The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office is requesting that the City Council hold a closed session meeting to discuss settlement options and receive legal advice regarding a pending lawsuit (Jose Adan Hernandez v.

What is Being Proposed?

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office is requesting that the City Council hold a closed session meeting to discuss settlement options and receive legal advice regarding a pending lawsuit (Jose Adan Hernandez v. City of Los Angeles, LASC Case No. 20SCV08783). This closed session is authorized under California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), which allows public agencies to privately confer with their legal counsel about pending litigation.

Background and Rationale

The lawsuit stems from a December 1, 2018 automobile accident that occurred at the intersection of 7th Street and Alvarado Street, involving a Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance. By holding a closed session, the City Council can candidly discuss the case's merits, potential liability, settlement strategy, and legal risks without those discussions becoming public record—a privilege protected by law to allow governments to negotiate effectively and receive candid legal advice.

Key Details

Case Name: Jose Adan Hernandez v. City of Los Angeles Case Number: 20SCV08783 (Claim No. C19-05647) Incident Date: December 1, 2018 Location: 7th Street and Alvarado Street Contact: Valerie R. Valadez, Deputy City Attorney, (213) 978-6928

Impact

This affects Los Angeles residents by determining how the City manages a liability claim. If settled, it could result in taxpayer funds being used to compensate the plaintiff. The closed session allows the City to explore resolution options confidentially before deciding how to proceed.