Brief

The City Attorney has submitted a report on a lawsuit brought by Elizabeth Bliss Bley against the City of Los Angeles (Superior Court Case 24VECV05968). The underlying claim (C25-00535) was filed in 2025. The City Attorney's report was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee on May 20, 2026, where it awaits committee review and recommendation. No substantive details about the nature of the claim or amount in dispute are disclosed in the activity record.

Full summary

Elizabeth Bliss Bley is suing the City of Los Angeles over a trip and fall incident that occurred on May 2, 2024, on or near Van Nuys Boulevard approximately 40 to 50 feet north of Greenleaf Street. The lawsuit is pending in Los Angeles Superior Court. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, through Chief of Civil Litigation Kathleen Kenealy, submitted a report on May 7, 2026, recommending that the Council hold a closed session to receive legal advice about a potential Claims Board action in connection with the case. The City Attorney's request invokes California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), which authorizes closed-session discussions with legal counsel regarding pending litigation. The report was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee on May 20, 2026, where it awaits scheduling. The Board of Public Works Commission and its risk management staff were copied on the report, indicating the incident likely involves a city-maintained public right-of-way. No settlement amount or recommended disposition is disclosed in the public record, as those discussions are intended to occur in closed session. Deputy City Attorney Ruzan Stepanyan is handling the matter and is expected to be present when the committee takes it up. The file remains open and expires May 19, 2028.

Activity (2)

• 2026-05-20 City Attorney document(s) referred to Budget and Finance Committee.
• 2026-05-19 Document submitted by City Attorney, dated May 7, 2026.

Documents (1)

• 2026-05-07 Report from City Attorney · report