A Carson resident’s criticism of Measure CU led Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes to cut off his comment and ask the city attorney whether she is subject to term limits, in a tense exchange at the Oct. 20 City Council meeting.

Resident Charles Thomas told the council, “Measure CU repeals term limits. The ballot doesn’t use that word.”

He called the ballot language misleading, saying “the voters are the suckers,” and argued that voters approved limits in 2016 and again in the 2018 charter before any official was termed out. Thomas said the mayor would be the first affected in 2028.

“I am not under term limits,” Davis-Holmes told Thomas, “Read your charter.”

Sunny Soltani, city attorney, said, “The charter was very explicit that council members are on term limits.”

She said the limits do not apply to the mayor and the earliest council limit is 2030.

Davis-Holmes said, “As long as the people want me, I will run until the good Lord says otherwise.”

“I’m voting yes on Measure CU,” Councilmember Dr. Jawane Hilton said, claiming opposing flyers were illegal and had been reported to authorities.

Thomas requested three minutes but received two.

Filipino and immigrant-rights advocates urged Carson to oppose Flock cameras and help secure the release of resident Mark Mabasa, whom they said was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Protecting our residents means more than surveillance,” one speaker said. “It means standing with our communities when they need help the most.”

Davis-Holmes said Councilmember Arleen Rojas would return with a recommendation.

Councilmember Jim Dear replied, “Well, I made a recommendation tonight. And I’m a councilman.”

The council recognized Carson’s Information Technology Department for a 2026 Government Experience Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Center for Digital Government.

Carson’s Director of Information Technology and Security Gary Carter said, “We are seen now as a leader nationally,” describing the award as recognition of accessible, user-friendly digital services.

The center recognized 11 cities nationwide in the competition.

The Multimedia Division also received a California Association of Public Information Officials STAR Award, taking first place for its 2026 State of the City video.

Manager Myeshia Horton said, “This is the first time the City of Carson has won this award.”

The council viewed a Country Western Fair recap, proclaimed Oct. 25 as Larry Itliong Day and recognized Red Ribbon Week winners from two schools.

Social worker Ashley Heldman urged restrictions on nitrous oxide sales, saying a “critical look at the systems around our children” is needed because “just say no” places the burden on them.

The presentations coincided with approval of a five-year, $1.3 million contract with Cloudwick Technologies for a document-search system, at $260,000 for the first year.

Assemblymember Mike Gipson received a council tribute for 12 years in the Legislature and earlier service on the Carson council.

He thanked the city, saying, “Carson was the wind beneath my wings when I ran in 2014.” He said November would be his final month in the Assembly and praised his expected successor, Dr. Ayanna Davis.

The council approved a $4.45 million University Drive rehabilitation contract for about 1.78 miles, including sidewalk and accessibility repairs. Staff expected work to start in December and finish before the 2028 Olympics.

A proposed purchasing-rules update drew Dear’s questions about project labor agreements and the city treasurer’s role.

Staff proposed raising the goods bidding threshold from $75,000 to $125,000 and setting a $250,000 threshold for public works, with monthly reporting to the council maintained.

Dear praised the presentation, saying, “Good thing I know how to skim.”

The council introduced the ordinance on first reading. Dear also sought legal review of possible restrictions on smoke shops selling products to young people.

Davis-Holmes said, “We’ll have attorneys go through it.”

The council approved a $10.7 million median-streetscape contract along Avalon Boulevard and Carson Street, plus routine bus and cybersecurity contracts.

At the close, Davis-Holmes called attacks on her family “a pretty low blow,” and said, “I pray that you find peace. I pray you find love.”