All right, everyone. Nice to see you all. Thank you. If you could take your seats. I am calling the meeting of the October 21,
2024 West Hollywood City Council meeting order. It's 6 o'clock PM. Well, Chris Samantha, please come up and say the
pledge of allegiance for us all. Great job, Chris. You certainly know how to control a room right
into it. Great job. Had us all jumping very quickly off of our feet. All right. Madam City Clerk, and I'm sorry I have lost my voice 13 times. I feel
Madam City Clerk, may we have a roll call? Yes, of course, the mayor. Council member.
Hi, I'm here. Yes, thank you. Good evening. The City Council convened a close session at 530 this evening. There
were no members of the public here to speak on public comment. The council discussed the two items of business listed on the posted agenda.
Took no reportable action and finished the close session at 536. Thank you. Thank you very much. Quick as close session over. All right.
Madam City Clerk, are there any changes from staff for tonight on the agenda? No, change with me. Wonderful.
Do my colleagues have any request to change? I'm wondering if we can move F 2 F 4 and F 5 to consent.
I'm fine with those. F 2. I believe that was the. Oh, yeah, yeah. The grants and the schools.
And then you said F 4. F 4 is the vibes and.
Yep. I'd like to talk about F 5. I may just have had some questions. Sure.
Can we move F 1 or F 3? F 1 is the.
The study session. I can move that. I'm going to be flying back that day. So I hope I will be here on time.
Wonderful. Do is that okay. Councilmember Mr. Great. And then F 3 is the human services commission and available social service programs that increasing visibility.
I have questions on that sounds good. Okay. So we are going to move F 1 to consent.
F 2 to consent. We're going to keep F 3 on the agenda. We're going to move F 4 to the consent.
And then we're going to keep F 5 on the agenda. Sounds good. Any other changes? Yes.
I'd like to pull B 13 from consent.
That's request to join the supported transit card of for all advocacy coalition. Sure. All right.
Anything else? Nope. Is there a motion? Let's check out. All right.
Let's go ahead and vote.
It's not working on all right. Let's do a voice vote.
Hi. Councilmember Mister. I and I'd also like to note my no vote on B 8 on micro units.
Thank you.
Vice Mayor buyers. Yes. I may or Eric. Yes.
Thank you. Do my colleagues have been able to be in act disclosure.
Councilmember.
Yes.
I do not.
But Councilmember Mister. Wonderful.
Do my colleagues have any adjournment motions.
I have three adjournment motions tonight.
First I'd like to adjourn in January of amn on Agra.
He was the husband of Halene Mishar our long time lobbyist for the city of West Hollywood.
He died September 20th in Sacramento.
He and Halene were married for 30 years.
He was a graduate of Columbia University and received a PhD in sociology from Stanford University.
Beyond his professional accomplishments he was a World War II buff.
An expert chess player.
A champion scrabble player and an avid bridge player.
In there many years together he and Halene pursued their love of travel.
Having visited many countries around the globe.
Besides being a husband of Halene he was a father to David father and law to Kelly and a grandfather
to their two grandchildren.
Beyond his many accomplishments people will remember him as a genuinely kind, generous and gentle man.
A true mench.
We extend our sincerest condolences to Halene and her entire family during this difficult time.
Secondly I'd request that we adjourn in memory of Eduardo Duran.
Eduardo Duran is the father of former council member John Duran.
Ed is he was known past away last week at the age of 90.
He was a proud U.S. Marine and a Korean war veteran.
He was a beloved father of four, a devoted grandfather to seven and a cherished great grandfather to four.
He loved attending West Hollywood pride.
Where he cheered for his favorite organizations.
Peat flag and the gay men's chorus.
He also proudly cast his ballot for Kamala Harris before his passing.
We extend our deepest condolences to John and the entire Duran family during this difficult time.
And I would request of course that we adjourn in his memory.
And finally I'd request that we adjourn in memory of graft and tancorate Junior.
Grafting tancorate was born in Los Angeles in 1928.
He excelled both academically and athletically.
He attended U.S.C. on dual scholarships and lettered in swimming and water polo.
After earning his MBA from Harvard Business School he served in the U.S. Air Force before returning to Los Angeles
to work at Latin industries and later electronic memories.
Grafting was a long time resident of West Hollywood.
He lived in a very distinctive building at Crescent Heights in Fountain.
He was involved in the city from the earliest days representing property owners, primarily apartment owners,
in West Hollywood during its early years.
Although he and I spired on many occasions regarding rent control.
Grafting was always, always, a gentleman and always concerned about the best interest of West Hollywood.
His impact on the community was always significant and he was a dedicated resident of our community.
On behalf of the council I'd like to extend our condolences to his family including his wife Anna, his children and his five grandchildren.
And I would request that we adjourn in his memory as well.
Thank you, councilmember Hyman.
Vice Mayor Buyers, do you have any?
Thank you, Mayor.
I'd like to adjourn in memory of Keith H. Walker.
Keith H. Walker was a former broadcast journalist in public relations executive passed away on September 2nd in West Hollywood at the age of 93.
He was born in Delavan, Illinois on July 1st, 1931.
Keith was the first in his family to attend college earning a degree in journalism from Northwestern University.
After serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, he embarked on a career in broadcast journalism before transitioning to public relations in Los Angeles.
Keith played a key role in the Golden Era of MGM Studios working with prominent Hollywood figures.
And later spent nearly 35 years overseeing the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize for the High Foundation, honoring global contributions to architecture.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you, Mayor.
Thank you so much.
I have one. I would like to adjourn in memory of Esther. Esther tragically passed away earlier this month, the result of a fatal collision on Fountain Avenue.
Her sudden loss has deeply impacted her family, friends in the entire community.
She was a mother, a grandmother, and a wife, and we stand together in honoring her memory.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all those who knew and loved Esther during this difficult time.
And if anyone in the community has any video or any type of information that family is looking for it to help bring the individual to justice. Thank you.
All right. I goofed and I forgot to do our land acknowledgement, so I'm going to get canceled for sure.
But I would like to bring a assembly member Rick Shavaz Zabr who offered to do it. Thank you so much Assemblymember.
Good evening.
The city of West Hollywood City Council acknowledges that the land on which we gather and that is currently known as the city of West Hollywood is the occupied, unseated sea territory of the Gabriolino Tongva and Gabriolino Keach Peoples.
Thank you so much Assemblymember.
All right. We are now going to bring back up Chris because we have a little special some of the four years to come on up.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much, Krish.
All right, we're going to move on to public comment.
The City Council values your comments, however,
pursuant to the Brown Act, the Council cannot take action on items,
not listed on the poster agenda.
The public comment periodism is at 20 minutes with two minutes,
a lot of for each speaker.
This public comment period is to address the City Council
and consent calendar items, other agenda items,
or items of general interest within the jurisdiction
of the City Council.
Another period is reverse for general comment later
in the meeting for those that could not be heard at this time.
Public hearing testimony will only be taken
at the time of the hearing.
If you go over your two minutes and do not respond
to the City Clerk's notification that your time is expired,
your microphone will be muted.
If you signed up to speak on both consent calendar items
and general public comment, as well as items
that was moved to consent calendar,
you may take this time to speak during the public comment
period on your consent calendar items.
You may also sign up to speak during the second public comment
period for your general public comment.
Lastly, speaker should not bring any items to the podium
other than prepared written materials and or a statement.
Madam City Clerk, how many speakers do we have?
We have 16 in council chambers.
I've won in Zoom for the consent calendar.
Wonderful.
We're going to stick to 20 minutes today.
So we'll get that done.
Why don't we go to our one Zoom for consent calendar
and then we'll come to the chamber.
And then Madam City Clerk, I'll do a timer,
but do you want to make sure you do the 20 minute timer as well?
Our first speaker, hon. Zoom, is Sarah White.
Sarah, please press star six to unmute.
You'll have two minutes.
Sarah, go ahead.
All right, well, if Sarah comes back,
we'll go back.
Let's go to our first people.
Our thing isn't working.
So will you call them?
Yes.
The first speaker is Jimmy,
Tommy Ari.
Wonderful.
Followed by Mikey Friedman.
Wonderful.
Good evening.
It's great to see all of you.
I just want to thank council members.
Shine and Mayor Erickson for putting the
Human Services visibility on the agenda.
It's so important for us.
And I'm not sure that everyone understands why.
It's not about us personally.
It's not like that we want to be on TV or we want to be this.
It's about transparency and for the folks at home to be able to see
what their six and a half million dollars is going towards.
That being said, if the city sites don't get enough hits,
I understand that.
But some of us have very active social media pages.
And these can be posted there.
And lots of people will see it.
And lots of people will access services that they just don't know
exists.
It's truly important.
And each one of us comes here.
Every meeting to let you know what's happening.
And that's on our time.
And it's we only get two minutes.
And it's really rough for us to really let you know what's going on.
And the folks at home can't possibly understand.
Because we're speaking so fast, we nearly swallow our tongues.
But that being said, I truly am appreciative of this.
And I just hope that it passes without any troubles.
Thank you.
Thank you, Jimmy.
Okay, great.
Make you free.
Follow by Ron Friedrich.
Mikey Friedrich was Hollywood.
At the last council meeting, the Commission and Advisory Board report
was pulled from the consent calendar in order pretty much to discuss
one board, rent stabilization, and one former board member, Zikia Wright.
The mayor and CP Shine cited the unacceptable number of their absences
and their subsequent dismissal from the board.
Zikia, however, in an op-ed showing facts,
disproved what these two alleged.
Apparently the main reason to pull that particular agenda item was
to smear Zikia, who was competing with Ericsson for a seat on the city council.
That was not only a conflict of interest, but underhanded, dishonest, and shameful.
So, tonight, since you have put the Commission and Board report on the consent calendar,
I'd like to pull it off and talk about the important older adults advisory board report
because it shows that at that meeting, one public commenter and three board members all
complained in their remarks about the hazards of delivery robots and scooters.
Why are you sweeping this under the rug by putting their report into consent and not discussing it?
The council majority are making a big deal out of wanting to widen sidewalks
on fountain supposedly for ADA compliance, but are doing nothing about scooters and robots
which endanger us and take away our access every damn day.
You often preach one thing, but do another.
In this case, you are touting equal access, but in truth, you're keeping us from our equal access.
That is why both the ADA and the damn have awarded me for speaking out about your hypocrisy
regarding this issue.
They want your words to match your actions.
Thanks so much, Mikey.
Ron Friedrich to be followed by Steve Martin.
Ron Friedrich is here.
Hold on one second, Steve.
No.
Great.
Steve Martin to be followed by David Nash.
Steve Martin, West Hollywood.
Thank you.
Council.
And thank you for celebrating World's AIDS Day.
And I hope that we can update on the valet at Bernie's venery as how his health is.
I mean, he was a victim of violent crime in West Hollywood.
Another victim of violent crime, because of, unfortunately, our decrease in law enforcement.
The city is fast approaching its 48th anniversary, and this should be a time for us to be celebrating.
But instead, there's a certain heaviness about the city.
The city feels like it's a place that's under occupation, where there was once a vibrant civic democracy.
What we now have is outside interest, who have really hijacked our democratic process.
And West Hollywood, our democracy has been skewered by the amount of contributions, a quarter of a million dollars by unite here.
Now, I supported unite here when they were interested in workers' rights and hotel workers' rights.
But now they've taken on a whole agenda of taking over the city council and turning us into part of their political machine.
The interest of what, of unite here, is not the interest of the residents.
Decisions are being made outside of city hall without our participation, and local democracy is being undermined.
The agenda of unite here is not ours.
And where are they getting this quarter of a million dollars?
Most of it from developers, like the Viper Room, and places like Nathan and Watkins,
that have given seven thousand dollars to the mayor's race.
But we were founded 40 years ago on empowering people.
And now we seem to have a bunch of collaborators who are interested in disempowering the residents of West Hollywood.
So I'm just asking that the residents here stand up and resist the occupation.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Steve.
David Nash, three followed by Sam Burrelli on behalf of the Human Services Commission.
Hello, David.
Hi.
Thank you, David Nash.
Most probably would resonate.
I know it's on the consent calendar.
There's progress being made on the Viper Room project.
I'm sure the new London hotel will not be happy to see that the project is moving forward.
But in my memory, it's been talked about for years that there were problems with the height of the building.
Problems with their plans for displays and advertisements.
But what I remember most is that it's another project that's to include affordable housing units.
The last I heard they were up to a 14.
I know that Mayor Erickson has posted to me that he's been able to up those numbers on occasion.
I think this would be a good time to try it again.
And there are places all over Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevard.
Other Sunset seems to be moving ahead.
That need renovation.
The French market is sitting there empty.
There's a lot you all thought that has the poisoning from the dry clean unit.
It's just sitting there on a what's happening to it.
But much of the architecture on Santa Monica Boulevard is past his prime.
We need a lot of rebuilding here in the city.
On a happier note, I want to say that this Wednesday night at 530 we have light refreshments served to introduce the disability advisory boards award night, which officially starts at 6 p.m.
It's a really fun night for us where we get to honor people and organizations who do outstanding work that
be friends people in the disabilities community.
I'm glad that we'll see some of the council members there to help us acknowledge our winners.
And I encourage anyone listening tonight to come join us and learn more about the disability advisory board
and organizations that we honor.
Thank you so much David.
Sam Burrelli to be followed by Yola Dernray.
Good evening Sam Burrelli representing the Human Services Commission.
October is domestic violence and intimate partner violence awareness month.
Domestic and intimate partner violence impacts people of all ages,
genders, races, sexual orientations, cultures and religions.
It occurs in all types of relationships and can involve different forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, verbal,
economic, emotional and include intimidation as well as controlling and isolating behavior.
Marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ Commission.
