Timeline
Related documents
What is Being Proposed?
The Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee is recommending that the Los Angeles City Council approve and confirm the Mayor's reappointment of Chrissie Castro to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission. This is a reappointment to an existing commission position.
Key Details
Appointee: Chrissie Castro Position: Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission Term Length: Through October 7, 2029 Residency: Council District 1 Committee Vote: 2 in favor (Jurado, Hernandez), 1 absent (Nazarian) Committee Meeting Date: October 28, 2025 Current Board Composition: 2 male members and 3 female members
Committee Action
The committee held a public hearing where residents could comment on the reappointment. Following this public comment period, the committee voted to recommend approval of the Mayor's appointment to the full City Council for final confirmation.
Current Status
This matter is not yet official and requires City Council action to become final. The document indicates this is a routine reappointment with no significant financial or community impact concerns requiring special analysis.
What is Being Proposed?
Mayor Karen Bass is recommending the reappointment of Ms. Chrissie Castro to the Los Angeles City-County Native American Indian Commission for a four-year term ending October 7, 2029. This reappointment is subject to confirmation by the Los Angeles City Council.
Why?
Ms. Castro's current term expires on October 7, 2025. The Mayor certifies that Castro is "especially qualified by reason of training and experience for the work which shall devolve upon her" and that the appointment is made "solely in the interest of the City." Castro brings over 20 years of experience in community organizing, leadership development, and advocacy work focused on social equity and justice in Native American communities.
Key Details
Castro holds a Master's degree in American Indian Studies from UCLA and serves as President and CEO of Chrissie M. Castro & Associates. She resides in Council District 1 (East Los Angeles) and is a registered voter in Los Angeles. Her major accomplishments include co-founding the California Native Vote Project and Advance Native Political Leadership, and successfully leading the effort to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day in Los Angeles. The commission currently has five members, all Native American, with staggered terms through 2028.
Impact
This reappointment ensures continued experienced representation on the commission dedicated to addressing Native American issues in Los Angeles County. Council confirmation is required before Castro can officially begin her new term. The commission serves as an important advisory body to city and county government on Native American community needs and policy matters.
What is Being Proposed
The Los Angeles City Council approved the reappointment of Chrissie Castro to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission on April 16, 2024. This action, recommended by the Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee, was formally adopted by the City Council.
Why This Matters
Commissions like the Native American Indian Commission serve as advisory bodies that represent community interests and provide expertise to city government. Reappointments ensure continuity of leadership and allow experienced commissioners to continue their work serving Los Angeles's Native American Indian communities.
Key Details
Council File Number: 24-1200-S10 Meeting Date: April 16, 2024 Vote Result: The measure passed with 13 yes votes and 2 absent votes (Council Members Park and Rodriguez were absent) Original Committee Report: From the Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee dated April 3, 2024
Impact
This reappointment allows Chrissie Castro to continue her service on the commission, ensuring ongoing representation and advocacy for Native American Indian communities within Los Angeles. The measure passed with strong council support, indicating broad agreement on the appointment.
What is Being Proposed?
The Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee is recommending that the Los Angeles City Council approve the Mayor's reappointment of Chrissie Castro to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission. Castro would serve a term ending June 30, 2025, and resides in Council District 1.
Background and Rationale
On April 3, 2024, the Committee reviewed the Mayor's March 6, 2024 report regarding Castro's appointment to the Commission. While the document does not provide extensive background details, it indicates the Committee considered the matter and allowed for public comment before voting to move forward with approval.
Key Details
Appointee: Chrissie Castro Position: Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission Term End Date: June 30, 2025 District: Council District 1 Committee Vote: 2-0-1 (Hernandez and Hutt voted YES; Lee was ABSENT) Status: Forwarded to full Council for consideration
Impact
This appointment helps ensure continued representation on the Native American Indian Commission, which advises the City on issues affecting Native American communities in Los Angeles. The reappointment maintains leadership continuity on the commission through mid-2025.
What is Being Proposed?
Mayor Karen Bass is requesting City Council confirmation to reappoint Chrissie Castro to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission for a term ending June 30, 2025. This is a reappointment of an existing commissioner, subject to City Council approval.
Why?
The Mayor certifies that Ms. Castro is "especially qualified by reason of training and experience" for work on the commission and that the appointment is made "solely in the interest of the City." Castro brings extensive expertise in Native American community organizing, strategic planning, and leadership development to the role.
Key Details
About the Appointee: Castro holds a Master's degree in American Indian Studies from UCLA and is President and CEO of her own consulting firm. She resides in East LA (Council District 1) and has served as Commissioner and Vice-Chairperson of this commission since 2007. Her qualifications include co-founding the California Native Vote Project and Advance Native Political Leadership, leading the successful effort to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day in LA, and providing consulting work to major foundations and county departments focused on child welfare, mental health, and community development. Process & Timeline: Castro must submit required documents (Remuneration Form and Separation Letters) within 7 days. Her reappointment will be considered by the Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee, then presented to the full City Council for a vote. After approval, she must take the Oath of Office at City Hall.
Impact
This reappointment ensures continuity of experienced Native American leadership on the commission, which addresses policy and community needs affecting Los Angeles's Native American population. The commission currently has one vacant seat and four active commissioners. Castro's reappointment maintains institutional knowledge and advocacy capacity for Native American communities in the city and county.