LA City Council Meetings Canceled Over COVID-19 Safety Concerns

The Los Angeles City Council has a lot on its plate: trying to contain the health risks of an aggressive and deadly virus while mitigating the economic effects of a widespread shutdown on L.A.’s people and businesses.

But for now, that work will have to wait: Council President Nury Martinez is canceling council meetings while staff and members work out the logistics of holding them safely.

Calling the coronavirus threat “uncharted waters,” Martinez said in a letter, “We have a collective responsibility and obligation to the people of Los Angeles government operating while protecting the safety and welfare of its employees, the public and the media.”

Martinez added she would convene an emergency meeting to address any emergency items requiring council action “once all safety and logistical concerns have been met.”

Agenda items that were expected to be addressed tomorrow will be rescheduled.

In an email, spokesman Rick Coca said Martinez wants the meeting “rescheduled as soon as humanly possible given the important items we need to address to assist the residents and stakeholders of Los Angeles during this crisis.”