Brief

The City Attorney initiated a file regarding litigation in Los Angeles Superior Court (Case 23STCV00379) involving a claim by Mark Gonzalez against the City of Los Angeles. The Budget and Finance Committee reviewed the matter on August 4, 2026, and approved it. On August 12, the full Council adopted a motion by Councilmembers Yaroslavsky and Blumenfield by a vote of 14-0-1. The file was transmitted to the Mayor on August 14, with a deadline for mayoral action by August 24, 2026.

Full summary

Council File 26-0993 involves a lawsuit stemming from a trip and fall incident on July 11, 2022, in which Mark Gonzalez was injured on a residential sidewalk near Avenue 60 and Echo Street in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Gonzalez filed suit against the City in Los Angeles Superior Court, and the case was handled by the City Attorney's office under City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. The City Attorney recommended settling the case and, on June 25, 2026, submitted a report requesting that the Council convene in closed session to discuss the matter as authorized under California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), which allows confidential attorney-client discussions regarding pending litigation. The file was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee, which reviewed and approved it in closed session on August 4, 2026. On August 12, the full Council adopted the settlement motion, introduced by Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky and seconded by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, by a vote of 14-0-1. The motion authorizes the City Attorney's office to pay up to $160,000 to settle the case in Fiscal Year 2026-27. The settlement funds are to be drawn from the Public Works, Street Services Liability Payouts account, with the Controller directed to transfer $160,000 from the Miscellaneous Liability Payouts account to cover it. Payment of $160,000 is to be made to LA Century Law and Mark Gonzalez. The file was transmitted to the Mayor on August 14, 2026, with a deadline for mayoral action of August 24, 2026. The matter remains open pending that action. The involvement of Public Works and Street Services in the fund transfer reflects the City's liability as the entity responsible for maintaining the sidewalk where the injury occurred.

Activity (6)

• 2026-08-14 City Clerk transmitted file to Mayor. Last day for Mayor to act is August 24, 2026.
• 2026-08-12 Council adopted Motion (Yaroslavsky - Blumenfield) in Open Session, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.
• 2026-08-04 Budget and Finance Committee approved the item in Open Session.
• 2026-07-30 Budget and Finance Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on August 4, 2026.
• 2026-07-10 City Attorney document(s) referred to Budget and Finance Committee.
• 2026-07-10 Document submitted by City Attorney, dated June 25, 2026.

Documents (3)

• 2026-08-12 Motion (Yaroslavsky - Blumenfield) · motion
• 2026-08-12 Speaker Card(s) · speaker_card
• 2026-06-25 Report from City Attorney · report

Council votes (1)

• 2026-08-12 Adopted in Open Session — 14-0-1 · Regular