What is Being Proposed?
The City Attorney's office is requesting that the Los Angeles City Council hold a closed session to discuss settlement negotiations in a pending lawsuit. The closed session would allow the city to receive legal advice from counsel regarding claims and settlement recommendations in the case of Jorge Ayala v. City of Los Angeles (Case No. 22STV15452).
Why?
This matter involves a personal injury claim arising from a trip and fall incident that occurred on August 31, 2020, on a public sidewalk at 321 North Union Avenue in Los Angeles. The case is now at the stage where settlement discussions are necessary, and the city needs to meet in closed session (out of public view) to discuss strategy and legal advice with its attorneys, as permitted under California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Key Details
Incident Date: August 31, 2020 Location: Sidewalk at 321 North Union Avenue, Los Angeles Case Number: 22STV15452 (Claim No. C21-03103) Contact: Catherine Sun, Deputy City Attorney, (213) 978-6949 Deadline: October 9, 2025
Impact
This affects City of Los Angeles residents and the municipal budget, as settlement payments would come from city funds. The closed session allows the city to strategize about potential settlement costs while protecting litigation strategy from public disclosure.