And people with language barriers face an increased risk of violence as perpetrators often exploit their vulnerabilities.
There are multiple resources available to help.
And the city's partner agencies are trained and have tools to protect the privacy and security of those in need.
The stop violence program provides counseling advocacy and housing assistance.
The legal advocacy project for survivors provides trauma-informed case management, safety planning, and legal representation.
The whole program provides 24-7 multi-lingual crisis, hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, court,
accompaniment and case management services.
Let me be clear.
These life-changing opportunities available to all community members.
And our at no cost.
If you are a loved one or someone you know is experiencing any form of violence or intimidation,
the city is here for you. Let us help.
Visit WeHo.org slash human services or call the city's human services division at 323-848-650.
It is for reasons like this that my colleagues and I advocate for being televised for that one person might make a difference in your life.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Sam.
You'll let your way to be followed by Kathy Blavis.
Good evening, Council.
You'll adore a 30-plus-year resident of West Hollywood and proud to be.
Love is and don't forget it.
No more hate people.
Let's not even turn on the TV or hear hate coming from anyone's mouth.
Because West Hollywood, even at 40, doesn't believe in hate.
Now that I've said that, I want to tell you the real reason I came.
I came to say it the same thing that David did.
This Wednesday and this whole month has been about disability.
Whether you have a disability, whether you know someone with a disability,
know that it's something that could happen to anyone at any given time.
So we encourage you to join us.
Learn more about disability.
See our service award winners who have exemplified the best there is in the organization's businesses,
nonprofits and individuals that have been all stores in our community.
See you on Wednesday.
Thanks so much, Yola.
Kathy Blavis to be followed by David Edgar.
Good evening, Kathy Blavis, city of West Hollywood. I spoke the other
the other night that planning and public safety commission meetings about being heartbroken about the
recent Trumpian hate speech and cyberbullying, ex-council member John Demaco is
spewing. Tonight my feelings have changed to utter disappointment and sadness about someone
I used to highly, highly, highly respect. Resorting to calling public safety commission
leader George Nichol, a city council candidate, paranoid because he cares about public
safety for all speaks volume about how Mr. Demaco must feel about the upcoming election.
Many in the community are devastated by his attacks, name calling and hate speech. On another note,
I'm really getting sick and tired of having to defend myself and the cause I represent
opposing bike lanes on fountain. A safer fountain avenue should be a given and it's absurd to
suggest otherwise. Proponents of bike lanes are portraying us as being against making fountain
avenue safe and not caring about traffic accidents really. And sorry, and Mayor Erickson, you have
called community out for spreading lies and misinformation and scaring residents. I have been told
the are telling people both in person and in emails that the streetscapes widening
sidewalks will happen first and could take years to be followed by bike lanes. However, the
engage we hope website right here on vision corridor. The project will be implemented in phases.
Phase 1 will implement protected bike lanes. Phase 2 will implement sidewalk widening and landscape
improvements. Now, unless phase 2 is happening before phase 1, I'm afraid the missing
information is put out exactly to be followed by Wendy Goldman. David to be followed by Wendy.
Good evening, David Eckerd, a West Hollywood resident. I would like to speak about my experience with the
fountain avenue streets. They streetscape projects outreach process. With Lafaca public outreach
since 2022, I decided to take action and see what my neighbors along fountain avenue knew of this project.
I took it upon myself to walk from La Cigna, La Cigna, La Cigna, the Crescent Heights and knock on
people's doors. It was disharmed that nine out of ten residents were unaware of what was proposed
or ever had received outreach with the 13,000 postcards in 2021. This comes to my point of why a rally
was organized by we hope for the people and why I participated. The community hasn't been informed and
concerned for traffic calming and enforcement has taken a back seat to adding protected bike lanes, which we all agree
are deemed it, but the current ideas lack full thought. Most safety issues can be blamed on the lack of
enforcement of J walking, speed, and unsafe lack of left turn lanes. Now, I added in the equation of cyclists and
scooters who also don't always follow the traffic lights and laws. The stress on what the street
requires has become too much. What I ask and want is to put a pause on adding cyclists or each scooters onto
unsafe streets until the traffic issues are first resolved protect them as well. It is also imperative that
the emergency service vehicles and our sheriffs have as much mobility as cyclists need.
It is not a type of priority for all you can't keep adding new forms of mobility in the mix until
clear path for safety is figured out. Both rallies encourage safety as priority. We just don't
see eye on having to penalize neighborhood needs or protection for minority mobility.
Thank you David.
Hold on one second, Wendy. You're good. Thank you, David.
We had a person who is speaking, we're in general public comment right now, right? Okay, we had a person
on consent. Can we try to go hurt? You said that she's ready now.
Sarah, here are next speaker. Press star 6 to a new. Hopefully it works as time.
Do you want to hope you can hear me? Yes, we can. Yes.
My name? Okay. Wonderful. I'm sorry. After all this time, I still haven't figured out how to unmute myself.
But my name is Sarah. I know some of you but for those that I don't know.
I'm a long time resident of West Hollywood. I have two children. One of which goes to West Hollywood Elementary.
And I wanted to speak very briefly on behalf of the section S2, which is the grant in the school program and
re-re-structuring re-imagining the budget and the structure.
So it's part of West Hollywood Elementary. Our whole goal, purpose, is to raise funds for the school to be able to
support all of the programs that we otherwise would not be supported and these include
very essential functions for a school that is physical education, arts, and music.
What is currently being provided is the $3,000.
Which is just so appreciated but feels like not a meaningful impact. And so as you guys think about
how we re-structuring these grants, I would inform you to think about the difference between
public and private schools and how you're only public elementary school in West Hollywood
get funded and making a meaningful impact in the way that you provide those. So as an example,
we fund salaries to our PE teacher. We spend $150,000 every year just to support our PE program.
Our teachers age all of these things are supported by the parents and by our fundraising.
We appreciate you guys bringing this as an item and I hope you consider those in our future grant.
Thank you so much, Sarah. Wendy Goldman, who will be our last speaker for this first public comment section.
Wendy Goldman, West Hollywood resident, block captain for Cynthia Sunset, neighborhood watch,
Good evening, Mary Erickson, council members, and residents. I'm here to speak about several issues in my area.
I attended the last meeting of the older adult's advisory board and disability advisory board addressing
mutual issues of pedestrian safety, request for repairs and improvements. The public safety commission of October 14th
heard a report listing citations given for sidewalk scooter riders yet not one included enforcement on Sunset
strip, where it is a daily safety problem. I spoke to the public safety commissioners about concern calls from residents
related to an uptick in the number of home burglaries on Dohini, Cynthia, Vista Grande, Hilldale and Hammond.
I feel that we must make all efforts to reduce the risk of similar crimes.
I've spoken with city manager, David Wilson, Jackie Rocco, Danny Rivas, Helen Collins,
veto out of might as Walter Davis, Steve Smith and others, regarding service requests that I have made on the app with no timeline for action.
The quality of life issues, including a growing number of vacant properties, which number five at last count,
beg the question of establishing a city park in a Cynthia sunset area. There is a lack of green space in this neighborhood.
We need to provide the west side of the city with a park. It's needed to provide amenities that all other parts of the city enjoy.
This proposed park would include a dog park and community garden, a restful urban habitat to attract wildlife.
My dream will only become a reality with your support. Please find solutions to long standing request for my area. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Wendy. We will move to several other public commenters to the end.
And we are going to, it should hopefully be a quick meeting, so it should be too long. I'd say that now, cursing us, but I apologize.
So we will now move on to the city manager's report, city manager Wilson. Will you please provide us with the city manager's report?
Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Mayor. Vice Mayor and city council members.
I might do have a few announcements, but before I do that, I want to invite a simply member.
Excuse me. Rick Ziber up to provide an update on legislation and Sacramento.
Yeah.
Good evening. Thank you, city manager Wilson and her non. Good evening, Mayor Erson and members of the council.
As you know, my name is Rick Chabba Ziber. I represent the 50 first district and I'm very proud that that includes the entire city of West Hollywood.
As a member of the progressive environmental LGBTQ Latino, Armenian, Native American and Jewish caucuses, we had a very busy year.
I'm also proud to report that about a year ago, Speaker Revis, appointed me to serve as chair of the Assembly Democratic caucus and in that role on part of the speakers.
Leadership team and part of that role is assisting him in developing priorities for the caucus and achieving consensus within the caucus on chief on on chief priorities.
With that in mind, I just wanted to give you a few key updates about what happened at the or two year legislative session.
So first you've all read that we had to address a nearly 50 billion dollars shortfall and that meant that we had to make some very tough choices.
I'm proud that as we did that, we were able to preserve key priorities, including preserving education funding, not really cutting vital programs like Cal Fresh and Metacal, which protect and serve our most vulnerable Californians.
To housing and homeless programs were limited, but there were some unfortunate cuts to climate and environmental programs.
Some of that will be made up hopefully with the passage by the voters of a climate bond which will generate billions of dollars for clean energy, coastal resilience, heat mitigation, wildfire prevention and clean water.
This year we also had a number, we dealt with a number of bills related to artificial intelligence.
That is something that obviously poses a great promise for people, but also great risks.
One of the things I worry about a lot is that with artificial intelligence, we could really improve the human condition, but if it ends up with five billionaires owning everything and people without work.
That is something that, you know, or tends for a dystopian future that we have to, that we have to work again, that we have to make sure it doesn't happen.
And of course, that is something that is, it creates great challenges to people that are working in the entertainment industry.
And so we have a number of bills in that front and I expect that to continue into next year.
Closer to home, hospitals around the state have been upgrading their infrastructure to reach the 2030 seismic standards.
One of those hospitals that needs to do more as you know is Cedar Sinai, which is partially in West Hollywood's jurisdiction.
There was a bill to extend this time frame that I did not support because it did not have sufficient guardrails to ensure that actually the seismic standards were being upheld.
I do think that West that Cedar needs help and we need to do something to help Cedar's meet standards because, as you know, you'd be considering their applications.
They actually have to do a lot of work to sort of move into a swing space that got to create that.
And so they will need longer than 2030, and I've been working closely with them.
The bill that I did not support ultimately was vetoed by the governor for the same reasons I didn't support the bill, but hopefully we will be focusing on addressing Cedar's, which is such an important contributor to our community.
As you know, turning to my own bills, I am very proud to share that 12 of my bills pass both the assembly and the Senate and we're signed into law by Governor Newsom this year.
As you know, one of my key priorities, as I know, is one of every single members of this council has been to make sure that we're creating more housing, making housing more affordable and keeping people into in their homes.
We know that is more cost effective and infinitely more humane to take a preventative approach to homelessness.
And we also know that California needs more housing, but in ways that respect to existing neighborhoods and bring the kind of affordable, livable communities that we all want.
With that in mind, I'm proud that the governor signed AB 2525, which was sponsored by Mayor Bass, which addresses the problem that we're facing.
The problem that we're facing with so many people living in RVs, one of the things I didn't realize is that 22% of the folks that are unhoused in the city of Los Angeles are living in RVs.
And so this bill actually gives the city of Los Angeles more tools to move people from RVs into permanent and temporary housing by allowing the state of California to lease unused land to store RVs as we're basically moving folks into that program.
A second bill that was passed in a lot which I view as a homeless as bill is AB 2477.
That bill empowers foster youth that are transitioning into adulthood from foster care to allow them to accumulate cash savings, which would have previously disqualified them from the state benefits that they are entitled to as they're moving from their youth into adulthood.
So that bill now allows former.
I hope you have to save more than $10,000, which is you know, with the cost of housing. People need to have those kinds of nest eggs.
And we shouldn't be discouraging that. And so that law was passed by both houses and signed into law.
And of course, you remember last year because you all suggested this.
AB 1620, a bill was introduced and recommended by the city of West Hollywood that allows people in rent stabilized upper floor units with physical disabilities to move into first floor units without having their rent reset.
And it's thanks to advocates in the community like in low, low, door A, door A that this new law will improve the lives of countless people with disabilities in a years to come.
One of the disappointments that we faced was on AB 2498, the California Housing Security Act, which was Hollywood was a sponsor and supporter of that bill provided a whole new pilot program with rent subsidies for people that are highly rented and secure.
That bill got stalled on the Senate side, but we are going to bring that back this year.
I hopefully with more support, what happened is that got caught in sort of the interplay between the Senate and the assembly.
We actually had found some money in the budget to fund the program, but we were competing for that.
And actually a Senate bill was competing for the money that we had sort of sort of lightly allocated in the budget for the bill.
And so because of that the bill got stopped in Senate appropriations, but the bill that was competing for the money then got vetoed by the governor, so we're actually going to be back at the drawing board.
That other bill was a good bill too, but so we're going to take that bring that back this year.
On retail crime as you all know and I want to thank you all for actually making this council chamber, the site of one of our hearings this year.
I want to thank you all for being able to read this.
I announced the select committee on retail theft and made name me as its chair.
Our work led to 10 new public safety laws that governor knew some signed, including the lead bill, which was one that was authored by me and speaker.
That bill focuses on stopping organized crime rings by creating a new crime of serial retail theft with the penalty of up to three years for possession of stolen property with the intent to resell.
It also specifies that evidence of intent can include repeated conduct or possession of a quantity of goods inconsistent with personal use.
It also expands the tools that police officers have to arrest for shoplifting based on a witness's sworn statement or video footage of a crime.
Importantly, it also helps to get to the root cause of theft by expanding the use of diversion and rehabilitation programs like drug courts.
And finally, it protects businesses and retailers that report retail crime by ensuring that they will not have new transactions brought against them for doing that.
Of course, that's not a problem here in West Hollywood, but there's other parts of the state where that has been.
The remaining bills also crack down on the theft and sale of stolen items then increase the increase the tools to deal with smashing grabs and they try to close down the market for these bills.
