and Flores
None
None
None

4. PRESENTATIONS - NONE
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS - NONE
6. COMMISSION COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGEN
DA ITEMS
Vice Chair Carrera Ruedas commented that on the weekend there will be a Cudahy Clean
Up where youth will be helping, expressed excitement for youth engagement, and
wondered how youth can engage in the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission
and its priorities, expressed excitement for the Cudahy Park Project continuing, and
mentioned being interested in a time capsule to celebrate the idea of parks.

Parks and Environmental Justice Commission Minutes of 09/10/2026

Page 1 of 3
Page 7 of 15

Commissioner Ruiz requested to add a future agenda item regarding Flock Cameras in
neighboring environments, specifically if the City Council is not working on banning them,
because they are an environmental and privacy hazard to residents; mentioning that other
communities are trying to ban them.
Chair Flores requested to add a discussion item to the next agenda on how youth
members can be appointed to the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission and
asked about age requirements; also requested to create a tracking system or work plan
for the commission to keep track of their priorities, what stage they are in, and actions.
7. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS - NONE
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of July 16, 2026, for the
Regular Meeting of the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission
Presented by City Clerk/Secretary of Commission
Recommendation: The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission is requested to
review and approve the Draft Minutes for July 16, 2026.
Motion: Commissioner Ruiz motioned to approve Consent Calendar item A, seconded
by Vice Chair Carrera Ruedas. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

Hernandez, Ruiz, Carrera Ruedas, and Flores
None
None
None

9. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Discussion Regarding Parks & Environmental Justice Commission: Collaborative
Framework for Developing Recommendations to the City Council
Presented by the City Manager
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Parks & Environmental Justice
Commission discuss and provide input on a collaborative framework for identifying
community concerns, conducting research, engaging appropriate partners, developing
recommendations, and advancing measurable actions for consideration by the Mayor and
City Council.
- No Action Taken, Discussion and Input Only -

Parks and Environmental Justice Commission Minutes of 09/10/2026

Page 2 of 3
Page 8 of 15

B. Update on Data Centers in the City of Cudahy
Presented by City Clerk/Secretary of Commission
Recommendation: The Parks & Environmental Justice Commission is requested to
receive an update on the City of Cudahy prohibiting Data Centers.
- No Action Taken, Update Only 10. COMMISSION DISCUSSION
A. Commissioner, Hernandez
i. Discuss safety regulations for current warehouses in the City of Cudahy.
ii. Discuss an AI usage campaign for community members to show the negative
impact using AI has on the environment.
B. Vice Chair, Carrera Ruedas
i. Discuss Lugo Park entrance.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

Emerita Flores
Chairperson

ATTEST:

Richard Iglesias
City Clerk/Secretary of Commission

Parks and Environmental Justice Commission Minutes of 09/10/2026

Page 3 of 3
Page 9 of 15

Blank Page

Page 10 of 15

“Serving The People”

"Sirviendo A La Comunidad"

Item Number

9A
STAFF REPORT
Date:

October 15, 2026

To:

Parks and Environmental Justice Commission

From:

Christopher Lopez, City Manager

Subject:

Discussion Regarding Parks & Environmental Justice Commission Collaborative
Objectives and Survey

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission review, discuss, identify,
and select priorities for the submitted collaborative objectives.
BACKGROUND
On September 10, 2026, the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission discussed the need to
identify and prioritize the issues that will guide the Commission’s work and be forwarded to
the Mayor and City Council. The discussion focused on establishing a strategic direction for the
Commission, helping coordinate requests, and providing a clear path for addressing community
concerns.
To facilitate this process, Commissioners were asked to submit their proposed priorities and
related items for consideration at a subsequent meeting. Commissioners also expressed
interest in obtaining input from community members to better understand local concerns and
help inform the Commission’s proposed priorities. Staff has compiled the proposed priorities
and community questionnaire questions submitted for consideration and included them in this
report.
The purpose of this agenda item is to establish an initial understanding or the Commission’s
proposed work before undertaking research, engaging outside partners, or developing
recommendations across multiple subject areas. Establishing initial priorities will allow the
Commission to focus its efforts, better utilize available staff and community resources, and
develop a more coordinated approach to addressing environmental justice and park-related
concerns.
Staff Report
10/15 /2026

