Public commenters raise allegations about Scientology influence; committee approves consent calendar and Item 7 (2–1)

Public comment at the Jan. 14 Los Angeles Public Safety Committee meeting included multiple, substantive remarks and a string of allegations about outside influence in city programs.

Michael Ackermann, the first public commenter, made a series of accusations alleging a lack of public oversight for the municipal prosecutor’s office and claimed that Scientology had infiltrated city programs and events. He also criticized surtaxes or surcharges on businesses and urged the committee to investigate what he described as corrupt practices. Those allegations were made during the public-comment period and were not investigated by the committee during the meeting.

Other members of the public offered support for the mayoral nominee. Sean Curnes, representing Congressmember Lenneth Paragán’s office, urged approval of Item 4 to give the city tools to hold a chemical facility (Johns Chemical) accountable for alleged hazards. Hilda Letman, a neighborhood leader and nonprofit director, offered a public endorsement for the mayor’s nominee to the Police Commission.

The committee then took its consent calendar by consensus. The secretary read a series of items—asking the city attorney to prepare an ordinance to add an urban-code article adopting certain 2025 provisions, approving CEO recommendations and accepting donations—after which Councilmembers Lee and Price, and Hugo Soto Martínez voted in favor while McCusker and Park were absent and the items were approved.

Chair separated Item 7 for a separate roll call. The vote on Item 7 recorded Lee and Price voting in favor and Hugo Soto Martínez voting no; McCusker and Park were absent. Item 7 passed 2–1 and will proceed as noted in the minutes.

Several public commenters raised both policy concerns and neighborhood-level examples; the committee did not conduct an investigation into the public allegations at this meeting and moved forward with agenda items and votes.