The Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee is recommending that the Los Angeles City Council approve and confirm the Mayor's reappointment of Andrea Garcia to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission.

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 Andrea Garcia to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission. This reappointment would extend her service on the commission through October 7, 2029.

Key Details

The Committee considered this matter on October 28, 2025, and voted to approve the recommendation with support from Committee members Jurado and Hernandez (Nazarian was absent). The current board composition consists of 2 male and 3 female members. No financial disclosure statement or community impact statement was required for this appointment.

What This Means

This is a routine reappointment of an existing commission member to continue her work representing Native American Indian interests in Los Angeles. The Commission serves as an advisory body for City and County government on matters affecting Native American communities. The appointment now requires full City Council approval to become official, at which point it will be considered final.

What is Being Proposed

Mayor Karen Bass is recommending the reappointment of Ms. Andrea Garcia to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission for a new four-year term ending October 7, 2029. This reappointment is subject to confirmation by the Los Angeles City Council.

Why

Ms. Garcia's current term expires on October 7, 2025. The Mayor certifies that Garcia 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." Garcia has been serving on the Commission since October 2017.

Key Details

Dr. Andrea Garcia is a Native American physician specialist employed by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She holds an M.D. from UC San Francisco and an M.S. in Health and Medical Sciences from UC Berkeley. Garcia has extensive experience in Native American health advocacy, research, and policy work, including leadership roles with organizations focused on health equity, homelessness, and indigenous health. She currently serves as President of We Are Healers and recently received the George D. Nickel Award for Outstanding Contributions to Social Welfare (February 2025).

Impact and Next Steps

This reappointment affects the governance of the Commission dedicated to Native American affairs in Los Angeles. Garcia must complete several confirmation steps including submitting required forms within 7 days, undergoing a background check, meeting with City Council members, and appearing before the Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee before the full Council vote.

What is Being Proposed?

The Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee is recommending that the Los Angeles City Council approve and confirm the Mayor's reappointment of Andrea Garcia to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission for a term ending June 30, 2025.

Background and Process

On April 3, 2024, the Committee considered the Mayor's March 6, 2024 report regarding Andrea Garcia's appointment to this commission. The Committee held a public hearing to gather community input before voting on the matter. After allowing an opportunity for public comment, the Committee voted to approve the recommendation, which is now forwarded to the full City Council for final consideration.

Key Details

Appointee: Andrea Garcia Position: Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission Term: Ending June 30, 2025 Committee Vote: 2 YES votes (Hernandez, Hutt), 1 ABSENT (Lee) Current Board Composition: 1 Male, 3 Females, 1 Vacant seat

Impact

This reappointment ensures continued representation and continuity on the Native American Indian Commission, which serves to advance Native American issues and community interests in Los Angeles. The full City Council must now vote to confirm this appointment.

What is Being Proposed

Mayor Karen Bass is recommending the reappointment of Dr. Andrea N. Garcia to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission for a term ending June 30, 2025. This reappointment is subject to confirmation by the City Council.

Why

Dr. Garcia brings extensive qualifications to the role, including a medical degree from UC San Francisco, a Master's degree in Health and Medical Sciences from UC Berkeley, and professional experience as a Physician Specialist with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. The Mayor certifies that Dr. Garcia is "especially qualified by reason of training and experience" for this position and states the appointment is made "solely in the interest of the City."

Key Details

Dr. Garcia has served on the commission since October 2017 and currently chairs the Homelessness Subcommittee and the Ad Hoc Committee on LA Native COVID Response. Her background includes extensive research, publications, and leadership in Native American health disparities, homelessness, and health equity. She is a Native American female representing Council District 10 (Central LA area). The commission currently has four active commissioners and one vacant seat.

Impact and Next Steps

This reappointment requires City Council confirmation through public hearings before the Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee and full Council. Dr. Garcia will continue her work addressing critical health and social equity issues affecting Los Angeles's Native American community.