I will say that we work very hard to establish consequences for retail crime without going back to the days where California was punishing too many minor crimes with extremely long prison sentences.
Data and research tells us that the best way to deter crime is not the blunt approach of just adding more prison time.
It's really ensuring that law enforcement has the tools to apprehend people engaging in crime and that there is a real consequence for committing those crimes.
That doesn't mean that you necessarily have to have a 20 year prison sentence when a jail time or prison sentence is a shorter amount of time is an adequate and is an adequate deterrent.
With that on civil rights, last year the governor signed AB5, the Safe and Supporter of Schools Act, which I know so many of you supported here, which provides public school teachers and staff.
We're on the front lines of supporting California students with the training and support they need to better serve LGBTQ plus and all students.
This year I was proud that AB, the governor signed AB 2258, the enhanced consumer protections for preventive care act.
What was happening there is that the federal affordable care act is really what requires insurance companies to cover things like prep for a lot of the federal programs.
And for employers based programs.
And there was a challenge to that in a Texas court.
It's basically struck down the regulations and the Affordable Care Act that provided this protection.
My bill, which we brought this year actually codifies that those hopefully, that bills on it, that cases on appeal.
But what this is doing is it's making sure that if we lose that case we have actually put in California law,
the preventive care requirements that were in the Affordable Care Act.
So we can make sure that people that want mammograms covered for breast cancer, that prep is covered for people that need it,
that all these preventive care items were going to be covered because it's required in California law if federal law doesn't require it.
I was also a co-author and I know many of you were very active in the passage of the Safety Act, which I was a co-sponsor.
It provides new protections to the new protections against forced outings of LGBTQ students and California schools.
That was a proud that that was with a lot of opposition, but that was signed into law by this was passed by both houses and signed into law by Governor Newsom.
Also on the subject of civil rights, this year we saw a massive spike in anti-Semitic hate crimes and incidents, including on college campuses.
I've been appalled and have been using my voice and office to stand up against the anti-Semitism that we're seeing.
Following weeks of deeply disturbing events at UCLA, I called on the office of civil rights to conduct a federal investigation into potential violations of the civil rights act at UCLA.
And was disappointed with the university's response to both protecting the rights of Jewish students.
But then also later protecting the rights of the protesters when they failed to protect them from an outside mob coming into UCLA at the end of that episode.
I'm also working this year to ensure that we are preserving and improving ethnic studies, making sure that ethnic studies meets the goals which is to make sure that there's windows into the lives of ethnic and racial communities for people that are not part of those communities helping people understand the challenges that those communities face.
And also mirrors for those communities so that folks can see themselves in the curriculum.
But we also need to make sure that basically in these very sensitive areas that the curriculum is basically resulting a safe and supportive environment for all students, including Jewish students.
And so we are actually going to be moving a bill forward that is really intended not to undermine ethnic studies, but to strengthen it to make sure that it achieves its goals.
But at the same time is making sure that our schools are safe for all kids.
I'm also proud that AB 2613, the Jacqueline Marisa Burr, Rare Disease Advisory Council was signed into law by Governor Newsom.
It will actually create a new advisory council that will give a seat at the table for people that are living with rare diseases.
One of the things I saw in my sister's illness was that because rare diseases are rare, they don't have large lobbies that are sort of helping government agencies understand.
The challenge is that people living with rare diseases face.
So California was one of the few states that did not have an official rare disease advisory council that will that will change next year.
We are looking for a home for this hopefully it will be at UCLA or one of the UC systems.
We also passed two bills on gun safety AB 2907 and 2917, 2907 enhances protections for Californians who face domestic violence, stalking and elder abuse.
By making sure that if there's a if there's a gun violence restraining order that is actually enforced.
These are things that were actually required in the civil restraining orders, but we're not required in the criminal or straining orders.
So we put those same procedures to make sure that guns are confiscated from folks that are at risk in to those restraining orders.
And then 2917 updates and refines our GVO order and draws the civil court's attention to hate based or politically motivated threats of violence.
And this bill is sponsored by every time for gun safety in the San Francisco City Attorney's office.
I'm coming to a close I only have a couple more pages.
Last thing I wanted to and I'm and I'm condensing them.
Last thing I wanted to say I mentioned that we actually passed a historic climate bond AB 3 which will be on the ballot this year that will require that will result in significant funding to help us weed ourselves off of fossil fuels.
And actually will fund clean water if there's significant funding for the Santa Monica kind of mountains in the Baldwin Baldwin Hills Conservatories in that bond.
And so I was proud to serve on the steering committee that shaped the bond and proud that we passed that.
Looking to next year we're currently working on our package of bills for next year.
Invite your input as you have had in other years of really valued the input of the city of West Hollywood and shaping my bill package.
One of the issues that I will tell you that I will be focused on and will be one of my key priorities is keeping Hollywood in California.
I think you all have been reading in the papers and I have actually been having conversations with the.
The entertainment unions and with the studios and with just normal folks but as you have probably been hearing.
Employment in our region is really down people are really we not only have unemployment but we have significant under employment as many productions are being recruited out of the state of California.
And so I've spoken to the speaker about helping him spearhead a strategy to address these issues and I know that you all share.
Shared the goal of making sure that we actually have good high paying jobs and we keep the entertainment industry here in the state of California.
So in conclusion I will I just want to thank you all for being such a strong partner you know while we find ourselves in tumultuous times as a nation and world.
And while there's never a dull moment in West Hollywood civic life I believe that ultimately there's more that that unites us and divides us.
I want to thank you all for your service to the city of West Hollywood and to the assembly district 51 just know that my doors always open.
My staff is always here to help folks that have a that are having problems with state agencies and just want to thank you for for your partnership.
Thank you so much assembly member.
And and thank you for being busy enough for all of us up here out in Sacramento and just big thank you to your entire staff there at all of our city events Robert Josh all of them and they represent you so well as you're up there doing so thank you so much.
Thank you assembly members for just a few other announcements.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will be replacing a water main main line on Los Yanada Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard in fountain Avenue.
Work begins November 4th and will be completed in approximately three months the working hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. and during the weekends and holidays there will be regular access and street parking.
The city of West Hollywood's care team behavioral health initiative is one component of Los Angeles County's alternative crisis response.
A certain suicide in crisis life line and filled intervention teams provide free confidential support to anyone experiencing a crisis.
They are open 24 hours a day seven days a week for more information about the West Hollywood care team pilot program.
There are brochures in the back that look like this.
Or you can visit we hope.org slash care team and then finally save the date we will be celebrating West Hollywood's West Hollywood day on November 21st.
At the PDC in the silver screen theater from it's 530 p.m. to about 9 p.m.
There will be more information available on we hope.org slash we hope day.
I just have a few questions or I won't go first.
Can you provide an update on the lot at Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Heights.
Yes, so that lot is currently under construction there were delays due to Southern California medicine plan changes and also some slope issues on Havenhurst.
We have been resolved construction is continuing we hope to have it paved by Halloween and full completion by the middle of November.
Great.
We've been I've been getting some comments regarding coyotes in our neighborhood is it possible for you and the staff of my colleagues agreed to host something similar to Beverly Hills's.
I know we have an 18 page coyote report but it's it's a little bit long to read but maybe there's something you all could do and come back to us.
Yeah, so we do have a coyote management plan city council directed that we established one in 2017 and that was adopted by resolution in 2018 it's available on the city's website.
It is pretty comprehensive but it's the council does want an informational session that's something that.
Would have to be done by a council initiative, which can come back at the future meeting.
Wonderful. And then we just got an email regarding an arrest that was made in the community. Would you mind providing an update on that?
Yeah, and so it was a very recent arrest and very little information can be provided.
But Lieutenant Fanny Lampkin is here and she will provide in the information that she can.
Thank you so much, Fanny.
Good evening, everyone. Fanny Lampkin, sort of certainly, Lieutenant was Hollywood.
We did receive, we have great news.
Our EPT team was out looking for our attempted murder suspect and he was arrested.
I can't provide any further details because it is scheduled to be filed tomorrow.
And this was the Barney's beineries.
The Barney's beineries. So yes, it's very.
We had many, many, many, many and thank you to the community because we had many tips on the individual.
We had tips that he was no longer in the city, but he, he projected from Hollywood to West Hollywood.
And the deputies were looking for him and they, they found him.
And with the excellent work that our detectives are doing, we're, hopefully, not hopefully.
We are, they're going to be filing charges tomorrow.
Thank you so much.
All right.
If that concludes, could you keep going David, sorry?
I would just add, there is a press conference scheduled for tomorrow at 9.30 at the sheriff station.
Yep.
Does that conclude your report?
Thank you.
Lieutenant.
Yes, that concludes tomorrow.
Thank you so much.
All right.
Madam City Clerk may have the impact of the fiscal impact on the next consent calendar.
While staff comes down for the first public hearing.
Yes, Mayor.
The fiscal impact on consent with the addition of consent item F-1 F-2 F-4 exclusion of B-3.
Noting no votes for Council Member Meister and Council Member Schine on B-8.
Exclusion of B-13.
Excuse me.
Is $516,000 in expenditures, $1,680 in revenues, and $4,194 in waste fees?
All right.
There's a motion in a second.
What?
I think it's not working.
So why don't we do a voice vote?
Oh, my goodness.
There's a delay.
Council Member Heilman.
Council Member Meister.
Council Member Schine.
Vice Mayor Byrs.
Yes.
And Mayor Ericsson.
Thank you.
Wonderful.
Thank you so much.
We're going to move along to our first and only public hearing tonight.
Zone text amendment to enable the issuance of demolition permits for vacant properties.
That post public safety risks.
The public hearing is now open.
Are there any disclosures from my colleagues?
No.
Wonderful.
Madam City Clerk.
How was this hearing noticed?
As required by law.
Wonderful.
Staff.
Will you please introduce yourself?
I'm present to report.
And I'm going to get a cough drop.
So I'll be right back.
Good evening, Mayor.
Vice Mayor.
And members of the City Council.
And Nick Marisitch.
Community Development Director.
I'm joined by our long range planning manager.
Francesco Contreras.
And Senior Planner.
To hear a fairest who will be giving the presentation for this item.
Thank you.
Good evening.
Mayor.
Out of the room.
Vice Mayor.
And City Council members.
Again, my name is to hear a fairest.
Senior Planner with Long Range Planning.
And I'm going to present the Zone Text Amendment for
Demolition Permits for vacant properties that pose in the
imminent public safety threat.
Next slide, please.
I have it.
Thank you.
So I'll give a quick background on the Zone Text Amendment.
And then just go straight into the proposed amendment and
our recommendation from staff.
So just to remind people where we are.
They can property is defined in chapter 9.64 of the West Hollywood
Municipal Code.
As a property that is substantially vacant unoccupied for more than
or abandoned for more than 45 days.
And where construction pursuant to an active building permit has
not be unpermit is not taking place or weren't
in action by the building and safety division pursuant to an active
building permit has not been conducted within the previous 90 days.
The City created a vacant property restoration program in 2019,
which provides a system for tracking and addressing vacant properties.
These properties are classified into four different categories of
stable at risk problematic or failed.
There are currently 56 vacant properties within the city.
Their categorization listed on the slide here.
And over the past several months, there has been a growing number of
complaints to the West Hollywood Sheriff station, as well as to
the city's code enforcement.
About vacant properties being broken into and used for shelter and
having unintended or having public safety impacts to both the
individuals that are breaking into the property as well as to the
surrounding community members.
It is unlikely that these types of buildings are going to be
repaired by their owners or even reoccupied.
And they do pose public safety concerns.
And so therefore we are proposing a new mechanism to deal with vacant
properties within the city that may generally fall into the
category of failed vacant properties, but they also may fall outside of
any of these categories and still pose an imminent public safety risk.
So in March of this year, the city council directed staff to work with
the city attorney and create a process which would authorize the
demolition of vacant properties that pose risks.
Typical safety in both commercial and residential zone properties.
In August, the city council then issued another directive to
the process to process a zone text amendment according to the
following schedule going to planning commission in September and
coming back before the city council and October.
So that brings us to tonight.
The zone text amendment would have a two year sunset date to allow us
time to assess the impacts of this program and determine if we do
want to make it a more permanent process going forward.
So ahead of that two year sunset date, staff will return to city council
with an update and get direction on whether to make that a more permanent
program or amended or even repeal it at the time if that's necessary.
Planning commission did recommend approval of the zone text amendment in
September.
So I'll go into a quick overview of what is in the zone text amendment.
There are current requirements in chapter 19.50 of the municipal
code which includes provisions for demolition permits.
Section 19.50.2.020 states that discretionary approval of a demolition
permit is required before any demo of a building or structure before a
substantial remodel as well as before any structures moved from any
site within the city.
Additionally, the code requires could occur processing of demolition
permits with any other required discretionary permits with just two
exceptions.
The first exception is when there is an imminent hazard posed by the building
as determined by the building official.
So this is currently a very high standard to meet.
It refers to structural deficiencies within the building itself.
Not necessarily hazards that are caused by unsafe use of the property or
folks being on the property.
So there's a specific scope for when that exception can be used.
And then the second instance is when the planning commission improves
an interim use that would satisfy a public need on a vacant property.
So this is a local policy that we have to ensure that properties don't
sit vacant and that land is used for its best intended use and
hopefully stays occupied as long as possible.
So now the city is considering amending its local policy to allow
for addressing unintended consequences with vacant properties that are
not being demolished and they may need to be demolished ahead of
concur processing permits ahead of obtaining other discretionary permits.
So I'm not going to read everything on the screen here, but essentially we are
amending various sections of the code to include this new process that would
essentially give the authority to the director of community safety in
collaboration with the director of community development to
authorize the demolition of big properties that are posing public safety risks.
