LA Council Watch

← All files

Ronald Tull v. City of Los Angeles

Council File 26-1185

Under review — a lawsuit from a city forestry employee over alleged workplace discrimination is in active litigation, with the Budget and Finance Committee meeting in closed session to weigh legal advice on settlement options.

Introduced
2026-08-23
Last changed
2026-09-15
CFMS file status
File open See note on file status
Expires
2028-09-11
Committee
Budget and Finance Committee
Initiated by
City Attorney
References
City Attorney Report: R26-0432Los Angeles Superior Court Case: 23STCV16573

This is the City Clerk's status for the council file itself, not the outcome of the measure. A file often stays open after the Council has already adopted an item. The summary above reflects the latest recorded action.

Brief

The City Attorney has submitted a report regarding litigation case 23STCV16573, Ronald Tull v. City of Los Angeles, to the Budget and Finance Committee. The file appears to involve potential settlement, judgment, or claims payment authority. The matter has been discussed in closed session by the committee multiple times since August and remains pending before the committee as of September 15, 2026.

Full summary

This file involves a lawsuit filed by Ronald Tull, an Urban Forestry Division employee, against the City of Los Angeles, alleging violations of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The case is pending in Los Angeles Superior Court. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto submitted a report in July 2026 recommending that the City Council meet in closed session to receive legal advice and guidance on a potential Claims Board action related to the litigation. Because the matter involves active litigation and settlement discussions, the City Attorney invoked Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), which authorizes public agencies to confer with legal counsel in closed session on pending court cases. The report was prepared by the Civil Litigation Branch under Chief Kathleen Kenealy, with Deputy City Attorney Keimer Raymond serving as the contact for the matter. The Board of Public Works Commission and its risk management staff were copied on the report, indicating the case involves a City employee in a department under Public Works oversight. The file was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee in late August 2026. The committee discussed the matter in closed session on September 1, 2026, and continued it to September 15, 2026 for further review. The substantive details of any proposed settlement or Claims Board recommendation remain confidential, as is standard for active litigation handled in closed session. The file is open and does not expire until September 2028.

Activity (7)

  • 2026-09-15 Budget and Finance Committee discussed the matter in Closed Session.
  • 2026-09-11 Budget and Finance Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 15, 2026.
  • 2026-09-01 Budget and Finance Committee continued item to September 15, 2026 .
  • 2026-09-01 Budget and Finance Committee discussed the matter in Closed Session, and continued the item to September 15, 2026 .
  • 2026-08-28 Budget and Finance Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 1, 2026.
  • 2026-08-25 City Attorney document(s) referred to Budget and Finance Committee.
  • 2026-08-23 Document submitted by City Attorney, dated July 23, 2026.

Documents (1)

View on CFMS →