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CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
6: 00 P. M. — ADJOURNED REORGANIZATION & INSTALLATION
MEETING
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD HAS ADOPTED BRIEF SUMMARY AND ACTION MEETING MINUTES, WHICH PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF THE ACTIONS TAKEN AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION ONLY. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR INDIVIDUAL
DISCUSSIONS REGARDING ANY ITEM SUMMARIZED IN THESE MINUTES MAY BE OBTAINED BY VIEWING THE ARCHIVED VIDEOS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT www. weho. org/ wehotv.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Byers called the meeting to order at 6: 04 p. m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Rosewood STEM Magnet of Urban Planning and Urban Design student David Baram led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmember Erickson, Councilmember Hang, Councilmember Meister, Vice Mayor Heilman, and Mayor Byers.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jackie Rocco, Assistant City Attorney Norma Tabares, Director of Administrative Services Janet Jimenez, City Clerk Melissa Crowder, and Assistant City Clerk Lulu Morales.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
There were no changes to the agenda.
Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Erickson, and approved ( 5/ 0).
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES: None.
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Councilmember Meister requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Fran Taheri and the Crans- Montana bar fire victims.
Councilmember Erickson requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Gregory J. Hoffman.
Councilmember Hang requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Lewis P.
Horwitz.
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Mayor Byers requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Renee Nicole Good.
PRESENTATIONS:
The City Council presented a certificate to Rosewood STEM Magnet of Urban Planning and Urban Design student David Baram for leading tonight' s Pledge of Allegiance.
CITY CLERK MELISSA CROWDER ADMINISTERED THE OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR JOHN HEILMAN.
JOHN D' AMICO ADMINISTERED THE OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY ELECTED VICE MAYOR DANNY HANG.
Mayor Heilman presiding:
PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING MAYOR BYERS:
The City Council presented outgoing Mayor Byers with a Proclamation in recognition of her year of leadership, marked by resilience during emergencies; strong advocacy for sustainability, local businesses, social services, and LGBTQ+ rights; and a steady, compassionate approach to governance. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for her integrity, vision, and collaborative leadership, noting that the City of West Hollywood is stronger, more inclusive, and well positioned for the future as a result of her service.
Outgoing Mayor Chelsea Byers reflected on her term as the honor of a lifetime, expressed gratitude to the community, her family, colleagues, and City staff, and conveyed confidence in Mayor John Heilman' s leadership as she passed the baton.
She emphasized the City' s role as a model of hope, possibility, and inclusive governance, particularly during challenging times, and encouraged continued connection, optimism, and commitment to shared community values.
INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES:
The following dignitaries provided their well wishes to newly installed Mayor Heilman and Vice Mayor Hang, and thanked outgoing Mayor Byers for her leadership: City of Beverly Hills - Vice Mayor Craig Corman and Councilmember Mary Wells; City of Santa Monica - Mayor Caroline Torosis and Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya; City of Monterey Park — Vice Mayor Henry Lo; Culver City Unified School District — Board President, Triston Ezidore; Office of Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang - Andrew ( Andy) Taban, Special Assistant, Assessor Field -Deputy; Office of Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur - Joshua Marin- Mora, Field Representative; Office of Senator Ben Allen - Sam Gallegos, District Representative; Office of Supervisor Horvath — Amanda Laflen, Field Representative; Office of LAUSD Boardmember Nick Melvoin - Rachel Sherman, Community Engagement Manager; Office of Congresswoman Laura Friedman - Luke H. Klipp, District Director; former Docusign Envelope ID: C003E3C9- DAEF- 4C25- 80AE- F376EE89B886 City Council Minutes
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West Hollywood Mayor and Councilmember John D' Amico, and former West Hollywood Mayor and Councilmember Abbe Land.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
TOM DEMILLE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, outgoing Mayor Chelsea Byers was praised for her visible and active leadership, Mayor John Heilman was celebrated as a " gay icon," and the idea of a " gay icon walk" in the Rainbow District —beginning with Elton John' s and Mayor Heilman' s handprints or footprints — was proposed as a way to support local business, activate the area, and enhance community safety.
RICHARD EASTMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, reflected on decades of personal and West Hollywood history, including living long- term with HIV, expressed support for the proposed rock-and- roll and gay icon walk, and acknowledged Elton John' s fundraising efforts for HIV/ AIDS causes.
FELICE KAPLAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, welcomed Mayor Heilman back and expressed strong support for him to continue leading.
