On the agenda: Cudahy meeting — Data Center (Sep 10)

This meeting will be conducted in person.

Emerita Flores, Chair
Emmanuel Carrera Ruedas, Vice Chair
Jazmin Hernandez, Commissioner
Channel Ruiz, Commissioner

Council Chambers/Bedwell Hall
5240 Santa Ana Street
Cudahy, CA 90201

AGENDA
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
September 10, 2026 – 6:30 P.M.
Written materials distributed to the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission within 72 hours prior to the meeting shall
be available for public inspection at www.cityofcudahyca.gov.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting,
you should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (323) 773-5143 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

2.

ROLL CALL
Chair, Flores
Vice Chair, Carrera Ruedas
Commissioner, Hernandez
Commissioner, Ruiz

3.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

4.

PRESENTATIONS - NONE

5.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each member of the public may provide a public comment in person. In person participants must
submit one comment card if they wish to address the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission.
Only speakers that submit a comment card within the first 20 minutes of the meeting will be permitted
to speak. Members of the public are permitted to speak for three (3) minutes concerning items under
the Commission’s jurisdiction, including items on the council agenda.)
(Any person who, without authority of law, willfully disturbs or breaks up a Parks & Environmental
Justice Commission meeting is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Pen. Code, § 403).)

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City of Cudahy
Parks & Environmental Justice Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda

6.

September 10, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.

COMMISSION COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS (Each Commissioner is limited
to three minutes.)
(This is the time for the Commissioners to comment on any topics related to Parks & Environmental
Justice Commission business, including announcements, responses to public comments, community
events, general concerns regarding City matters within the Commission’s jurisdiction, questions to
staff, and requests for future agenda items. Commissioners shall refrain from discussing items not
properly agendized in accordance with the Brown Act.)

7.

WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS - NONE
(Consideration to waive full text reading of all Resolutions by single motion made at the start of each
meeting, subject to the ability of the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission to read the full text
of selected resolutions when the item is addressed by subsequent motion.)

8.

CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of July 16, 2026, for the Regular Meeting
of the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission (page 5)
Presented by City Clerk/Secretary of the Commission
Recommendation:

9.

The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission is requested to review
and approve the Draft Minutes for July 16, 2026.

BUSINESS SESSION
A. Discussion Regarding Parks & Environmental Justice Commission: Collaborative Framework for
Developing Recommendations to the City Council (page 11)
Presented by the City Manager
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission
discuss and provide input on a collaborative framework for identifying
community concerns, conducting research, engaging appropriate
partners, developing recommendations, and advancing measurable
actions for consideration by the Mayor and City Council.

B. Update on Data Centers in the City of Cudahy
Presented by City Clerk/Secretary of the Commission
Recommendation:

The Parks & Environmental Justice Commission is requested to receive an
update on the City of Cudahy prohibiting Data Centers
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City of Cudahy
Parks & Environmental Justice Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda

September 10, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.

10. COMMISSION DISCUSSION
A. Commissioner, Hernandez
i. Discuss safety regulations for current warehouses in the City of Cudahy.
ii. Discuss an AI usage campaign for community members to show the negative impact using AI
has on the environment.
B. Vice Chair, Carrera Ruedas
i. Discuss Lugo Park entrance.

11. ADJOURNMENT

I, Richard Iglesias, hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing agenda was posted on the City’s Website, City Hall, Clara Park, and Lugo Park not less than 72
hours prior to the meeting. A copy of said Agenda is on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
Dated this 7th day of September 2026

Richard Iglesias, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary of Commission

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Item Number

8A
STAFF REPORT
Date:

September 10, 2026

To:

Honorable Chairperson and Commissioners

From:

Richard Iglesias, City Clerk/Secretary of Commission

Subject:

Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of July 16, 2026, for the
Regular Meeting of the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission

RECOMMENDATION
The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission is requested to review and approve the Draft
Minutes for July 16, 2026.
BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS
On August 17, 2022, the City Council approved Resolution No. 22-51 establishing the Parks
and Environmental Justice Commission.
In accordance with Section VIII (Meetings) of Resolution No. 22-51, a record of the proceedings
(minutes) of The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission shall be made available for
inspection at the next scheduled meeting.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission approve the attached
Draft Minutes of the proceedings held on July 16, 2026, 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No Financial Impact.

