CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: September 30, 2025

*The City Council Meeting scheduled for Oct 7 was moved to Sep 30.

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KEY ACTIONS & DECISIONS:

City Council Approves MOU with Phillips 66 to Guide Refinery Redevelopment Process

In a significant step for the City's economic future, the Council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Phillips 66 outlining procedures for potential redevelopment of the refinery site at 1520 E. Sepulveda Blvd. following its planned closure.

Under the new MOU, Phillips 66 agrees to:

• Submit a Development Agreement (DA) alongside any future redevelopment application.

• Include community benefits—such as financial contributions or infrastructure improvements—consistent with an independent economic analysis commissioned by the City.

• Provide data and information to the City and its consultants related to site conditions, cleanup efforts, and regulatory compliance.

The MOU also makes clear that Carson retains full discretion to approve or deny any future redevelopment project.

The agreement follows the Council’s recent decision to let the city’s moratorium on refinery site redevelopment expire. The MOU will begin once the moratorium expires on Oct. 18.

A special task force, consisting of Councilmember Rojas and Mayor Pro Tem. Hicks, will oversee the closure process and redevelopment planning, ensuring community input shapes the future of this major property. The refinery site represents one of the largest redevelopment opportunities in the South Bay region, and city officials are working to ensure the transition benefits Carson residents through job creation, environmental improvements, and responsible land use.

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Dial-A-Ride Service Future Uncertain After Council Deadlock

Senior transportation services face an uncertain future after the City Council failed to reach a decision on the city's Dial-A-Ride program. The current contract with Yellow Cab through Administrative Services Cooperative expires December 31, 2025, leaving just over two months to resolve the impasse.

The Council deadlocked 2-2 on multiple motions after Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes recused herself due to campaign contribution timing concerns. Staff had recommended switching to Uber Technologies Inc., which would increase annual costs from approximately $250,000 to $800,000. The proposed contract with Uber was for a five-year term with a two-year extension option, totaling up to $4 million over the initial term. However, many seniors expressed strong preference for retaining Yellow Cab, citing familiarity with drivers and concerns about navigating smartphone technology.

Council members and City staff raised valid concerns on both sides: Yellow Cab has faced complaints about late pickups and no-shows, while questions emerged about Uber's wheelchair-accessible vehicle availability and whether elderly residents could easily use the app-based system. A motion to continue the item to November also failed 2-2, creating urgency around finding a path forward before the current contract expires.

The service provides essential transportation for seniors and residents with disabilities who rely on it for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and maintaining independence.

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Major Traffic Safety Improvements Coming to Four Key Intersections

The City Council has approved a comprehensive $2.8 million project to upgrade traffic signals at four of Carson's busiest intersections. Alfaro Communications Construction Inc. will begin work in December on modernizing signals at Avalon Boulevard and Victoria Street, Main Street and Sepulveda Boulevard, Main Street and 223rd Street, and Figueroa Street and Torrance Boulevard.

The upgrades go beyond simple signal replacements. Residents can expect new signal poles, enhanced pedestrian safety features, new left-turn phases, bicycle detection, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and energy-efficient LED lighting at all four locations. The project is scheduled for completion by September 2026.

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Honoring Filipino American Heritage and Labor History

October brings important cultural recognitions to Carson, highlighting the city's commitment to celebrating diversity and labor history. The Council proclaimed October as Filipino American History Month, honoring Angela Baraquio Grey, Miss America 2001 and the first Asian-American and only Filipina winner of the title. Grey, a presidential appointee and published author, works as the principal at St. Anthony of Padua School in Gardena.

The Council also proclaimed October 25, 2025, as Larry Itliong Day, honoring the late labor leader's pivotal role in the 1965 Delano Grape Strike and the farm workers' rights movement. Councilmember Rojas presented the proclamation to this year's recipient, son of the labor icon, Johnny Itliong. Carson holds the distinction of being the only city to recognize Larry Itliong with an official holiday, underscoring the city's commitment to preserving labor history.

While a request to rename Carriage Crest Park to "Larry Itliong Park" was denied, with Mayor Davis-Holmes stating the park would retain its current name, the annual holiday ensures Itliong's legacy continues to be honored in Carson.

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Community Notes:

Property Acquisition: The City Council approved the purchase of property at 24205 Avalon Boulevard for $2.8 million, following closed session negotiations.

Public Safety: Captain Norman reported that Part 1 crimes are down 7.8%, reflecting ongoing efforts to keep Carson safe. The Sheriff's Department issued 159 traffic citations between August and September and held town hall meetings at Dominguez Park and Carson Community Center.

Electric Vehicle Initiative: The city launched an EV Charging Wallet Pilot Program with $86,000 in funding from Clean Power Alliance. The program offers 320 Carson households up to $250 in reimbursement for public charging at nine city park locations and the City's community Center. City residents interested in applying to the program can do so by clicking the link below: https://carsonca.gov/evprogram.php

Smart Transportation: The Council approved a $295,206 purchase order with Iteris, Inc. for equipment related to Project No. 1687 - Carson Street Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Project, which will bring advanced traffic management technology to Carson Street.

Wildlife Alert: Residents in the Dolores Street area between 220th and 223rd Streets have reported increased coyote activity and attacks on pets. The city's Public Safety Manager is coordinating response efforts with a professional coyote trapper on retainer.

Holiday Decorations: The Council approved enhanced holiday decorations for the 2025 winter season through an amendment with St. Nick's Christmas Lighting & Decor at a cost of $63,035.

Upcoming Events:

• October 10: Food giveaway at Dolphin Park, 9-11am

• October 16: District 3 Town Hall Meeting lead by Mayor Pro Tem Hicks at Anderson Park, 6:30pm

• October 22: Carson Veterans & Community Resource Fair, Carson Event Center, 9am-1pm

• October 26: Filipino American History Month celebration

• Late October: Women's Conference "All About Me"