We do have a number of criteria that would have to be in place that a property would
have to meet in order for the director of community safety and
director of community development to make the determination and authorize that
demolition.
And we do have a number of compliance tools, tools that the city already
utilizes when managing big and properties to ensure that regulations are followed
and anything that needs to be addressed at that time.
So there are a number of tools that would still be at the city's discretion.
And then just to point out that we are still going to be in compliance with state law.
So if any housing units are going to be demolished as part of this process,
they would be required to be replaced.
So there would be a data restriction place on the property to ensure that that happens.
Additionally, if there are any historic resources, we would still have to adhere to laws
related to historic resources.
And just to point out that this new process is really something that is meant to be used
on rare occasions when all other methods have failed or have not produced the results
that are necessary to take care of these properties.
So the consideration is again for these properties that really rise to that
level of an imminent threat to public safety that's really a direct
result of individuals trespassing onto the property and doing things that
may create hazards such as fires that pose a threat to neighboring properties.
So with that, the staff's recommendation is to adopt the
state of 19 zoning ordinance of less Hollywood municipal code to authorize
the issuance of demolition permits for big and properties that pose public safety risks.
And that's the end of the presentation.
Staff is here for questions.
Thank you so much.
There are no public speakers on this item.
So I think we can go over to questions or comments.
Council Member Hiamen.
This has been before us on several occasions.
I know there's some disagreement, but I'm prepared to move the
recommendation and I've done so.
And I have second to that.
Do you all go down to this end question or comments of this point, sir?
Yep.
My only concern is if we have 42 stable, five at risk, nine problematic.
Are the at risk the ones that are going to be, you know,
go into this category and the prop or is it problematic or is it failed?
And what happens if the stable ones start to move?
I mean, is there a way that we can, we can say as of today,
you know, if you're listed on the stable category that you don't qualify for this because,
you know, you've let, you've let the property go is rather than rather than,
you know, something happening that created the situation where,
where they were already problematic.
Yeah.
So there are a number of criteria that staff would use to determine,
I don't know if that's to determine if the property does rise to the level that would
necessitate authorizing the demolition.
So in theory, a property could be in any one of those categories,
but probably the likelihood that it's in the failed category or problematic is probably more likely,
because we also have to determine that the property owner has not made any effort
to secure the property or take care of the property or address concerns by the city.
So the city would still utilize existing mechanisms to reach out to property owners and try to get compliance.
If compliance is not being obtained, if there's property owners unresponsive,
then they would have, then that's potential to utilize this.
I'm just going to add that we are joined by our colleagues from Community Safety Department,
who would obviously play at critical role in implementing this.
So Danny Revis, Community Safety Director and Vito Animitis are both with us.
There's any questions that they would like to speak to as well.
Yeah, and I guess I want to know if there's anything in this that would act as a disincentive
for a property owner to let their property go.
Is there anything that will prevent this from becoming the norm rather than the rare occasion?
So we would see this as a disincentive for a property owner to just sit and do nothing
because there are fines that can be imposed on the property.
The demolition would be at the expense of property owner.
So it would be in their best interest to be in compliance with city regulations rather than have city take action.
Okay.
Good.
Yes.
Thank you.
I'm in the support of this.
I do have a question.
There was a on-paked seven of the staff report when speaking of under new subsection A2 of Section 19.
50.020. It starts with the determination will be based on some or all of the following characteristics. That's a strange usage of words. Why not just the determination will be based on any of the following characteristics or ways out on some or all?
So, this language was reviewed by City Attorney, so it was developed in collaboration with City Attorney, and that was where we ended.
Yes. I think the factors that lead to these situations are very important to capture one scenario that covers it also. It's meant to provide flexibility and show that their factors and different things.
It could be one that is so severe, it's enough, or it might be three or four things that lead to a determination that it's risen to this level, so it's okay.
I think it's intentionally giving flexibility because we don't know all the factors that are going to play out.
Okay, so, could it be based on one, one factor? I just don't want this challenge if it's based on one, and then they say, well, it says summer all.
Right, I mean, the way I read it is probably two. Okay, some. Okay, we could say more. I mean, there's different ways to word it. I think the point was that it's a combination of these things that lead to the public safety problem.
And I think the code was too specific in the past and let the city not be able to utilize this when the situation really came up, so it's trying to be flexible.
Thank you. Okay.
Great. Seeing no more questions or comments, well, we have a motion by Council of Ohio men and a second by myself, and we will go to vote.
Mayor, I also wanted to. Sure.
No, that Kathy Blavis provided citizen position. And support of the set.
Wow, okay, great. 50. I'm sorry. I'll interrupt me next time, so we can make sure we get those ahead of the vote just so we can do that. Thanks.
All right, that has this five zero. Thank you so much, city staff, for all your hard work and quick turnaround on that.
We're going to move right along to unfinished business, or we hope 40 strategic plan. Do my colleagues want a full staff report on this?
No. Okay, great. So, Paolo and Chris, whoever is, because I took my glasses off, I know you've been prepping for months for the full staff report, but we'll, we'll take in abbreviated one if possible.
And then we have three public commenters signed up for that. Are there any citizen positions, lips? Nope. Okay.
And if you were on the, we hope 40 plan team from a community member, will you raise your hand in the audience so we can just congratulate you up here from behalf of us. Thank you so much.
As, as they get set up with all their technology. Richard, you're always there. So, there you go Richard.
Okay, we're going to load our slides and I'll get started. Welcome, good evening. Mayor, vice mayor and city council.
My name is Christine Sabre and I'm the assistant to the city manager and the city manager's office.
With me tonight at the staff table, or Paolo, desperate at management analyst and project manager for the we have 40 strategic plan, as well as Kevin Rosenstein and Eric Wong from Gensler.
We also have with us tonight, Christopher Locke and Anna Shayla Victorino from designing color and Richard Bernard from FM3.
We also have David Wilson of course on the day so if you are city man.
He doesn't want to come down there and be with you. He does not.
The plan we are presenting tonight builds off of the success of the city's prior strategic plan that was adopted in the early 2000s and bridges are existing plans and initiatives into a comprehensive strategy.
We are not going to give you this whole presentation this evening but I will hit a few highlights for you.
The we hope 40 strategic plan provides a cohesive organizing framework for the city's highest priorities over the next 15 years.
The basic purpose of a strategic plan and particularly this plan is to build upon the strong foundation of the city's existing work plans, council director, special plans and ongoing projects and programs.
The we hope 40 strategic plan helps to establish a common understanding of the city's existing conditions, its opportunities and its challenges.
It synthesizes broadly representative priorities that we heard through an expansive outreach process between the city and our project team residents and stakeholders.
It defines measurable objectives organized within a realistic roadmap for implementation and finally it describes an inclusive vision of what was Hollywood aspires to be in 2040 and beyond.
The we hope 40 strategic plan was developed through close collaboration with our consulting team and with community members.
The office of the city manager led the project city participants were involved at numerous stages and included staff elected officials appointed officials and numerous other community members of all stripes.
The prime consultant on the project was Gensler a global architecture design and planning firm who led the overall project management including plan development.
Gensler strategy group has existed for more than 30 years and completed numerous strategic plans designing in color led the community organizing and outreach efforts for this project with the focus on social justice equity and intense engagement with residents and community members.
Gensler deco and the city worked in close collaboration throughout the project to ensure that many historically and frequently underrepresented groups in our community were invited and welcomed into the planning process.
FM3 is a frequent city partner and provided public opinion research for the project we focus groups and two statistically validated resident surveys that book ended the project to identify issues and validate the final direction of the strategic plan.
And thank you for that suggestion council we really thought that that was a wonderful addition to our outreach and validation work.
In terms of community engagement we had four phases in the project and three streams of community engagement.
Those are on the slide here and they're also shown in our in our strategic planning document.
They included community engagement with residents business owners workforce and visitors community organizing with our action team and core coalition.
We actually have some members of the action team in the audience tonight would you guys like to raise your hand.
Thank you very much.
And then we also invited city leadership and staff to participate and there were multiple participation options throughout the strategic plan in all of the phases for community staff and city participation.
This is just a brief summary of the engagement methods that we went through in the process through the various phases I'm not going to go into these in the interest of time.
We held multiple community events there were three in person community events at all three of the cities major parks.
There was one virtual community meeting via zoom and also live streamed.
These various events provided strategic plan information and feedback.
There were grio conversation circles focused on specific topics and there was also food and music to make these entertaining and inviting.
Our team also presented at community pop ups three strategic planning pop-up events were held at the Aquatic Springfest at Mishka Festival and at the We Hope Pride Street Fair.
Each one of these engaged between one in 2000 community members it was a way to both publicize the plan invite deeper participation at some of our events point people towards the website.
As well as get input and take feedback on various elements of the plan depending on what stage we're at.
So the strategy itself is divided into six focus areas and goals with 24 underlying objectives in those focus areas and more than 150 distinct actions that are specific steps that the city will take to advance the objectives and the goals.
Each one of the following slides.
Talks briefly about what those are.
Our focus areas include community safety and well-being where we focus on public safety, the city's human services initiatives and developing neighborhoods specific approaches.
The second focus area is attainable housing with the focus on creating housing opportunities for people of wide region income levels and specifically looking at emphasizing affordable housing and challenges that our residents are facing as well as future residents to the area.
Economic development is the third focus area with the goal of advancing just an inclusive economic opportunities and really looking at ways to build and help the city maintain and develop economic prosperity over the long term.
The fourth focus area is transparency and engagement.
This was really responding to the feedback from constituents to help them feel welcome and empowered to participate in local governance and civic life.
Community connection was looking at supporting and developing strong social bonds and connections within the community and then our final focus area was the climate action and sustainability focus area to adapt to the impacts of climate change while improving equity and quality of life.
Next steps, sorry, one second.
In terms of next steps and implementation through the community engagement process, we heard the community's desire to follow and see the progress of the plan.
Upon approval, the city will begin implementation by incorporating the strategy into our work plans and developing an online dashboard to the community members and elected and appointed officials can track our progress in real time over time.
The city will also create a regular community forum called the community tentatively called the community coalition to review and discuss the plan goals and objectives.
Please note, we have 40 strategic plan is intended to be reviewed and updated regularly and that includes considering the addition of new objectives and new goals that are responsive to community need.
And then to the council's direction, this is intended to be a living document and one that gets updated regularly and reported out on regularly.
So to recap, we are asking that you, the city council, to receive this overview of the strategic planning process as described in the we hope 40 report, which is attachment aid to the staff report and to consider approval of the goals and objectives in we hope 40.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much for that.
Great report.
Do we have questions for staff?
I do, but let's hear from the public.
Are we okay with hearing from the public first great?
We'll go to our first public commenter Kevin Burton to be followed by Caitlin McCaffordy.
Good evening, council members Kevin Burton, President of West Hollywood.
I just want to thank staff and the consultants for all their effort and putting together this impressive document.
There's an amazing amount of public outreach.
I went to a couple of the open houses and have recently looked at the strategic plan.
I just wanted to highlight a few of the statements that I think are of great importance.
One is that when talking about the future of the city and what's coming up.
Two of the prominent, prominent aspirations are one that the city become a haven for pedestrians and cyclists, including a selection of bike lanes to.
That it become a magnet for future talent.
And that it's important to include micro ability and transit options as younger people are frequently and increasingly wanting to be able to get around without depending on cars.
Secondly, in terms of focus areas, community safety, a couple of them.
One is that a citywide resident survey that I think Christine mentioned,
found that 58% ranked increasing mobility options such as increasing bike lanes are extremely or very important.
And this is significant public outreach, it's not some sort of bias survey.
The city should improve the experience and safety of streets and sidewalks for users.
Micro mobility is becoming an increasingly important transportation option for residents, visitors.
But existing infrastructure must be improved to make these options safer.
This will require reimagining city street network so that those travel car free can benefit from high quality infrastructure that is safe.
It's convenient and accessible. Thank you.
Thank you Kevin. Caitlin McAfrony to be followed by our last speaker Steven Post.
Hello, I'm Caitlin McAfrony. I'm a member of the action team.
I'm also on the rent stabilization commission.
I just wanted to highlight for y'all the Caitlin, can you talk into the mic?
I saw the highlight the community engagement aspect of this.
I'm a city planner by trade separately from a Hollywood.
They've worked on a lot of plans like this, and the city really did go above and beyond in community engagement.
They're work with designing in color, thanks to their work with designing in color.
The frequency, the strategy, everything really did go above and beyond, and it really went,
except further than just checking a box off of a government requirement for a plan.
So I hope you guys all kind of feel about when you read the plan.
And yeah, I just want to express my support, and thank you for the opportunity to be so involved.
That's it. Thank you.
Steven Post.
Hi council members.
Mainly just wanted to come up to night and thank you all.
I think the community for really engaging in this strategic planning process.
I'm a three year resident now of West Hollywood and really doing this over the past year has really helped me engage and get to know you all.
Help me get to know my community members, get to know these businesses, get to know what West Hollywood wants to look like over the next 15 years.
And I just really think it's important to thank our community members for coming out and giving their input.
As Caitlin talked about, I think there's a lot of issues that we've heard about that folks are concerned about in the community, whether it be from fountain, whether it be public safety.
Different things, different initiatives that we've passed, and I know folks don't always feel that they're heard by the community in by council.
And I think it's really great to see how comprehensive our community engagement process was for this.
And I think it would be great for the city to continue to look at standardizing this type of process in making sure that community input is isn't put it before we make a decision on a lot of these things.
So just want to think a few other folks like design and color and a shale and crisp specifically, thank you so much for leading us in having a great group.
The folks like Gensler, the city. I just think it's really important to continue having some of these dialogues around public safety affordable housing.
What businesses want and what citizens want from those businesses so that we can really tailor over the next 15 years what folks we can bring into the city and continue to diversify.