Staff Report
09/10/2026

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ATTACHMENT
A. July 16, 2026, Draft Minutes

Staff Report
09/10/2026

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Attachment A

MINUTES
CUDAHY PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
July 16, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
City Clerk/Secretary of Commission Richard Iglesias called the meeting to order at 6:33
p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:

Commissioner, Hernandez
Commissioner, Ruiz
Vice Chair, Carrera Ruedas
Chair, Flores

ALSO PRESENT:

City Clerk/Secretary of Commission, Richard Iglesias

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Vice Chair Carrera Ruedas motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by
Commissioner Hernandez. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

Carrera Ruedas, Flores, Hernandez, and Ruiz
None
None
None

4. PRESENTATIONS - NONE
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS - NONE
6. COMMISSION COMMENTS / REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioner Hernandez requested an agenda item for the following meeting regarding
safety regulations for current warehouses in the City to see if they are up to date and
following guidelines.
Vice Chair Carrera Ruedas would like to add to the discussion about Lugo Park, regarding
the entrance.

Parks and Environmental Justice Commission Minutes of 7/16/2026

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7. WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS
Motion: Vice Chair Carrera Ruedas motioned to waive full reading of resolutions,
seconded by Commissioner Ruiz. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

Carrera Ruedas, Flores, Hernandez, and Ruiz
None
None
None

8. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consideration to Review and Approve the Draft Minutes of June 23, 2026, for the
Regular Meeting of the Parks and Environmental Justice Commission
Presented by City Clerk/Secretary of Commission
Recommendation: The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission is requested to
review and approve the Draft Minutes for June 23, 2026.
Motion: Commissioner Hernadez motioned to approve Consent Calendar item A,
seconded by Commissioner Ruiz. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

Carrera Ruedas, Flores, Hernandez, and Ruiz
None
None
None

9. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Adoption of Resolution Establishing the Place, Date, and Time for Regular Meetings
Presented by City Clerk/Secretary of Commission
Recommendation: The Parks & Environmental Justice Commission is requested to
adopt Resolution No. 26-02, establishing the place, date, and time for regular meetings.
Motion: Commissioner Ruiz motioned to adopt Resolution No. 26-02, seconded by
Commissioner Hernandez. Motion passed 4-0 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

Carrera Ruedas, Flores, Hernandez, and Ruiz
None
None
None

Parks and Environmental Justice Commission Minutes of 7/16/2026

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B. Review, discuss, and provide feedback regarding the request from the Commission to
the City Council to consider providing City resources to Cudahy Residents
Presented by City Clerk/Secretary of Commission
Recommendation: The Parks & Environmental Justice Commission is requested to
review, discuss, and provide feedback regarding the draft staff report requesting that the
City Council consider a program to provide City resources to Cudahy Residents, such as
air quality monitors, drinking water test kits, and air purifiers.
-No Motion, Discussion and Feedback Only 10. COMMISSION DISCUSSION
A. Commissioner, Ruiz
i. Discuss lighting in City boundaries, parks, and speed humps.
B. Vice Chair, Carrera Ruedas
i. Discuss Data Centers in the City of Cudahy
11. ADJOURNMENT
The Parks and Environmental Justice Commission meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

Emerita Flores
Chairperson

ATTEST:

Richard Iglesias
City Clerk/Secretary of Commission

Parks and Environmental Justice Commission Minutes of 7/16/2026

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Item Number

9A
STAFF REPORT
Date:

September 10, 2026

To:

Parks and Environmental Justice Commission

From:

Christopher R. Lopez, City Manager

Subject:

Discussion Regarding Parks & Environmental Justice Commission: Collaborative
Framework for Developing Recommendations to the City Council

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission discuss and provide
input on a collaborative framework for identifying community concerns, conducting research,
engaging appropriate partners, developing recommendations, and advancing measurable
actions for consideration by the Mayor and City Council.
BACKGROUND
On June 29, 2026, the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission held a special meeting to
discuss emergency response related to the Lineage fire and future planning.
ANALYSIS
At the special meeting, the Commission discussed air quality, water trickling from sewage
systems into the river, the effects on the community from the Lineage Warehouse fire, and
how to determine the impact on Cudahy residents.
Los Angeles County air quality is monitored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) using the Air Quality Index, which shows how clean or polluted the air is on a scale
of 0-500 with color-coded levels.
SCAQMD website to check air quality.
(https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a6a058a177440fdac6be881d41d4c2c/page/AirQuality).
Poor air quality poses health risks, especially for those with asthma and other respiratory
Staff Report
9/ 10/2026

