Coronavirus, Tonight's Council Meeting (3/16/20)
The City of West Hollywood is continuing to follow the lead of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), the California Department of Public Health (CA Public Health), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The City is taking every precaution to prioritize community health and well-being. Based on public health recommendations from lead agencies and in an effort to safeguard public health and slow the rate of transmission of novel coronavirus, the City of West Hollywood is immediately implementing a series of immediate actions through June 30, 2020:
So long, 2019!
As we usher in a new year, I just want to thank you for your support in 2019. We got through an election as well as many important issues that impact our city and our neighborhoods.
What's been happening lately?
Dwelling Unit Defined: Council voted to define "dwelling unit" as a unit intended for long-term occupancy (at least one year) and to require that all initial leases for rental apartments be a minimum of one year in length. I voted for this amendment to our code because I believe short-term and extended-stay rentals have had a negative impact on the availability and affordability of rental housing in West Hollywood.
Cannabis: Council majority voted to allow 'doggy bags' for consumption lounges. I voted no on this change because I think there needs to be more study and discussion about what is considered a "reasonable" amount of THC for consumption onsite.
Santa Monica Boulevard Light Installation: the City of West Hollywood has installed permanent year-round decorative LED lanterns above Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Robertson Boulevard and Hancock Avenue. Inspired by Pride, the colorful globe lanterns provide a bright and festive atmosphere in the City’s LGBT 'Rainbow District'.
Photo credit Jon Viscott @WehoCity
What else?
The City celebrated Transgender Awareness Month, Disabilities Awareness Month, Halloween Carnaval, Colibri Gala Concert & Awards Ceremony, and the City of West Hollywood's 35th birthday! We also held our annual Don't Drink & Drive press conference with the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station and distributed coasters with transit info to Weho restaurants, bars and clubs.
Photo credit Jonathan Moore @WehoCity
Photo credit Oleg Volovik @WehoCity
Is there more?
Read moreSummer into Fall update
Goodbye summer - hello fall! Time sure does fly by in busy Weho!
What's been happening? Some highlights...
- Meet Me at the Formosa – 2019 West Hollywood Historic Preservation Celebration
- Lights for Liberty Rally
- National Night Out
- Ciclivia: Meet the Hollywoods
- Pizza and Preparedness (Public Safety)
- NextGen Strategy Meeting
- Annual Congress of Commissions and Advisory Boards
- 1st Census 'Complete Count' Committee meeting
- 2nd Annual WeHo BiPride Community Festival
- Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board (LGAB) 30th Anniversary Celebration
West Basin Dir. Scott Houston, Councilmembers Heilman and Meister at NNO
Photo Credit Jon Viscott, Courtesy of City of West Hollywood
What else?
In this third quarter, we adopted new green building requirements, amended parkway standards, approved the new location for the Historic Rocky & Bullwinkle sculpture, and adopted recommendations for Social Services contracts and supplemental funding for the provision of enhanced services related to intensification of social service needs, poverty reduction initiatives and related costs. We also discussed smoke-free, multi-family dwelling programs (stay tuned) and improvements to the West Hollywood Park north alley.
I also worked on a number of initiatives that were adopted by Council such as...
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