And I think we have an opportunity to continue to be that really progressive city, but fine solutions to those problems that may arise from that progressivism.
And so just really looking forward to continuing to engage with the community and all the citizens and I hope they continue to read this report and make sure to engage as we continue over the next 15 years.
Thank you.
Thank you. That concludes our public comment. Wonderful. We'll go over the questions and I'll turn it over to council.
We're comments at this point.
Well, I do have some comments, but first I'd like to thank everyone involved. All of our staff, all of our consultants and all of the members of the community who participated not only on the steering committee, but also the people who share their input and their ideas and suggestions.
It's always I think very challenging to do this kind of outreach and try to make sure that we're getting the voices and the input unfiltered but also having it organized in a way that makes sense.
There are obviously a lot of very important focus areas and goals here and I appreciate all the work.
Having said I really appreciate all the outreach. I always am worried that we, we sometimes are not always getting the full input and that there are some areas in here where there are still disagreements within the community.
There was a comment here of a very positive comment about block by block but I've also heard very negative comments from some of my neighbors about block by block.
Kevin mentioned the bike lanes, which of course is a current source of controversy in the community.
So sometimes I worry that we're not always getting accurate reflection of that disagreement within the community.
I really appreciate the use of the non-profits but again the non-profits some of them are I presume city funded agencies who have a particular focus and sort of they're asking questions that are really related to their particular clientele and who they're served.
But having said that I think overall the document does provide us with a great deal of information, a great deal of goals and big broad pictures.
I think we need to have a conversation about how this ongoing advisory board is going to work and this is an advisory board that wasn't chosen by the council as I recall.
So how do we make sure that it remains representative something Christine said about this being a living breathing document with new goals being added gave me a bit of pause because we went through a very extensive public outreach campaign to get the current priorities.
How are those new priorities going to be added without that kind of process or is it going to be really the voices of the people on the advisory board saying these are now new priorities so I have a little bit of concern about that.
I did have a couple of questions on page 81 and some of the pages are hard to see this because we use black at the bottom they get blacked out there's this case study of San Francisco and and then there's a small note at the end that San Francisco is a charter city so we can't do that here.
So why are we including that so that might be something that we might want to think about eliminating from this.
I did have a question on page 98 that's one of those pages that's hard to see.
There was a reference to disappearance of free or low cost community activities and gatherings.
I have no idea what that's referring to I mean we have a lot of free or low cost activities here in the park and at council chambers so do we know specifically what was being referred to there.
There we go. Eric from Gunswork and take my question.
That was referring more generally to something we've observed throughout the country where these social institutions and organizations that used to be a source of community for people have generally been dissipating and not specifically representing the city of West Hollywood and the programs here.
Okay I mean it just struck me as odd because I can't think of you know low cost or free community activities that have suddenly disappeared in West Hollywood it seems to the contrary that we have more activities in West Hollywood so that was something that struck me on.
I'm page 110 the reference to shade equity I understand what that meant but I know that Helen is in the back and I know we've planted trees on every residential street in the city of West Hollywood.
We're talking about something other than that or trying to find other places where trees can be planted that aren't on our street trees or on our streets rather.
Yeah so it's more a line of making sure that we're continuing with shade equity for other individuals finding spaces where we can plant additional trees and additional greenery throughout the city.
Okay this is one of those things where I felt like you know that's a great aspiration but it seems disconnected to what we've actually done in the city in terms of.
Every city street has been planted with street trees since we became a city so having putting that in the context of that would have been helpful to me.
You know there's something else talking about solar power on 112 which of course I support but it seems like we have a lot of these aspirational things that we have talked about before that we've actually given direction on before and they haven't been implemented so that's one of the concerns I have here of.
How do we make sure that previous directions actually get implemented.
Yeah, sorry I can respond to that for a quickly.
So with the online implementation tool a lot of these all of these goals and objectives will be tracked into that system so you'll be able to see the progress over time and the prior council initiatives or directives will also be incorporated into this as well too.
Okay I have maybe three more comments and I apologize to my colleagues because I know we don't want to stay late tonight.
There's a reference to supporting BIPOC and LGBT businesses which of course is fine.
I think what I'm hearing is a concern about supporting all businesses in the city and that being a primary area with supporting particular categories of business being a subcategory of a much broader initiative so I don't know if that's fully captured here.
One of the references to our current homeless policies.
It's a big concern as Richard survey has indicated it's a concern of the public and what I'm hearing what I'm seeing here is let's just tell the public what we're doing.
I'm going to bring an item but what we're doing isn't working it's working in some respects but it is certainly not working when you see the same individuals on the street repeatedly day after day you call repeatedly and they're still there and they're not receiving services.
They're not accepting services and there doesn't seem to be a strategy to deal with that.
So that I think is an area that as I read this it felt fairly weak in terms of what the next steps are.
My final point is that this is a great document and thank you again to everyone even though I'm raising some concerns about it.
It isn't really what I expect it in terms of a strategic plan.
I think the next steps for us are to have some conversations amongst ourselves about things that we as a council and internally as a staff need to be addressing just to make some of these things happen.
So I was talking to Helen and Steve the other day about a long range plan for our infrastructure and making sure that we have like we have a five year plan for streets and paving that we need to have a 20 to 30 year plan for all of our infrastructure and thinking about when our replacements going to be needed and things like that.
So I'm hoping that this will be a springboard for that kind of conversation as part of we hope 40 strategic plan.
But again thank you everyone.
Thank you.
Councilmember Meister.
Yep.
Thank you Mayor.
So can you please explain to me again the advisory board how that's supposed to work.
I can't remember my answer I'll take that question.
So the we hope 40 community coalition which is the implementation phase I think that's what you're referring to.
So that basically continues from the work that we did through the action team and core coalition.
It's an open community forum which means you know it isn't necessarily a brown act body.
To provide flexibility for people to attend or not attend depending on like areas they want to focus on and talk to staff or experts about in the community.
And so how this would work it would be how we kind of outlined in the staff report is it would be held twice a year.
And each of those meetings with focus on three focus areas outlined in the strategic plan and then we would provide a report to community members that attend.
And then we would have like a small group conversation on areas of interest or potential solution ideas that would happen.
And then through that we would report back.
So would they be open to the public then or not.
Yeah yeah 100% open to the public.
Okay great.
So a lot of council member homens comments I agree with.
It's interesting because the protecting longstanding neighborhood businesses that you have we actually had a legacy business initiative that.
Wasn't really implemented so it would be nice to revisit that to see what parts of that we are able to do.
But we are not allowed to do because we're not that type of city.
We also had an initiative several.
New Year's ago, then council member Horvath and I put forward about solar power to have solar power on
roofs and or green roofs. Rather than we've actually kind of gone in the opposite direction, we keep looking for rooftop uses.
So I guess we need to really, again, talk about that because if we are serious about some of these climate action plan goals,
then maybe we need to look back and see what initiatives had been put forward that just weren't implemented.
So that would be one of the ones that I would be interested in.
And then, you know, with trees, we can always use another tree, and we do have the tree replacement policy where we are looking at canopy trees as a way of addressing extreme heat and other climate issues and just clean air and all of that.
I think know the benefits of that and as council member Horvath and so we need to talk to discuss what is the strategy to actually, you know, make sure that that all happens.
I was really glad that we did the quantitative survey with FM3.
I think it's really important that we do that, you know, often not not just once every 40 years or, you know, once every five years.
I think it's important for us to all see that, you know, the top three items.
The highest ranked future priority by residents, at least from this group that, you know, was was talked to this effort, this project.
You know, supporting community safety and well-being, maintaining the city's unique urban balance with emphasis on residential neighborhoods, maintaining fiscal sustainability.
So these are all, you know, important for us to know what the priorities are, especially as we, you know, we come back and to strategize what are our next steps and what should we be focusing on.
So I would, I would say that we need to, to do the community surveys of this type alone, you know, more often.
And make sure that we're, we're constantly checking in with residents because we, we have residents come for our council meetings and our commission and board meetings, but, you know, it's, we maybe have 50 people show up and maybe 10 people speak.
And it's important for us to have that perspective from a quantitative study that's, that's done properly.
So with that, I'm, you know, I'm supportive of passing this, but I, again, I agree that we should, we have to be practical, this is all, it's, it's beautiful.
But we have to be practical and see, how do we practically implement the priorities.
So thank you.
Thank you.
Council members, I do have any comments?
Yes.
I want to thank the, all of the community that was involved and staff and constituents and public commenters.
I am, I was also very happy about the, the survey that was conducted, which gives informative information.
I'm very supportive of this strategic plan and.
So I don't really have a, a ton to say, I think my colleagues address some things that I was going to.
To also address, but thank you everyone for the good work.
Thank you.
My, thank you.
Thank you.
Yeah. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this.
I do feel the level of engagement reflected through the pages, not just in the amazing photos of our community.
So we reflected here, but in the language and the values expressed and it just feels like an amazing moment to sort of look forward into the city.
I really appreciate this document as a guide as somebody very new to council still, although I won't be the newest student.
So that's interesting.
And they're coming weeks months.
But I think as people are, you know, sort of shaking off the pandemic still re acclimating to public life, getting back engaged and things that matter deeply to them.
The way this tool in this plan, we've together all existing tools and plans is extremely valuable.
And seeing all these different goals and priorities laid out as they are with these action steps, this sort of list of ideas.
Things that are, you know, things that have already been put into sort of motion and maybe need reflection and some further work now.
Things that are new ideas and things that are rooted back into existing work that has a deeper history to it as well.
So that's really meaningful.
That I feel, as was said by a public commenter, the level of engagement here is really, it feels really meaningful.
And I know we have community members who are feeling unheard and unseen.
And I think in this guide we find our place.
So just thank you to everyone who worked so deeply on this.
I don't have any specific comments.
I just have a lot of eagerness and excitement to get to work.
This feels like a really strong declaration from our community about the future they want to see.
And we have 15 years to get moving on it.
So really excited for that.
Thank you so much.
I want to thank everyone who was involved in this from our city staff.
To the consultant teams to all of the members of the community who put in a lot of hard work and Saturdays.
I know the first one was during a rainstorm if I'm not mistaken.
So that was fun.
But you know, people still came out and I think that's really admirable.
So I want to thank when it rains of shines, right?
So wonderful time and it was great to see different groups there.
A lot of what's been said.
I concur with.
I'm fine with however we want to call it.
I think we like to call things advisory boards when they're not advisory boards.
I think we have like 57 advisory boards in the city of what's Hollywood at this point.
So maybe we don't need another one.
However, I think it is important to keep this space once twice a year for people to be engaged.
No bring a friend like us as Steven said, you know, he's been here for three years and he brings a friend.
You know, it's all the ways in which you can get more engaged, right?
And that's really important.
I also agree with how we can continue to promote the good work of the city.
When I looked at the survey, you know, some people like to like to say that, you know, the sky is falling.
But two thirds rate, the quality of life and what's Hollywood favorably.
I mean, I have was talking to a number of my city colleagues and other cities and I said, how how do you rate or survey your residents?
And I think the last time we surveyed our residents was 10 years ago.
So, you know, some of them don't do this or don't engage in this level of survey.
So, I think what councilmember Maester said was really important for how we can continue to gauge these aspects, right?
Because 13% said excellent.
And then 25% said fair.
And there are cities that would kill a lot to have a fair rating.
I'm looking at our city that borders three sides of us called the city of LA.
Our ugly step sister to the north east and south sometimes.
Because we often see the issues that Los Angeles has impact West Hollywood.
And that's that's an issue we're trying to do.
Additionally, some of the top issues here are something that we can help continue to set up priorities around.
And while things like to be, you know, politicized in whatever way,
the way that we can have these top five always as staple points for core values,
how we implement them into our staff reports.
What are they meeting at the mood and the time that we're looking at?
Homelessness is not should shock anyone.
That should be the number one issue everyone is talking about.
But the city of West Hollywood does as we know more than many other cities for homelessness.
Bar not.
And we can set our watches to that.
The cost of housing is high everywhere.
But we're continuing to build affordable housing.
So, how do we promote successes to the community in these buy animal meetings versus a place for them to come.
Not complain, but to really air grievances.
Because we want to also share the good work, right?
And what do we look at in terms of what are those next steps look like and how do we do it?
So, I just want to again thank you all for everything that you're doing.
I believe this is in more ways than one or a receive and file and continue next steps.
If I'm getting the mood of my colleagues and you'll come back with next steps.
Moving forward in whatever way you will.
Yes.
David.
And so, I don't think there's a plan to come back to actually adopt anything.
I think we'll take all the input.
We'll make adjustments to what this final document looks like because you're not adopting this document tonight.
But there are certainly comments that will make some minor adjustments within the document for a printed document.
But ultimately, what you're overall adopting is the focus areas and the goals which there seems to be a agreement on and then we'll develop an implementation plan which will be available to the public in the dashboard that Paula was talking about.
And I think that's a little comeback in future discussions with the council is the ongoing implementation to achieve these goals.
Wonderful.
How's it going?
Yes.
And just, you know, noting that there is still some disagreement in the community on some of the implementation measures.
But the big goals I don't think there's any disagreement on.
So, yeah.
Thank you.
That's a great point.
Thank you.
All right.
We're going to move.
And five zero.
Thank you very much, everyone.
All right.
Mayor.
What?
No.
All right.
We're going to move right along.
F1 was moved to consent.
F2 was moved to consent.
The grants and schools.
We're going to move right along to F3.
I don't believe we need a staff report on this.
I'll just go right to council member.
I want to thank my colleagues for bringing this.
And this is an item that increased the visibility of the city's human services.
Commission and the social services program.
I know that this really focuses on broadcasting the commission meetings.
I don't.
I'm okay with broadcasting one a year, but I don't think broadcasting commission meetings is the way that we really
inform the public about the programs that are available for and are funded through our human services
Commission.
