By Arnold Adler
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, only seven area cities are allowing in-person attendance at council meetings as of Nov. 2.
They are Bell, Downey, Lynwood, Norwalk, Paramount, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate.
All other City Council meetings in the area allow only virtual attendance via Zoom or streaming, according to a Wave survey.
The Whittier City Council is expected to discuss in-person council meetings Nov. 9, a city spokesperson said.
All area city halls are open to the public to conduct municipal business but some have limited hours, reduced staff and require appointments. All require visitors to wear a mask.
In compliance with state law, the Norwalk City Council reviewed its COVID policy Nov. 2 and found that the pandemic emergency continues to exist.
In a report to the council, a number of Norwalk officials, including City Manager Jesus Gomez and Deputy City Manager Richard Rojas said cities may continue emergency actions as long as the state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person and state or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing.
“Both of those circumstances exist,” the Norwalk report stated.
Alhambra, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pico Rivera and Whittier continue to conduct council meetings by remote.
Cudahy, Huntington Park, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pico Rivera and Whittier city halls are open during regular business hours, but some restrictions exist. People needing to conduct business should call ahead to see if appointments are required.
