Council authorizes defense and rejects settlement offers in multiple pending lawsuits

The City Attorney reported to the public after closed session that the City Council had taken actions on multiple pending litigations. For Esteban Hernandez v. City of Southgate (trip‑and‑fall claim), the council rejected a settlement offer after a city attorney presentation; the motion was made by Councilmember Gil Hurtado, seconded by Josh Barone, and passed 5–0. For Emmanuel Carrillo v. City of Southgate (alleged seizure at Southgate Park), the council denied the claim on a motion by Hurtado seconded by Barone (5–0). In a federal civil‑rights complaint by Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 against the city and a police officer, the council authorized the defense after a presentation by outside counsel (motion by Hurtado, seconded by Mayor Davila; vote 5–0). Finally, for Bertha Iniguez v. City of Southgate (sidewalk fall), the council authorized the defense (motion by Councilmember Avalos, seconded by Hurtado; vote 5–0).

City Attorney clarified that no other items were discussed in closed session and provided the notification required by law to report these dispositions publicly.