I think there are much more effective ways of communicating.
I feel bad when Sam comes here when Jimmy comes here and they try to comment at the two minutes.
It rarely captures anything and having a commission meeting where there are votes back and forth.
I don't think that necessarily highlights the programs.
I think we should be looking at doing interviews with the actual service providers and programs that
talk about the actual programs and what are the resources available rather than having people sit through a commission meeting
to try to clean that information from random comments that are made.
I think there's better ways to publicize our programs.
I don't have a problem with having the commission.
Maybe the funding meeting telecast, but I think if we.
If the goal is transparency.
Why this commission and why not all the other commissions and boards.
And then we don't have the resources and staffing to do it.
I support aspects of this, but not the entirety of it.
Thank you.
Tell us where my sir.
Thank you Mayor.
So back in 2015, 2016 we actually voted to.
To have more visibility of all of our commissions and boards by either either you know showing them on cable or podcasting.
Because we felt that that would be a modern way of you know letting people.
Listen to you know whatever commission or board they're they're interested in.
So I'm hoping that we didn't give up on that and I probably should have looked for that in that.
That's strategic plan, but I would say that we should we need to relook at that and make sure that that gets implemented.
And I think.
The idea of maybe having.
On cable.
What Councilmember Hileman suggested about having service providers go on our cable.
TV to talk about what you know what they're doing and and how people can get services in whichever area they're looking to get services.
And marketing materials as well which I know we have some of.
But you know I'm all for podcasting or or somehow.
Letting people making it easier for people to access.
You know our commission and board meetings we have a situation now where we have public safety commission on the same night as historic preservation commission.
Which I think we shouldn't have we should figure out there was this another day so that people don't have to make that choice.
But until we do it would be great for someone to be able to go and listen to whatever meeting they missed because they were at the other meeting.
And as we've talked about in the past we have so many events go.
Going on, and sometimes two or three happening in one evening, it would be nice to have, at least, for the commission
in board meetings, to have that ability to go back and listen to it without having to do a public
records request for an audio tape. So, you know, I'm supportive of this. I think we need to look at expanding,
you know, how we do it, and also going back to 2015-2016 to the ideas that were already passed.
I make sure that they happen.
Thank you, Council Member, Mr. President, I'm sorry. Do you have any questions?
I do. Well, I'm also a little bit concerned about the equity piece of this.
I served on the Human Services Commission. I understand the importance of the work, but have been struggling
to figure out how to navigate the challenge of having that very important information not shared in a bigger way.
So, I'm really appreciative of many aspects of this. And I appreciate it.
Staff's recommendation of a video recording alternative in the interim of a live broadcast.
I do think the live broadcast piece is where the staff capacity has the biggest challenge,
and it seems like even in this report they're asking for time to figure out what that could look like.
So, in hearing about Council Member Meisters, suggesting that there's a bigger question about how we give more airtime
to all of our advisory boards and commissions, the piece of asking staff to really look at capacity around broadcasting is a piece I'm interested in.
I'm interested in the video recording alternative to get started with the Human Services Commission now,
because it sounds like it's a low barrier way to make sure each meeting is recorded and then posted at a later date.
And I think that is an appropriate way to share information that isn't totally pressing and has been waiting for the community for some time
while staff figures out the larger equity piece that is a real concern.
Because once we allow this to happen, then other boards and commissions rightfully so we're going to be asking for the same sort of thing
because all of that information is very important.
The other aspect of this that I think is sort of pressing and now is the creativity that we can best our com's team in thinking through ways
that can uplift the many different service providers and the work that they do.
And I appreciate Council Member Heillman's suggestions on what that could look like, the interviews and I know our com's team will come up with a lot of other things.
But it's the live broadcast now that I'm sort of tangled up with because I don't want to fold staff's capacity around that specific need.
So, there's some room to wiggle with this and I'm open to figuring out how we move forward.
Thank you.
Are there any public comments?
Anymore?
Okay.
Well, I want to thank my colleagues for your comments.
I will say that as part of the marketing campaign component, this is where the mayor and I are hoping that our communications department would go out to social service providers
and interview them and a whole slew of other creative ideas dedicated to getting the word out about our human services, commissions, good work and the social services.
Because over the years, the folks that are using the social services that we offer are the same folks over and over and over again, which means we have a communication issue.
We have in our strategic plan, 35,000 residents and a small number that are using the amount of services that we're putting a lot of funding towards.
So, we want to get the word out and that's the second part of this.
The reason human and human services does, by the way, have a lot of these social service providers that come and do reports at the meetings is not just comments here and there.
They actually focus on every each different meeting has a service provider come.
So, that would actually help the communications department to by having a broadcast.
And I hear my colleagues, council member, myster and vice mayor, buyers, you made a really good point.
And what I've been told is that we actually have the capability to videotape all of our commissions at this point videotape them.
So, what I will propose, what we would like to propose to get support for this item is to go ahead and not just to the alternative for human services commission, but go ahead and address the equity issue and have every single.
Commission, and if I don't know if the boards are available too, but to have those be videotaped and then we don't have an equity issue anymore.
And they will go online and as Commissioner Jimmy Palmieri stated, that could be shared with the with the public.
And this is the 2015, the podcast is not going to happen.
The podcast is somewhere and we don't know, so we need the videotape site.
I believe, am I a city manager?
We have the ability to videotape, right?
We do.
That's still going to take some time and training to videotape them and have them available, but because of COVID and the pandemic.
All of our rooms have the capability of videon, so it'd be similar to like a zoom meeting that would be posted.
I didn't want to clarify that the audio recordings are happening with all the boards and commissions, the podcasts that you all talked about.
They are available on the city's website, we're working on making them easier to find because they're not easy to find, but they're also.
There are audio recordings that I think people are as interested now days in going back and listening to audio recordings as they may with the video recordings.
So I think we can certainly do that.
We'll continue to look at other ways for public awareness of not only our social services programs and human services commission, but all the boards and commissions, that's what I'm hearing from you all.
And so we can look at long return strategies for all of them, but starting with the Human Services Commission.
And then work on having video available of all the boards and commissions.
Yeah, I think what I think what actually I'm suggesting is we do the taping of all the other commissions, because apparently there's other commissions that have been wanting to be videotape.
So then that takes care of the equity issue.
With regard to this, I can part of this, which is the marketing is focused on the Human Services Commission because that really is what we need to get out to the public.
All of the services that we offer.
So keep that limited human services commission.
And what the mayor and I are offering is to expand this.
Instead of alternative one, our alternative is to have you all do whatever needs to be done to have the Human Services Commission and the other commissions be videotape.
Not live, so we're not straining resources.
But if there's agreement from Council Member Meister and buyers and hopefully Council Member Hyalman, then we could.
That's the motion I'm putting forward.
Is that clear? Yes.
Yeah, it looked also that in the staff analysis that the video recording alternative could begin as soon as Q1 of 2025.
Yeah.
So that was in progress, which is great.
And February, my understanding is that there's the new sort of appointment period for boards and commissions.
So, you know, at least they'll that new realm will be starting with that.
And then, okay, that's all I had to say.
Yes, I would like to make this motion if the mayor wants to second.
Was the motion clear?
Why don't we clarify it just for?
Sure. The motion is that we're going to, by quarter, went one, have our commissions and boards.
Video recorded and do the training, whatever needs to be done or is it a budget that needs to happen?
It's more training than anything.
Okay.
If, by quarter one, you're saying by January?
No, after it would be after the appointments, I think they happen in February, after the new appointments are made.
Okay.
Maybe March?
Yeah.
That gives an option.
Excellent.
And then the marketing plan is for the Human Services Commission.
Yes.
Good.
That's in my motion.
Okay.
And just to clarify that I did get information on how to find the auto audio recordings.
So the public knows.
If you go to go. We host slash meeting recordings.
The recordings of the boards and commissions.
The audio recordings are they aren't available currently.
Okay.
Let's move on.
Hello.
Do you have any indication or any knowledge?
Knowledge of how many people actually access the current audio recordings?
I mean, part of it is that they're difficult to find, but.
We don't have any actual numbers, but it's not a lot.
We do know that.
Yeah.
I mean, that's part of my concern about now elevating to video recordings.
When people aren't really going to access them.
And I don't know what the cost is.
It sounds like there's not much of a cost, but there's time and training involved.
I'd like to have you provide us with more information on that before we definitely commit to it.
At least that's how I'm thinking.
I'm definitely obviously in support of marketing or social service programs and the work that the Human Services Commission is doing.
But I'm not sure that we necessarily need video recordings in lieu of the current audio recordings of all of our meeting.
Yeah.
And maybe we start with a pilot program of the Human Services Commission because it'll be easier to train for one commission.
Make those available.
We'll be able to track how many people are actually reviewing the recordings and then make a decision from there.
And three to six months or however long we think.
And because meetings don't happen that frequently.
I would say six months would we need that to at least.
I would question them.
I'm not prepared to change my motion yet for that.
When we have the pandemic, all of our boards and commissions were.
The recordings are offered correct.
Yes.
That's why we have the capability.
Yes, but those were fully Zoom meetings.
And so as we've seen here having.
Meeting that's not fully Zoom is a little harder to record than a fully Zoom meeting.
So I think that's a difference.
And I think we've seen those challenges with our council meetings.
Well, I just want to add on.
You know, I think the reason why I do support this and I agree to co-op it.
That's what comes from our shine is, you know, we get to discuss.
We discuss up here with members of the public how things are done.
Maybe like, allegedly in darkness, right?
And there's public meetings or it's outreach.
There's all of these availabilitys.
And I support this item because I can easily say to a resident, which I do.
Well, this was actually discussed at this meeting.
This is how government works and therefore go watch this meeting and get involved, right?
If you weren't able to attend, it's okay.
But people need to know that we've done every tool and this is every tool doing it.
I am growing more concerned over the, I don't know if it's just information,
but the idea of that, the city operates in darkness in some ways.
And this is the opposite of that.
And so that's why I support this notion and moving forward.
Thank you. Yeah. Same.
And also the reason the podcast doesn't have a lot of people listening to it is because we don't even know where it is.
And now we have our city manager telling us this is the, this is the website to go to.
So we can't really use that as a way to say, well, there aren't enough people.
But during the pandemic, the reason I brought that up is people who are watching.
And people watch, there might not be a ton of people live watching us tonight.
But as a week's go on, we can see the numbers increase for city council meetings.
So people do go and watch and transparency is incredibly important.
So I would like to keep the motion as is in the interest of transparency.
And as far as the budgeting, I don't, we're talking about training.
We're not talking about the capabilities there. We're the creative city.
We have the technology.
This has been happening since 2015, 2016 and now we're 2024.
So I think the bigger budget issue was the live broadcasts, not the video.
So we're not talking about live broadcasts.
Yeah. So the budget issue was related more to the live broadcasts.
The videoing still requires training and more money, but it's not as much of a budget issue.
And just to clarify on your other question regarding the video.
So we were having full zoom meetings on video.
We set up the rooms to all have video capability.
But we haven't broadcast or recorded the meetings for them to be viewed.
So we haven't done that yet.
We just went from zoom meetings to end person meetings.
But set up the rooms with the kids.
We have the capability.
Okay.
Tell them we're home to do so.
Yeah. I'm going to make a substitute motion.
And my substitute motion would be that we do a full marketing campaign for the human services programming.
That we do a pilot project with video recording of the human services commission.
And then we evaluate the effectiveness of that after six months.
And look at whether we should implement that for other boards and commissions. So that would be my substitute.
But I don't think there's a second.
I just think that whether we do one commissioner, we do all of our commissions and maybe we stick to commissions and not do boards and advisory boards and so we have this until we figure out if this is effective or not.
And then we, let's say in six months or a year, whatever that timing is, that we make sure that we do have metrics to see what the interest is.
Counts of motion, would you be okay with the marketing campaign, the pilot for the HSC and all other commissions and then the evaluation after six to nine months?
That's fine as long as we got our commissions in this and then we can have metrics after six months.
So commissions, sounds good. Okay, so just to reiterate the motion for the public city attorney when she wakes or finger at a look.
Sure, the full marketing campaign.
Yes.
The video alternative for all commissions, no boards.
And then to revisit it in about six months, look at the metrics and see how it's working to see whether boards would be added or make sure the program is working.
Yes, and currently 35 people are watching us on YouTube. So there you go.
Start the metrics now.
All right, that's well.
All right, that passes five to zero. Thank you so much colleagues.
We're going to move on to our last item before it's included consent.
And that was the resolution and support of the plant-based treaty.
I don't think we need a staff report, but I do believe we have some of our friends in the chambers and public commenters.
We have two people.
And also, the reason I didn't, that I asked for that, it's stay on rather than putting it on consensus.
I guess we have gotten some comments from people about this concern that we are telling people how to eat, what to eat.
And I, and I know that, you know, I eat meat.
I think Vice Mayor Bias eats meat.
You know, some of us eat meat.
And I want to, I want to, I want to make sure that it's clear to the public what the point of this treaty is.
And that there is no expectation that you have on changing our habits, but that hopefully it changes because we learn more.
That's my question.
So that was.
Okay.
Why don't we go to the public comment first because we have a few of them?
So why don't we end the move?
We'll go back.
So I'm going to, I'm sorry, Caesar, a spadoe to be followed by Kevin Frey.
Hello Mayor, Vice Mayor, council, thank you for your time.
Thank you for having us on the agenda.
We really appreciate everything that you do here being such a progressive city.
It's amazing to be here and we appreciate everything.
And we love the fact that you're addressing the plant-based treaty because we're in a climate crisis now.
And we can really impact with changing food systems and everyday lifestyles with each and every meal.
We're so excited to have the LA Climate Week, town hall is great.
