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Long Beach Council Member Looks To Establish Native American Commission
Representatives of the Tongva tribe at the 228th Celebration of Los Angeles.
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Topline:
Long Beach City Councilmember Daryl Supernaw was trying to get a proposed Native American Commission launched during Native American Heritage Month this November. However, it doesn't look likely after a feasibility study that was supposed to be done earlier this year was finally completed on Oct. 18.
The costly challenge: According to the study, creating a Native American Commission could cost Long Beach as much as $191,000 to establish and $165,200 annually after that. Supernaw said the initial start-up costs were estimated at $20,000 annually when he proposed the commission last year.
"Yes, I did have sticker shock by that, but that doesn't mean the need goes away," Supernaw said. "We still have a tremendous need for this commission, and I'll do everything in my power to make it happen."
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What's with the cost increase? The report, composed by Long Beach's city manager, accounts for:
- An advisory team to stay on during the first year at $30,000.
- A program specialist at $126,000.
- Community engagement activities at $35,000.
The ongoing costs would eliminate the the advisory team and add $50 monthly stipends for seven commissioners annually, totaling $4,200. But Supernaw says the city manager did not ask for input from him or his constituents.
"So I didn't have the opportunity to weigh in with, 'Hey, we see this as maybe five to seven members, meeting quarterly with very little budget impact,'" he said. LAist reached out to the Long Beach city manager's office and HR department for comment.
Why it matters: Supernaw said his constituents deserve a commission. His district is home to Puvungna, a sacred site for Tongva and other tribal members. The Puvunga occupied the land where Cal State Long Beach now stands.
What's next: The Long Beach City Council isn't scheduled to meet until Nov. 14. Supernaw intends to ask the city for an explanation on why the report was delayed by months. He also plans to speak with the community in the coming weeks.
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