NINA REINIS, on behalf of the JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES, congratulated Mayor Heilman and Vice Mayor Hang, thanked outgoing Mayor Byers for her leadership and support of social services, and reaffirmed JFS-LA's long- standing partnership and commitment to continued collaboration with the City.
JEFF BARTHA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, congratulated the Council and requested that Plummer Park Courts 6 and 7 be dedicated to pickleball only, citing the growing demand and limited court access compared to tennis.
EDD HOLMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, offered congratulations to outgoing Mayor Byers for listening and engaging over the past year, congratulated Vice Mayor Hang and Mayor Heilman, and briefly expressed appreciation and support.
RICHARD BURNS, on behalf of WESTERN STATES REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS, congratulated outgoing Mayor Byers and the incoming leadership, expressed appreciation for working with the Council, and noted the union' s intent to engage with the City Council in the year ahead.
MATHEW GRIMES, WEST HOLLYWOOD, echoed the Plummer Park request from a previous speaker, asking that Courts 6 and 7 be dedicated to pickleball.
STEPHANIE HARKER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, thanked outgoing Mayor Byers for her service and welcomed Mayor Heilman' s final year as Mayor, describing him as a foundational leader of the City, and also praised the hiring of City Manager Jackie Rocco.
ALEC WHITE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, congratulated Mayor Heilman and Vice Mayor Hang, praised Heilman' s legacy and leadership during challenging political times, Docusign Envelope ID: C003E3C9- DAEF- 4C25- 80AE- F376EE89B886 City Council Minutes
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expressed excitement for Hang' s Vice Mayoral term, and thanked former Mayor Byers for initiatives supporting local businesses and community culture.
DAVID NASH, WEST HOLLYWOOD, congratulated Mayor Heilman for his steady leadership, thanked Vice Mayor Hang for past support of the Disabilities Advisory Board, recognized Councilmember Lauren Meister' s service as she approaches term limits, and praised outgoing Mayor Byers for her clarity, thoughtfulness, and effective meeting leadership.
BONNIE HYDE, Founder & CEO of the American Born Chinese Foundation, thanked outgoing Mayor Byers for her support of the LA Kids Book Festival and the American Born Chinese Foundation, expressed appreciation for the City' s encouragement of AAPI children and cultural programming, acknowledged Council support, and shared enthusiasm for continued partnership, noting that Mayor Byers serves as an inspiration to young girls.
ANITA GOSWAMI, WEST HOLLYWOOD, praised Mayor Heilman' s long- standing dedication, professionalism, and measured leadership, even amid disagreements, and urged the City to continue advocating for residents' rights at all levels of government while prioritizing stability, safety, and a strong local economy.
GEVEVEIVE MORRILL, on behalf of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, thanked outgoing Mayor Byers for integrity and commitment to business support efforts, congratulated Mayor Heilman and Vice Mayor Hang, and introduced Leonard " Len" Lanzi the new Chamber President/CEO who provided brief remarks.
RICK WATTS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, reflected on West Hollywood' s founding coalition and the City' s role as a model community, praised the Council for mutual respect despite disagreements, specifically appreciated Byers' outreach during the fire including calls to disability advocates), and thanked Mayor Heilman and the Council for their service.
JACOB SHAW AND PAUL NICHOLLS, on behalf of Beaches West Hollywood, congratulated outgoing Mayor Byers and incoming Mayor Heilman and Vice Mayor Hang, thanked the Council for consistently engaging in dialogue during a difficult year, and emphasized the importance of supporting businesses to keep the Rainbow District vibrant, offering partnership for community events.
YOLA DORE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, congratulated the Council and residents, praised West Hollywood' s leadership, and shared a personal connection with Mayor Heilman through decades of advocacy, and asked that disability inclusion be a clear priority alongside broader efforts this year.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT:
City Manager Jackie Rocco shared a brief update announcing that the City' s Class II bicycle lane green -paint project is underway, with film -friendly green paint being applied Docusign Envelope ID: C003E3C9- DAEF- 4C25- 80AE- F376EE89B886 City Council Minutes
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along Santa Monica Boulevard, Fairfax Avenue, and San Vicente Boulevard, beginning with layout work beginning this week and nighttime painting starting January 19, 2026.
VICE MAYOR DANNY HANG COMMENTS:
Vice Mayor Hang expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the community, reflected on West Hollywood' s role in shaping his values of compassion, service, and bold local leadership, and noted the significance of serving as the City' s first AAPI elected official.