So we just really want to show the impact of relinquishing factory farms, redirecting and then restoring ecosystems to the wildlife and
indigenous.
So we really appreciate you.
We appreciate your time.
I want to take up all the time.
I know we have some other speakers, but thank you so much.
Thank you.
Cameron Frey to be followed by Samantha Lau.
Are there any on Zoom?
Okay, okay.
Good evening, council members.
My name is Cameron Frey.
I'm 26.
A member of Gen Z. I'm a part of the plant-based treaty and I have climate anxiety.
Among many initiatives we at the plant-based treaty aim to highlight the immense levels of environmental harm,
caused and encouraged by factory farming.
We also work to promote plant-based alternatives and land reclamation for indigenous peoples, land conservation, and we're applicable rewilding.
I volunteered with plant-based treaty because I believe in this message and that we can fight against climate change first hand through changing our food systems.
I'm so glad that the city of West Hollywood has passed policy requiring that all city sanctioned events serve plant-based food as a default.
I think this policy is great for raising awareness about the importance of plant-based food systems and aids in normalizing the presence of plant-based food in our communities as well.
I'm grateful that the city of West Hollywood is considering endorsing the plant-based treaty to implement more plant-based initiatives because we need more sustainable food systems as the climate and environment continues to transform.
Cities that endorse the plant-based treaty are not legally bound by the 40 proposals and it does not mean that there are obliged or able to fulfill the treaty demands.
However, cities that endorse the plant-based treaty are encouraged to make meaningful changes and implement good practices in plant-based food policies and rewilding within their own jurisdiction and priorities.
I think it would be amazing to have the city of West Hollywood's endorsements of the proposals of the plant-based treaty.
Thank you for listening Council members.
Thank you so much, Samantha.
Allow it to be followed by page.
Parts and throws.
I get even in council members, vice mayor and mayor in the city of West Hollywood.
My name is Samantha and I am an elected member of the LACDP Los Angeles County Democratic Party for district 49.
And I'm also an environmentalist and animal advocate and a campaigner at Plant-based treaty.
Thank you so much for your time today and the opportunity to speak tonight.
We really appreciate the Council for putting plant-based treaty on the agenda tonight.
Thank you vice mayor, buyers for supporting our efforts in fighting climate change.
I want to commend the city of West Hollywood for the WeHo 40.
It is a very comprehensive roadmap that focuses on improving the quality of life for the community.
Furthermore, your climate action and sustainability plan has a very achievable goal.
Hold on.
Are we still alive?
Thank you.
You had about a minute and 19 left us hold on for a second and we're just confirming that our feed is still alive.
Are we still legally allowed to continue the meeting because technically this is the posted site versus the YouTube or does the YouTube have to work as well?
Okay.
Let's take a five minute break.
We're going to come back and just a quick comment-based treaty people.
You all really turn out it doesn't matter if it's 12 o'clock at night or one of the morning.
Congratulations.
We'll be back in five minutes.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mayor.
Thank you.
Our colleague will be back from the restroom in a second.
You have a minute and a 19 seconds and page.
What you'll be followed next.
Okay.
Can I start over?
No.
You know what?
Sure.
That's fine.
Just start where you are.
Well, you only were 30 seconds in.
So you're fine.
Okay.
Great.
No.
Go ahead.
Thank you.
Good evening council members.
Vice Mayor Mayor and the city of West Hollywood.
My name is Samantha and I'm an elected member of Los Angeles County Democratic Party for District 49 and also an environmentalist.
An animal advocate and a campaigner at Plant Base Treaty.
Thank you so much for your time and opportunity to speak tonight.
We really appreciate the council for putting plant base treaty on the agenda tonight.
Thank you, Vice Mayor.
Buyers for supporting our efforts in fighting climate change.
I want to commend the city of West Hollywood for we hope 40.
It is a very comprehensive roadmap that focuses on improving the quality of life for the community.
Furthermore, your climate action and sustainability plant has a very achievable goal of reaching city carbon neutrality by 2035.
And bolster resilience of city operations by considering climate resilience goals and policy decisions.
The carbon neutrality goal is especially attainable if you support the plant base treaty, which helps reduce dramatically carbon.
Nitrous oxide and methane emissions.
The city also calls upon local state and national governments to restore key ecosystems through rewilding and prioritizing native ecology to create more sustainable communities, which will help to shore up resiliency.
To put it simply, plant base treaty can help we hope reach your climate goals.
Again, I appreciate the city council and the city of West Hollywood.
The world actions that they have taken and continue to build on and urge the city to adopt this resolution to help meet these goals.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you so much.
Page.
Parsons Rose to be followed by Chris Tucker.
Good evening.
Thank you elected officials for the opportunity to share about the plant base treaty.
I brought some education up because I am an educator and I joined this campaign several months ago to bring forth the message of the importance of plant-based foods on our place for our climate crisis mitigation and solutions.
I'm a mom.
My daughter came home at 13 years old nine years ago.
Saying she was vegan.
I didn't quite understand what all that meant.
But being an activist already, I got interested and learned about our climate crisis solutions being add more plants onto our plates.
So with the plant base treaty being here in Hollywood, West Hollywood.
The plant happens here.
Very progressive city.
And their ripple effect.
The possibility is just immense around the world.
So thank you very much for considering this.
We appreciate your time.
Thank you so much.
Chris Tucker to be followed by just team block.
Hi everyone.
Thanks for putting this on the agenda tonight and hearing some public comments.
I'm actually here to say thank you.
On behalf of myself and my husband who have lived in the city for a combined 30 years, we appreciate your actions towards a cleaner and healthier community.
By endorsing the plant-based treaty, you'll only be furthering the eco-impact.
I'm a vegan chef here in the city of West Hollywood.
That's provided food for events like the Elton John Oscar party that happens annually in West Hollywood Park.
And I look forward to working closely with the city as a liaison to our local restaurants and bars to help implement more plant forward dishes and their establishments.
From delicious plant-based stakes to traditional bar food, the plant-based market has truly transformed in the last several years.
Expanding menus and having more inclusive options will only expand businesses capacity for new guests all while making healthier climate conscious options.
The plant-based treaty and being vegan by default doesn't restrict or limit people's options.
It actually does the complete opposite.
It's not about taking away people's options to have a stake. It's about giving people the choice to enjoy a
plant-based option as well. It's my hope that the city of West Hollywood will continue to move the
goalpost forward when it comes to sustainability efforts as they relate to food. Being plant-based by default,
at all city events is a great start, but my hope would be that we can expand the groundwork into all local
businesses and make them as inclusive as the rest of our city is. With 62 percent of our residents
considering environmental sustainability and extreme urgent issue, I hope the city will continue to
mitigate its greenhouse gases through the leading climate, suffocator, animal agriculture. Thank you.
Justine Black and then we'll go to our two speakers on Zoom.
Good evening. I'm justine Black and environmental law attorney and long-time resident of our
wonderful city of West Hollywood. I served on the former East Side working group as well as
the general plan update advisory committee many years ago. So I'm here to support the
city's adoption of a resolution urging the United States to support a plant-based treaty.
I am just adding to some of the information that the plant-based treaty folks are already provided,
which I hope addressed Council Member Myster's concerns from the residents.
Research shows that plant-based meals have a 63 percent lower carbon footprint than animal-based
meals. Adoption of this resolution would support shifting to a plant-based food system to combat climate change,
deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and reduce other harms of animal agriculture. I appreciate the
atmosphere for initiating this resolution and for all of you to be considering it tonight. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Justine. I'd love to hear from you. We're going to move to our speakers on Zoom.
Our first speaker is Ellen Den. Ellen, you'll have two minutes. Please press star six to
one be.
Thank you very much. And thank you. Thank you. Let's probably go to the council members.
Mayor Ericson, Mike Mayer-Buyers. I want to express my guidance to your council for considering
adopting the plant-based treaty by solution today that will encourage that our national government
to endorse and enact plant-based food policies. I'm special thanks to Mike Mayer,
Merci vice, for your support to the committee. This is Michael Measure,
along with a director of Delta's Forum and Andy Lovano for helping us to feel the resolution.
And I'll report to our national committee for a global greenhouse gas emissions.
The need to transition to plant-based food system has never been more necessary to lessen our
contribution to the private crisis we are facing.
By passing this with BC, West Hollywood will help lead the way for residents to
empower and educate themselves about the benefits of plant-based life-sales while supporting
a disease efforts to reduce emissions and continue carbon neutrality under climate
action under the kind of action and adaptation plan by 2030 by its
innovation as this endorsement will appease the way for other municipalities around the world
to put truly sustainable solutions at the forefront of solutions to preventing the worst
mean environmental impact.
I hope that you will choose to pass their resolution and in doing so, leave a like
this for future generations to follow as we do our best to live in a harmony with our
ecosystem.
I'm so grateful for your time, I want you to address a council member, my sister, students,
30% of the people who have endorsed the plant-based PDs that respond to other guys are
actually on the board, and it is not equally binding like Cameron's side, it's just
acknowledging that plant-based systems are a great opportunity to thank you so much, Alan.
Thank you, Alan.
Thank you.
Our next speaker is Joey Gabor, Joey, go ahead, press star 6 to one mute.
Hello, members of the City Council, the mayor and vice mayor, I just so much for bringing
forward this resolution to call on the United States the support of plant-based treaty.
First of all, I want to thank the City of West Hollywood for bank leaders, the post-dustanability
and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
I also appreciate City staff for putting together their report highlighting office resolution.
We'll support and reinforce City goals to adapt to the current climate crisis.
They highlighted that this resolution is consistent with the efforts for producing greenhouse
gas emissions, as well as their currently adopted policies.
One of the most important parts of the plant-based treaty is how it addresses land-use changes,
given that the beef industry has accounted for 80% or more of the geforce station and the
Amazon brand.
Rainforest.
It also calls for the restoration of heat, ecosystem, and generally creating a global boost
system that is sustainable and equitable to everyone.
I also want to specifically address the concerned citizen communicated to Council Member
Leicester, which are very valid concerns that this would mandate anyone to eat plant-based.
It's much more about creating a system change to educate people, fight for food justice, and
combat climate change.
Even in the event of the world adopting a plant-based treaty, absolutely nobody would be compelled
to give up meat, rather it is demanding both ecological and food justice as a plant-based
food system will give access to whole plant foods for all people, while fighting to restore
a important resource in the fight against climate change, or natural ecology.
By calling on the U.S. to endorse the plant-based treaty, what's Hollywood has the opportunity
to once again continue the city's leadership in fighting for sustainable food system and ultimately
fighting to prevent climate change.
Again, I just want to thank the entirety of its detail for the opportunity to speak today and
are future adopters resolution.
Thank you.
That concludes public comment.
Vice Mayor Myers?
Thank you.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to come out and share.
We all know this education and awareness is what leads to the inspiration for people to make
these changes in their lives, and so I'm really grateful to you all for paving the way, and
Council Member Meister just as a director's response, as you've heard, not about forcing anyone,
but truly motivating and inspiring that personal level action, while we as Council members
make decisions to scale that impact.
As we did with the plant-based default policy, we're making another decision tonight that's
deeply in alignment with our climate action and adaptation plan.
What I learned by doing that plant-based default menu work with mercy for animals is that we're
one of the few cities that has named food systems and agriculture systems as part of the work
to undo and eliminate carbon emissions from the planet, so that we are a city that is that
we're thinking and understanding the way food systems and agriculture have contributed
to the harm and degradation of our planet is incredible, and it's our work as a council to continue
finding ways to bring that information to light and ensure that we're advancing ideas around
that.
That's why I wanted to bring the plant-based treaty forward.
We have incredible community members who have been advocating for this for a very long time,
and they mentioned along with it there are 40 actionable steps, many of which we are already
on our way to doing and others we have work to do, so I'm really grateful to be in partnership
with you all and helping us as a city think more deeply about how we can keep on focus when
it comes to this hearing folks who live with climate anxiety.
I share that too, it's what's motivated a lot of my work, and I know future generations are
desperate in doing everything we can to get ahead of this race to protect our planet, so I
really appreciate you all being here tonight, and I appreciate the council for considering
this.
Thank you, I would like to make a motion.
One motion says the port.
Sure, make a comment.
Sure, yes, of course.
Thank you, so I'm really glad that it didn't go on consent, because I think it's really important
for people to understand why this is being done rather than going on consent, and then nobody
hears about it, they just have concerns, and they don't know the answers to the concerns.
So for me, hearing all of you actually saying, you know, it's not about taking away options,
it's about increasing options, and it's about education, and that's why I support this item.
So thank you, thank you for coming.
All right, well both.
All right, five, zero.
All right, we're going to move, thank you so much, everyone.
We're going to move on to.
Sorry, before you move on to included consent may have the floor to read the title of the ordinance.
Thank you, this is for item C1, the title is an ordinance of the City Council of the City of
West Hollywood adopting an amendment to title 19, the zoning ordinance of the West Hollywood
Municipal Code to authorize the issuance of demolition permits for vacant properties that post public
safety risks, thank you, Mayor.
Thank you, I don't think we need a briefing for this one, but to stay tuned, why don't we go,
do we have public commenters on this?
No, great, why don't we go right to, we have Kevin, where?
Oh, I don't see public comments on my things, so.
I know, I'm just, the things not working, okay.
Now we see we have a public commenter.
Let's go to the comments or questions from councilmember Maester first.
Sorry, I was waiting for one after the other.
So the reason that I actually asked for this to be pulled from consent is because when I first
got elected to City Council, and I was the representative on the West side city's cog,
there was controversy about this project, about the Sepulveda Transit Carter, a lot of controversy.
So I just want to make sure that everybody understands the background before we move forward and, you know,
approve or don't approve, and so that would be very helpful.
David, if you could do that, if you could provide that information or whoever.
