Alhambra City Hall (File Photo – Staff)
The Alhambra City Council meeting on Monday, September 9, featured public comments about grants for Urban Visionaries and a celebration honoring the city’s under-16 boys soccer team for their victory in the national championship.
By News Desk
Mayor Katherine Lee led the congratulatory ceremony, presenting the American Soccer Region 16 and Under Boys Division team with commendations for their triumph in the national championship tournament.
During the public comment period, concerns were raised regarding grants approved for Urban Visionaries.
Every public commenter who spoke, along with 65 additional citizens who signed a petition, urged that the grant for the Food Pantry be revisited for further public input. Additionally, Adam Bray-Ali called for due diligence regarding the non-profit Urban Visionaries. Lewis McCammon requested that the contract be brought back for public review. Marisol Grier pointed out discrepancies in the City’s reserve policy, noting that this item was not only inconsistent with the policy but also directly contradicted its intended purpose. Chris Olson, drawing on decades of experience with non-profits, clarified that staff salaries are not typically considered part of non-profit overhead. Jennifer Ng emphasized the need for a system that ensures emergency funds are specifically directed to those in need within Alhambra. Ron Sahu raised further concerns regarding due diligence, conflicts of interest, and the terms of the contract.
Councilmembers Noya Wang, Ross J. Maza, Vice Mayor Jeffery Maloney and Mayor Lee agreed that the contract for the grant be brought back for public input in the interest of transparency. Councilmember Andrade-Stadler opposed.
Mayor Lee urged council members to establish clear guidelines before moving forward with any grant agreements to Urban Visionaries. This led to a brief debate.
Vice Mayor Maloney said, “I’m not interested in re-litigating that particular approval. What I’ll reiterate is an update on the grant agreement so that a presentation can be made, people can ask questions, we can ask questions, staff can answer, and that’s it.”
Mayor Lee indicated that she would request the grant agreement be presented publicly at the next meeting in September, regardless of whether it had already been sent out. She expressed confidence that she would have majority support for this approach.
The meeting concluded with Mayor Lee highlighting upcoming events in the city.
“The Alhambra Fire Department will participate in the 9/11 ceremony this Thursday, September 11, at 9:00 am at Fire Station 71,” said Mayor Lee. “Also, Alhambra Recycles returns to Granada Park on Saturday, September 20, from 8 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Join us in celebrating Latino Heritage Month at Fiesta Alhambra on Sunday, September 21, starting at 10:00 am. There will be live music, food, activities, and the certified farmers market.”
The next city council meeting will take place on September 22.
[This article has been updated to include additional information and the mention of CM Noya Wang]
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