Brief

Councilmember Tim McOsker introduced a motion directing the city to establish electronic notification protocols and coordination procedures for responding to infrastructure emergencies like the power pole incident on I-110 at Gaffey Street. The motion, seconded by Ysabel Jurado, calls for clarified response timelines and better inter-department communication during such events. The Transportation Committee approved it on March 11, 2026, and Council adopted the motion unanimously 12-0-3 on March 25, 2026. The file remains open pending potential reconsideration.

Full summary

On February 18, 2026, a fallen power pole caused a complete closure of Interstate 110 near Gaffey Street in San Pedro — the sole arterial route out of the harbor area for that community. The closure required a multi-agency emergency response and exposed significant gaps in how City and State agencies coordinate during infrastructure failures on state freeway facilities. A key problem surfaced during the incident: City staff requested portable changeable message signs from LADOT to assist with traffic control and public notification, and were told none were available for deployment. Two days later, Councilmember Tim McOsker introduced a motion directing Caltrans, LADOT, and LADWP — in coordination with the Emergency Management Department, LAPD, and other relevant agencies — to report back within 30 days on five specific items: a full timeline of the I-110/Gaffey response including agency roles and communication protocols used; the availability and protocols for electronic notifications to residents during road disruptions; a citywide inventory and deployment status of portable changeable message signs and other mobile traffic control equipment; existing coordination protocols with Caltrans for incidents on state freeway facilities within City limits, including which agency is responsible for what; and any recommendations to improve resource availability, interagency coordination, and resident communication for future incidents. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Ysabel Jurado and referred to the Transportation Committee, which approved it on March 11, 2026, after taking public comment. The full Council adopted the motion 12-0-3 on March 25, 2026, with final action recorded March 28. The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council submitted a Community Impact Statement in May 2026. Agency reports in response to the 30-day reporting directive have not yet appeared in the file record, and the file remains open.

Activity (7)

• 2026-05-07 Community Impact Statement submitted by Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council.
• 2026-03-28 Council action final.
• 2026-03-25 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.
• 2026-03-20 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on March 25, 2026.
• 2026-03-11 Transportation Committee approved item(s) .
• 2026-03-06 Transportation Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on March 11, 2026.
• 2026-02-20 Motion referred to Transportation Committee.

Documents (5)

• 2026-05-07 Community Impact Statement submitted by Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council · cis
• 2026-03-28 Council Action · council_action
• 2026-03-11 Report from Transportation Committee · report
• 2026-03-11 Speaker Card(s) · speaker_card
• 2026-02-20 Motion · motion