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diseases. According to the American Lung Association, listed on their website
(https://www.lung.org/research/sota/health-risks), air pollution can harm children and adults
in many ways, including respiratory issues such as Wheezing, coughing, Shortness of breath,
Asthma attacks, worsening COPD, lung cancer, premature death, susceptibility to infections,
heart attacks, strokes, impaired cognitive functioning, metabolic disorders, preterm births, and
low birth weight.
Public water utility companies that provide services to the Cudahy community do their own
monitoring and testing of water but are regulated by the State. Water companies servicing
Cudahy residents are Tract 349 Mutual Water Company, Tract 180 Water Company, and Golden
State Water Company.
Staff supports the Commission's continued examination of environmental issues affecting the
Cudahy community, and the Commission's role provides an important opportunity for
residents to participate in identifying environmental concerns and developing
recommendations for consideration by the City Council.
At the same time, the broad scope of the Commission's responsibilities creates a need for a
more focused framework for determining how issues move from community concern to
research, collaboration, policy recommendation, and measurable action.
The current recommendation for air-quality monitors, water-testing kits, and air purifiers
illustrates this challenge. While these resources may provide value to residents, the
recommendation does not yet identify:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

the specific environmental problem the proposed program is intended to address;
the population or geographic area that would be served;
the environmental data supporting the proposed intervention;
whether existing monitoring programs or regulatory agencies already address the
identified concern;
how the proposed resources would be distributed and administered;
how test results or monitoring data would be evaluated;
which agency would have responsibility for responding to identified environmental
problems;
the estimated cost and ongoing operational requirements;
potential grant or partnership opportunities; or
the measurable outcome by which the success of the program could be evaluated.

This does not mean that the Commission's recommendation lacks merit. Rather, it
demonstrates the need for the Commission to develop a strategic and evidence-based
approach to its work.
The City should avoid placing the Commission in a position where it is expected to
Staff Report
9/ 10/2026

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immediately develop programs or recommend expenditures before sufficient research has
been completed. Conversely, the City should provide enough direction that the
Commission's work results in tangible recommendations rather than becoming a forum for
discussing environmental concerns without a defined path toward action.
Proposed Approach
Staff recommends that the Commission discuss a research-to-action framework for the
Commission.
Under this framework, the Commission would generally move through five stages:
1. Identify
• Identify an environmental or parks-related concern affecting Cudahy residents.
a. Examples may include air quality, water quality, waste management,
environmental impacts from industrial activity, park conditions, or
environmental impacts associated with a specific incident.
2. Research
• Gather available information and establish a basic understanding of the issue.
a. This may include reviewing existing government data, identifying applicable
regulations, reviewing information already collected by responsible agencies,
identifying gaps in available information, and determining whether additional
data is necessary.
3. Partner
• Engage the agency, utility, regulatory body, academic institution, nonprofit
organization, or other entity with appropriate technical expertise or jurisdiction.
a. For example, environmental-quality concerns may require coordination with
agencies such as SCAQMD, Los Angeles County, State regulatory agencies,
water providers, or other appropriate partners.
4. Recommend
• After completing its research, the Commission would develop a specific
recommendation for City Council consideration.
• A recommendation should identify:
a. the problem;
b. the evidence supporting the concern;
c. the proposed City action;
d. the responsible party;
e. estimated resources or funding needs;
f. potential partners or grant opportunities; and
g. the anticipated public benefit.
5. Measure
• Whenever possible, the Commission should identify an outcome that can be
evaluated.
a. For example, rather than recommending simply that the City "provide airStaff Report
9/ 10/2026

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quality monitors," a recommendation could seek to establish whether
localized air-quality monitoring would provide useful information in areas of
Cudahy where existing regional monitoring does not adequately characterize
conditions.
The resulting policy question would then be much more actionable:
a. Would a targeted community air-monitoring partnership provide information
that can identify environmental conditions or exposure patterns not
adequately captured by existing monitoring, and if so, what City action
should follow from the information collected?
b. That question gives the Commission something concrete to research and
gives the City Council a meaningful decision to make.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 22-51, establishing the Parks & Environmental Justice Commission

