INGLEWOOD (SBE) – Inglewood City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson started a new podcast “Let’s Chat” which was released to the public April 25.
The taxpayer-funded podcast kicked off with Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., Councilwoman Dionne Faulk and Housing Protection Director Yakema Decatur.
Viewers didn’t learn anything new from Mayor Butts outside of the city will embark on a new first-time homebuyer program with the goal of helping 300 prospective homebuyers which would be funded in part due to the city’s development agreements.
Councilwoman Dionne Faulk and Thompson are both up for reelection next year.
They both mentioned the upcoming Women Rock empowerment event but failed to discuss why it was created and who would be participating in the May 6 event.
The most enlightening segment was Yakema Decatur who single-handedly created the Housing Protection Department as a project to assist the city’s renters who make up 60% of the residents.
“This has by far been the best assignment I have had in the City,” said Decatur. “I have the best team in Inglewood City Hall.”
Decatur previously worked in the city’s administration and city clerk’s office.
The Housing Protection Department has doubled its compliance by owners since the department’s inception which not only handles enforcing the Rent Control Ordinance but also compliance for short-term rentals.
“Although it’s not in my job description, I regularly show up to court and empower residents on their rights as a tenant when they are being illegally evicted,” said Decatur. “I know our housing laws are working because you can’t please everybody.”
Mayor Butts chimed in that Inglewood’s rental ordinance is one of the strongest in the state.
Decatur credited Mayor Butts for “taking to her” early on in his tenure and shared he “depends on her” when it comes to correcting staff reports and answering his questions.
“I am in this position because of his support,” explained Decatur.
Mayor Butts also lauded the City for having the most female executives in the city’s 100+ year history and the importance of increasing diversity and having opportunities available for both genders.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist for 2UrbanGirls.com and Los Angeles Wave newspaper