Page 1 of 5

Page 11 of 15

“Serving The People”

"Sirviendo A La Comunidad"

The Commission serves in an advisory capacity. Accordingly, the Commission’s proposed
priorities will be presented to the City Council for consideration and formal direction before
the Commission proceeds with its longer-term work program.
ANALYSIS
Proposed Commission Priority Areas
Based on feedback provided by Commissioners, the following priorities have been submitted
to the City Manager’s Office for discussion and consideration:
1. Air quality
2. Clean and reliable drinking water - this includes protection from competing industrial
demands such as AI water consumption, pipes, aging infrastructure
3. Equitable access to green spaces and tree canopy
4. Land use zoning
5. AI education
6. Climate resilience and disaster preparedness - includes flood mitigation, cooling centers,
emergency response, resilience planning
7. Transparency and accountability regarding environmental data/enforcement - public
dashboards or reporting on pollution, code violations, etc.
8. Community education around environmental justice issues
9. Clean and safe parks
10. Park programming - bring additional events requested by community and expand on
recurring events such as night markets, farmers markets, fitness classes, cultural festivals,
etc.
These proposed priorities reflect a range of environmental justice, public health, infrastructure,
land use, park maintenance, and community programming interests. While each may warrant
consideration, pursuing all areas simultaneously may limit the Commission’s ability to develop
a focused and effective work program.
The Commission’s discussion should therefore focus on identifying which priorities are most
important to address first. Commissioners may rank the proposed priorities, identify a smaller
set of initial focus areas, and discuss whether additional priorities should be considered.
The intent is to establish a recommended starting point for the Commission’s work rather than
exclude other issues from future consideration. Priorities not selected for immediate attention
may be revisited as the Commission’s work progresses, new information becomes available,
and community needs are better understood.
Proposed Community Questionnaire
Commissioners also expressed interest in soliciting feedback from community members
regarding environmental justice concerns and potential priority areas. The following questions
Staff Report
10/15 /2026

Page 2 of 5

Page 12 of 15

“Serving The People”

"Sirviendo A La Comunidad"

were submitted to the City Manager’s Office for consideration in developing a community
questionnaire:
1. How familiar are you with the term environmental justice?
2. Which of the following environmental justice issues concerns you the most in your
neighborhood? (Options, can select three: air quality, water quality, extreme heat,
flooding, traffic pollution, industrial pollution, lack of green spaces, other)
3. How safe do you feel drinking tap water in your home?
4. How safe do you feel using tap water for everyday household tasks such as washing your
hands, washing dishes, showering or bathing?
5. How would you rate the air quality in your neighborhood?
6. Do you have easy access to a park or green spaces? (within a 10-minute walk)
7. Do you feel the parks in Cudahy are well maintained?
8. How prepared do you feel your household is for extreme weather-related events such as
heat waves or floods?
9. Would you be interested in learning more about what environmental justice is and how
this impacts your day-to-day life?
10. Have you ever tried to raise a climate/environmental justice concern with city officials?
The questionnaire is intended to help the Commission better understand residents’ concerns,
experiences, and interests. The results may provide additional information for consideration
when establishing or refining the Commission’s proposed priorities.
The Commission should review the proposed questions and provide feedback on whether the
questionnaire is ready to be finalized or requires revisions before distribution. The discussion
should also consider how community feedback will inform the Commission’s recommendations
to the Mayor and City Council.
Establishing a Focused Work Program
Once the Commission identifies its recommended initial priorities and provides feedback on
the questionnaire, staff can support the next phase of work through a structured and
collaborative process.
For each priority ultimately authorized to advance through the City Council’s direction, the
Commission can identify the specific concern to be addressed, determine what information and
research are needed, identify appropriate agencies and community partners, and develop
potential recommendations or actions for consideration by the Mayor and City Council.
This approach will allow the Commission to move from identifying broad areas of interest to
developing informed, practical, and measurable recommendations. It will also provide a
consistent process for evaluating progress and communicating results.
The initial priorities identified by the Commission will be presented to the City Council alongside
Staff Report
10/15 /2026