Staff Report
9/ 10/2026

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Attachment A
RESOLUTION NO. 22-51
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE PARKS
AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMISSION, AND
ADOPTING THE OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES FOR THE
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
WHEREAS, on April 5, 2022, the City of Cudahy ("City") adopted Ordinance No.
719, amending Chapter 2.32 (City Commissioners) of Title 2 (Administration and
Personnel) of the Cudahy Municipal Code ("Municipal Code"); and
WHEREAS, on July 19, 2022, the City adopted Resolution No. 22-45 dissolving
the Parks and Recreations Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED AND ORDERED BY
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and are
incorporated into this Resolution by reference.
SECTION 2. The Cudahy City Council hereby establishes the Parks and
Environmental Justice Commission.
SECTION 3. The Cudahy City Council hereby adopts the following City of Cudahy
Parks and Environmental Justice Commission Objectives and Rules:
"CITY OF CUDAHY
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMISSION OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES
I.

Purpose and Duties

The Cudahy Parks and Environmental Justice Commission is established for the
purpose of providing policy recommendations to the City Council on matters
concerning parks and environmental justice throughout the City of Cudahy.
The Commission will research and provide policy recommendations to the City
Council regarding:

•

Environmental issues in the community

•

Promotion of environmental awareness

•

The proper use of and care for parks and the natural environment

•

Environmental policies and action in the areas of air quality, land use, water
quality, waste management, flora and fauna and additional resources, such
as water and energy, when applicable

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Resolution No. 22-51
Page 2 of 4

II.

Qualifications
Commissioners shall meet the qualifications set forth for all Commissioners in
Chapter 2. 32 of the Cudahy Municipal Code.

Ill.

Appointment and Removal
Commissioners shall be appointed and removed pursuant to Chapter 2.32 of the
Cudahy Municipal Code.

IV.

Organization
The Commission shall elect its chairperson and vice chairperson from among its
members for a term of one year and, subject to other provisions of law , may create
and fill such other offices within its membership as it may determine are necessary
and convenient. Such officers shall hold their respective positions and status at the
pleasure of a majority of the Commission.
The Community Development Director or their designee will serve as the staff
liaison. The City Clerk's office will serve as the secretary for the Commission.

V.

Absences
All Commissioners must abide by the "Absences" section of Chapter 2.32 of the
Cudahy Municipal Code.

VI.

Vacancies
All Commissioners must abide by the "Vacancy" section of Chapter 2.32 of the
Cudahy Municipal Code.

VII.

Rules and Regulations
All Commissioners must abide by the "Code of Conduct ,, section of Chapter 2.32
of the Cudahy Municipal Code.
Commissioners may pass resolutions adding rules in addition to Chapter 2.32 of
the Cudahy Municipal Code but cannot remove any requirement from said chapter.

VIII.

Meetings
Date and time of the meetings to be determined by a majority vote of the
Commission but the Commission shall meet at last once a quarter.
Minutes for each meeting shall be made available for inspection approximately
thirty (30) days after each meeting at the next scheduled meeting.

2
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Resolution No. 22-51
Page 3 of4

IX.

Youth Appointee
The Commission will have up to two (2) Youth Appointees, appointed by a majority
of the Commissioners. The Youth Appointee will not have any voting rights or count
towards the quorum. The Youth Appointee(s) will participate in meetings providing
feedback and insight to the Commission.

X.

Compensation
Commissioners shall be paid forty-five dollars ($45) per regularly scheduled
monthly meeting, and the Chairman shall be paid fifty-five dollars ($55) per
regularly scheduled monthly meeting."

SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. The
Mayor shall sign this Resolution and the City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage
and adoption thereof.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cudahy
at the regular meeting of this 16 th day of August 2022.

Mayor

ATTEST:

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Resolution No. 22-51
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CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF CUDAHY

)
)
)

SS:

I, Richard Iglesias, City Clerk of the City of Cudahy, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution No. 22-51 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Cudahy,
signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk at a regular meeting of said Council
held on the 16 th day of August 2022 and that said Resolution was adopted by the following
vote, to-wit:

AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

Lozoya, Lomeli, Gonzalez, and Alcantar
None
None
Guerrero

��

City Clerk

4
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