By Larry Caballero
A heated debate ensued at the June 22 Hawaiian Gardens City Council meeting when a resolution to amend the City Council’s Informational Handbook was discussed. In the beginning, Mayor Victor Farfan and Councilmembers Michi Oyama Canada and Mike Gomez believed that only the Mayor should be the official spokesperson for the City who could be interviewed by reporters.
Councilmembers Barry Bruce and Reynaldo Rodriguez disagreed. “All of us on the Council represent the City, and unlike two of the Councilmembers, we were elected—not appointed,” said Rodriguez. He wanted to know what the City would do if he, as a duly elected official of Hawaiian Gardens, chose to speak to a reporter anyway.
Bruce also had doubts about only the Mayor being the official spokesman for the city and asked, “What am I supposed to say to a reporter—that I’m only speaking for myself and not as a Councilmember?” Bruce didn’t think a reporter would accept that, and the whole idea was “silly and ridiculous.”
Mayor Farfan said that any of the Councilmembers could speak for the City, but he would be the official spokesperson since he was the Mayor. Final vote was 4-1 in favor with Councilmemmber Rodriguez in opposition.
The Council also debated a resolution authorizing a one-year agreement for reimbursement for helicopter patrol services by and between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the City of Lakewood-Sky Knight Program. When it was understood by all of the Councilmembers that the contract could be altered or amended, the resolution passed 5-0.
Some residents have complained in the past that the helicopter is too noisy when it is flying over their streets at 10:00 pm or later, but it was agreed that public safety was a more important concern.
Community Pride Awards
Awards were presented to Hawaiian Gardens residents and business owners in recognition of their beautifying their yards, homes and businesses. In the single family category a first place plaque and $250 gift certificate went to Marco Gomez, 12225 215th St.; second place plaque and a $250 gift certificate went to Gerardo and Leticia Macias, 21931 Elaine Ave.; and third place and a $150 gift certificate went to Kenny Blosfield, 12304 213 St.
Multi-family category first place and a $250 gift certificate was presented to Parkside Townhomes; second place and a $200 gift certificate to Hawaiian Gardens Apartments; and third place and $150 gift certificate to Cypress Villa Apartments.
In the Mobile Home category first place plaque and $250 gift certificate went to Linda Clegg and Don Count. Second place plaque and $200 gift certificate to Santos Sarmiento and third place plaque and $150 gift certificate to Leo Castillo and Luz Lopez/
In the commercial category first place and a $250 gift certificate went to El Pescador. Second Place plaque and $200 gift certificate to Piazza Family Restaurants also known as McDonald’s on Carson Street. Third place plaque was awarded to Stor America on Carson Street along with a $150 gift certificate.,
In other business the Council presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to Melbourne Elementary School Principal Kathy Olivas to help pay for school field trips.
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