Page 3 of 5

Page 13 of 15

“Serving The People”

"Sirviendo A La Comunidad"

the community feedback, as available, for consideration and formal direction. The City Council
may affirm, modify, reprioritize, or add to the proposed focus areas to ensure the Commission’s
work remains aligned with the City’s policy priorities and the Council’s expectations.
Following Council direction, the Commission can proceed with a focused work program
consistent with the priorities established by the City Council. The Commission may recommend
future adjustments as community feedback, research, available resources, and emerging
concerns inform its work, subject to applicable Council direction.
PROPOSED APPROACH
Staff recommends that the Commission use this meeting to complete two immediate tasks:
1. Identify and Rank Recommended Initial Priorities
Discuss the ten proposed priority areas submitted by Commissioners and determine which
areas should receive initial attention. The Commission should establish a ranked list or
otherwise identify a manageable set of recommended initial focus areas to present to the
Mayor and City Council.
2. Provide Feedback on the Community Questionnaire
Review the ten proposed questions and provide feedback to staff on any changes necessary
before the questionnaire is finalized and distributed to the community.
Following the Commission’s discussion, staff will finalize the questionnaire, gather community
feedback, and compile the results. Staff will then present the Commission’s recommended
priorities and available survey results to the Mayor and City Council for consideration and
formal direction regarding the Commission’s work program.
Once the City Council provides direction, staff and the Commission can begin applying a
collaborative framework to the authorized focus areas. This framework will include identifying
community concerns, conducting research, engaging appropriate partners, developing
recommendations, and identifying measurable actions for consideration by the Mayor and City
Council.

GOVERNANCE AND CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION
The Parks & Environmental Justice Commission serves in an advisory capacity providing policy
recommendations to the City Council on matters concerning parks and environmental justice
throughout the City of Cudahy. The Commission’s identification of initial priorities is intended
to help organize its work and provide a focused basis for community engagement, research,
and the development of recommendations.
Staff Report
10/15 /2026

Page 4 of 5

Page 14 of 15

“Serving The People”

"Sirviendo A La Comunidad"

The Commission’s ranking of proposed priorities does not, by itself, establish or authorize the
Commission’s long-term work program. The City Council will have the opportunity to affirm,
modify, reprioritize, or add to the proposed focus areas and provide formal direction regarding
the Commission’s work.
This process preserves the Commission’s role in identifying community concerns and
developing informed recommendations while ensuring its efforts remain aligned with the
policy priorities established by the City Council.
CONCLUSION
At the conclusion of this agenda item, the Commission should have:
1. Identified and ranked its recommended initial priority areas for presentation to the Mayor
and City Council.
2. Provided feedback on the proposed community questionnaire so staff can finalize and
distribute it.
3. Established the next steps for gathering community input and preparing the proposed
priorities and survey results for City Council consideration.
Following City Council review and formal direction, staff and the Commission can proceed with
a focused work program consistent with the Council’s direction. The resulting framework will
guide the Commission in researching selected concerns, engaging appropriate partners,
developing recommendations, and identifying measurable actions for consideration by the
Mayor and City Council.
The intended result is a focused, coordinated, and community-informed approach that allows
the Commission to concentrate its efforts on the issues identified as most important while
ensuring the City Council remains aligned with specific priorities as well.

Staff Report
10/15 /2026

Page 5 of 5

Page 15 of 15