Sure, good evening Mayor, Vice Mayor, and as members, my name is David Fenz in your
planner in the Long Range Planning Division.
So the item before you tonight came from a request to the West side city's cog to take action
individually, supporting two of the priorities that the cog has already endorsed for the Sepulveda project.
Those are a station directly on the UCLA campus and a seamless connection to the purple line,
which is the way that our residents have accessed the project.
In terms of the background on the Sepulveda project and the controversy that councilmember Maester
referring to that dates back to before the passage of measure M when the West side cities were largely
in agreement with the E-line extension to Santa Monica and the D-line extension to UCLA and the West
would that the other cities were fairly well served by rail service and that K-line north and service to West
Hollywood should be the next priority. At that time there was pressure from elected officials
representing Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, you know, councilmember Maekbannon,
Supervisor Cule, Mayor Carcetti at the time that we're interested in moving Sepulveda up in the
prioritization of the West side priorities and that prioritization ultimately resulted in pressure being
placed on the other cities, which moved Sepulveda forward in the timeline at the expense of K-line
north, which obviously, as you all know, we've been working for several years to kind of come up with
additional funds to make up for that. But all that, with all that, the item before tonight does not
imply any kind of change in the preference of the city of West Hollywood towards one project of the other.
Obviously our priority would still be the K-line or the next extension. We would simply be kind of stating
we are supporting the actions of the West side caucus taken on those two specific design elements of the
Sepulveda project. It wouldn't be changing our preference or indicating, you know, undoing that
that unfortunate history anyway. Thank you. We have one public comitter Kevin Burton.
Do we have citizen positions? Great.
Good evening. Again, Council, Kevin Burton, city of West Hollywood. I just want to do indicate my
support for this item. I've been to a couple of the in-person meetings in Westwood about the
Spulveda Transacord or Project. There's a lot of discussion back and forth. It's currently
discussion about whether or not a branch to go to UCLA. I think that would be a very good idea.
And would ultimately serve West Hollywood. And I just wanted to quote statement from Fox area three
economic development. From your just past, we owe 2040 strategic land that the city shall
advocate for expansion of transit options as strengthened with Hollywood's connectivity to
the broader region. And I think that having a voice in this coalition, which I haven't memorized
the whole thing, Spulveda Transacord or for all STC for all advocacy coalition will help the city to
implement that part of the strategic plan or whatever the current proposal is about to have your
in that coalition. Along with the West Side Cities, Council of Governments, cities of Beverly Hills
and Santa Monica. Thank you. Thank you so much, Kevin. Seeing no other comments, there is a motion in a second.
All right. All right, that passes 5-0. We're going to move on to our last public comment for the evening.
Thank you, city staff.
All right, is Katie, our novella, Crespo, still here? I'll come on down, King. To be followed by Scott Schmidt, who's not here,
is Brian Hibbard here? Oh, hello.
Hello. Oh, hi, everyone. My name is Katie Arovela Crespo.
I am the community engagement coordinator for the nonprofit of the Phoenix, the national organization that provides free activities of events for the sober and recovery community.
For some of y'all, you hopefully remember me? Thank you, adorable.
I know. Last time I was here was to thank y'all for our 2023 New Year's Eve party.
I guess what y'all is about every 20, 20, 40 years Eve.
So I just wanted to talk a little bit about how this is not just a party, but it's the party.
Last year, we had about 650 people in attendance. We had salinas, titties, perform, which is dragcreen royalty.
And then most beautiful part about it all was that we were able to ring in the new year with love, community, and sobriety.
So that was so important for us. And this year we wanted to be just as big, if not bigger.
One of the things that we learned last year was, unfortunately, we had to turn people away because of the fire, codes, and capacity, and stuff like that.
And that's something really hard to turn someone away. At a regular club, it's okay. They can go to another club.
We had a sober event. It's kind of fun to find another one, at least nearby. And so we would love love love. There is a possibility for consideration in an increase in the budget that we can maybe find a venue that would be able to afford more people.
That's just a consideration. In general, though, we are so excited to be able to have this event again.
Some holidays are really hard to be sober. Some of them are super easy, like Arbor Day.
National bake and day. Those are pretty easy to say sober. But New Year's Eve is a little bit of a tough E1.
And so we want to make sure that we still continue to provide this event for people to always have a safe place within the community.
On that note, I just want to let you guys know the theme. Last year's theme was Alien Superstar, so very sparkly, very alienish.
This year is hot, towel girl rodeo, pink, towel girl, sparkly boots. All that stuff. So we hope to see you there on the dance floor.
Thank you. Salina, as today's otherwise notice my neighbor. So literally, we're going to move right along, Brian, to be followed by Richard Eastman.
Hi, I'm Brian, and I work in West Hollywood, and you can see I have my hairstyle and pick-tills, but I promise not to yell at anybody.
Inside joke. I'm here to warn you all, and everyone in the city about Larry Black. Larry works hard.
And when he takes on a project, he's tireless and monomaniacol. If you've ever worked with Larry, you'll know that except for sleeping 68 hours a night.
He never stops thinking about his work. Whether it's Black Party, we ho-on-line, we hope pride-guiders, community activism.
While most people go home and work and relax with the book or TV series, Larry goes home and continues pouring over details, making lists, and strategizing for the next day.
So be aware, because it's sometimes difficult to keep up with someone twice my age who was also vision impaired.
Larry gives a hundred percent to absolutely everything he does, and I can see what confidence that he will bring the same,
to nature's work ethic to the city council. But drive his only part of the equation. How well does Larry work with others? What God's is thinking?
Larry treats people he works with like family. He'll buy and deliver you lunch. Ask how you're doing. Ask if you're happy.
How many people in your life, even your friends, ask you that regularly? He understands that humans make mistakes, and so he never holds a grudge.
I know this because I've had my share of gaps during our endeavors.
His attention to our seniors, disabled residents, and pedestrians shows he's a caring person.
I've watched Larry meeting with other politicians, business owners, and residents. He knows how to listen more than talk.
He knows when to seek advice from others who have greater knowledge on a subject than he does. He possesses the most important skill one can have the ability to take new information, learn, and evolve.
Larry stands apart from the other candidates. He'll add a much-needed balance to the city council when we should give him a chance to try his ideas,
because the old ideas don't seem to be working. Many of you have probably heard the definition of insanity is repeating the same action and trying and expecting a different result.
Larry has concrete goals and actionable plans to uninsight accumulated for over 30 years living and running a business system for this time.
Thank you very much. You know, good job. Richard Eastman, to be all by Phil Smith.
Yassia Tia, Lola Cajani.
Oh my God, here I am, the old gay white man with AIDS in the city that I came to in 1965.
To help three or four other women add a shift for United States Senate, Larry blocked for West Hollywood City Council.
And my dear friend at former DA of the hometown that I immigrated to Hollywood East Hollywood, even though I changed America from West Hollywood.
You know, 71 years ago, was 1953, and when I worked at Paramount Pictures with Anne Robinson, for the 25th anniversary of war in the world, that's long before I rebuilt the Hollywood sign in 1977 and 78 or maybe before I got AIDS.
And I want to thank the city for helping AIDS walk for 40 years and it's been walking for 30 years and the great work my grandmother did to educate a little kid to work with John F. Kennedy.
And I like to say, I work for Kennedy and Kamala.
And the other K is that knucklehead and the one that retired.
And if we need to retire somebody up there, we need to give Larry block a chance.
Because if I had to move to West Hollywood from the shadow I live in Hollywood for 36 years and run for mayor, not governor.
And Tony of here goes to do that after he took a legal money from that man.
If she's elected the United States Justice Department on my friends.
People think I got the FBI high. Maybe I did.
Washington DC, mushrooms illegal.
Dennis, throw a home legacy project.
A lot of crops going on with the homeless and your streets and the crime.
And I still don't got a TV camera in front of the bus station.
But I want you to know one thing.
That's not what your country can do for you.
But how you can change your country vote.
Thank you, Richard.
Phil, Yasi, and Lola are not here.
Do we have any money? We have Jamie Francis on zoom.
That's a lot of money.
Good evening council. I appreciate you taking this time.
I just wanted to give you some insight of what I've had to go through the last 13 years of the residence.
Why say this is that I've been on your affordable housing that's poor over 11 years.
So not reach people in your division.
People changing the passage.
And it was hard for me to find available housing options.
And I had to go through the West.
How can you help them corporation?
Even to this degree where I was offered a unit on a braille.
When I said to them, it is not compatible because I'm a victim of crime.
And yet no one's listened to certain issues that residents may have.
Certain medical conditions.
And here I am.
Over 13 years, I'm going to be stuck in the same unit as I did want to be in.
And wanted to live on from said corridor.
And that all I have an opportunity to live in Marina Del Rey.
Because I waited so long for West College to act and give me housing opportunities.
Speaking to, you know, Mr. Schroeder as well as Ms. Planger or somebody in the rent stabilization department.
I never got any feedback when it was worthwhile.
And it's disappointing because I've waited and waited.
And now here I am.
I am my last two months residing in this city.
And I'm just, I'm bitter about it.
I really am.
And I wanted to speak about, you know, certain micro units.
And available housing that the city is now required by the state because of main numbers.
For mandate to include housing that's not already available.
Because you didn't achieve the goal.
And as well as, they will housing that shouldn't have been provided.
And options for us city residents.
Instead of nothing offered to remain in the neighborhood or getting housing up to me to bar choice.
But being told to your faith, well, you're not homeless.
You're not without housing.
What about expenses?
And I'm just a little disgusted.
I have to be honest.
I've been active here.
I've been vocal here.
I've done this.
And yes, I can't live.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
I just on the consent calendar.
I just want to repeat again to note my no vote on item B-8.
The ordinance on micro units.
Attendance.
I attended the AIDS walk 40th anniversary opening ceremony.
And I believe several people already announced it.
But I'll announce it again.
The disability service awards will be held October 23rd.
Right here at Council Chambers at 6 p.m.
And a reception will begin earlier at 530.
Hope to see you there.
Thank you.
Thank you to everyone who came in spoke and called in to speak.
I attended the Westside Council of Governments Board meeting.
The Cal City's League of California City's annual conference.
During which I presided over the LGBTQ Caucus meeting as outgoing president.
We had our LGBTQ Caucus Taco Party.
Congratulations to Vice Mayor Chelsea Buyers.
I had the privilege of nominating her and her and as vice president of the Cal City's LGBTQ Caucus.
Went to the B-B-K reception.
And I was a part of the Resolutions Committee.
And we voted yes on a resolution requesting that when the state senate and assembly members create legislation.
That the senators and assembly members not exempt themselves from the legislation that they present.
And enjoy a safe and happy Halloween and Santa.
Thank you.
Council member.
I also attended the AIDS walk.
I want to thank everyone who participated and came out and support the walk.
I also want to make sure we invite everyone to Halloween.
And remind people that it's probably not a good idea to bring your pets.
Particularly small dogs.
It's very challenging for them.
Probably also not a good idea to bring young children and strollers because of the congestion of people there.
But hopefully everyone will come out and celebrate and look forward to seeing you.
Vice Mayor Buyers.
Thank you.
Do my attendance.
It was a busy couple of weeks.
So apologies.
I attended the California City's conference where I also had the opportunity to tour the future
site of offshore wind production in the port of Long Beach.
I sat in on the LA County Selection Committee.
The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Board meeting.
And the local city coordination and tenant protections ad hoc committees.
The clean power alliance meeting.
And I was also sworn into the West Side Central Service Council for Metro.
Which I'm very excited about.
I will say, dido.
Hope to see everyone at Halloween Carnival.
And appreciate Councilmember Halman's reminders.
On that note, we had a fabulous youth Halloween carnival and a hall low.
Well, a dog festival for Halloween.
I won't even try to get the name right.
And just want to give major kudos to our recreation team for pulling off just such fabulous warm events.
It was a really great way to start the fall and get Halloween going in the city.
That's all.
Thank you so much.
In terms of meeting attendance reports, I attended the being alive.
Ribbon cutting ceremony where I'm still nursing my thumb from cutting the ribbon.
Yes, that is an occupational.
Because that's is really hurt.
The Cal City's conference.
The show her the money event, which was so well attended here.
The Williams Institute, Unity event.
And today we did the AIDS Monument groundbreaking up the street.
And I'm really excited for that.
And additionally, I too just want to echo Vice Mayor Biers.
The youth Halloween carnival is always lit.
Like, but this year, it was off the charts.
There was so, there were so many families, so many smiles.
I mean, the costumes, the dogs.
I think I saw a cat at one point.
But it was truly just incredible.
And our recreation staff went above and beyond all city staff involved.
Went above and beyond and pickle.
I think named every child for like two and a half hours.
As they stood it across that stage.
So it was, it was pretty amazing to see.
And I just, we, I had so many people come up to me and they said,
I live just right north of Fountain.
I don't live in Wehoe, but like you're the park I come to.
And thank you for doing this for us and our families and our cities.
It was just so wonderful to see all the beauty in our park that day.
So truly, truly, truly thankful.
Additionally, I just really want to thank our sheriff's department and our EPT team.
For bringing hopefully some justice to the individual at Barney's Beanery,
who was senselessly attacked by an individual.
I will be at the press conference tomorrow to show support for the sheriff's department.
I know that has been some cause for consternation in the community,
because it's scary when that happens, of course.
Bye-bye.
Thank you for searching, never giving up and continuing to do all of that work. It's really important to know that you're working really hard and I know the community's already been texting me and responding as a result of this news because they're glad to see that something has been done and it's good news and I hope the individual is still recovering. I have been in touch with the staff of Barney's Binary since this happened, as I know you have and truly have a ball of us. Thank you so much.
With that, we will adjourn this meeting at 857 until Monday, November 4th at 6 p.m., thanks everyone.