He thanked his parents, outgoing Mayor Chelsea Byers for her steady leadership during crises, and Mayor John Heilman for his long- standing advocacy and mentorship, welcomed City Manager Jackie Rocco, and recognized City staff, residents, workers, and small businesses as the heart of the City, reaffirming his commitment to serving the community.
MAYOR JOHN HEILMAN COMMENTS:
Mayor John Heilman thanked the community, regional partners, City staff, and his Council colleagues, expressed appreciation for outgoing Mayor Chelsea Byers' leadership, and conveyed confidence in Vice Mayor Danny Hang and City Manager Jackie Rocco. He outlined priorities for the coming year —including public safety, zoning and housing affordability, securing a Metro rail alignment serving West Hollywood, revitalizing the Sunset Strip, reinvesting signage revenue to reduce resident fees, preserving rent -stabilized housing, restoring community book fairs, and upgrading City facilities — while cautioning that federal actions threaten LGBTQ+, immigrant, senior, and disabled residents, and called for continued vigilance, unity, and support, concluding with a pledge to donate his Council salary to local service organizations and encourage community volunteering and giving.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Crowder stated that the Fiscal Impact on the Consent Calendar was $ 0 in expenditures, $ 0 in revenues, and ($ 0) in waived fees.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
B. 1., 2., 3. Motion by Councilmember Erickson, seconded by Councilmember Byers, and approved ( 5/ 0).
B. 1. POSTING OF AGENDA:
SUBJECT. The agenda for the meeting of Monday, January 12, 2026, was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, and the Aquatics & Recreation Center ARC) on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
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January 12, 2026
SUBJECT: The City Council is requested to approve the minutes of the prior Council meeting.
ACTION: Approved the minutes of December 15, 2025. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 3. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 983 [ O. JONES, K.
BARENG, S. STEPHENS]:
SUBJECT. The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending January 12, 2026 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approved Demand Register No. 983 and Adopt Resolution No. 26- 001: " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE PAYMENT OF
DEMANDS ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 983". Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Byers reported her attendance at the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Renter Protection and Homeless Prevention meeting, the National League of Cities Young Municipal Leaders meeting, and the Contract City's Legislative Tour in Sacramento. She expressed appreciation to members in the audience, gratitude for Mayor Heilman' s leadership and commitment in the year ahead, and optimism about serving the Council and working collaboratively toward an exciting year.
Councilmember Erickson reported on his participation in the California Contract Cities Legislative Tour in Sacramento and various community events, congratulated Vice Mayor Danny Hang on his new role, and praised his leadership, advocacy, and historic service. He also paid tribute to Mayor Heilman as a mentor and LGBTQ+ trailblazer whose lifelong advocacy, leadership, and personal support have had a lasting impact on the community and on his own life and career.
Councilmember Meister recommended adding a clear volunteer link to the City's website homepage to facilitate resident engagement, congratulated Vice Mayor Danny Hang, and expressed confidence in his leadership with the support of his colleagues and Mayor Heilman. She also reflected on Mayor Heilman' s leadership, humor, and long- standing professional relationship with him, expressing strong support and enthusiasm for his upcoming year as Mayor.
Vice Mayor Hang reported on his participation in the California Contract Cities Legislative Tour in Sacramento and various community events, highlighted the honor of presenting a proclamation to 103- year-old Holocaust survivor Joe Alexander, and expressed gratitude to his colleagues and Mayor Heilman, noting his appreciation for Docusign Envelope ID: C003E3C9- DAEF- 4C25- 80AE- F376EE89B886 City Council Minutes
January 12, 2026
the opportunity to learn from Mayor Heilman' s experience and leadership in the year ahead.
Mayor Heilman thanked the City Council and Vice Mayor Danny Hang, expressed enthusiasm for working and learning from him, and looked forward to serving together on the City' s various subcommittees.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 8: 02 p. m. in memory of the Crans Montana bar fire victims, Fran Taheri, Lewis P. Horwitz, Gregory J. Hoffman, and Renee Nicole Good to its next Adjourned Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 6: 00 p. m. at West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at a regular meeting held this 20t" day of January 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember: Byers, Erickson, Meister, Vice Mayor Hang, and Mayor Heilman.
NOES: Councilmember: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember: None.
by:
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JOHN HEILMAN, MAYOR
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MELISSA CROWDER, CITY CLERK