New leaders, new faces on the Public Safety Commission

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The Public Safety Commission has a new chairperson and vice chairperson, as well as a new commissioner.

Tod Hallman was elected by his colleagues as the new chair of the group, succeeding Tory Berger. Hallman is a fashion stylist and producer. Hallman is captain of West Hollywood’s Eastside Neighborhood Watch. He was appointed to the Commission by Councilmember John Erickson.

The vote was originally split 3-3 between Hallman and Commissioner Kerri Balbone. Balbone ended up voting for Hallman, while Hallman voted for himself. Balbone was then elected vice chair. 

Jackie Steele became the Commission’s newest member, appointed by Councilmember Sepi Shyne at Monday night’s meeting. Steele is an actor, comedian, writer and activist. She was the co-creator of West Hollywood Bi Pride and was formerly the co-chairperson for the LGBTQ Advisory Board.

“We know Jackie because she takes the time to speak and to provide her point of view,” Balbone said about Steele. “One of the things that I appreciate about Jackie is that she also listens and ensures that other people are included in the conversation, and I’m so happy that you’re part of our commission.”

Vice Chairperson Kerri Balbone
Councilmember Sepi Shyne swearing in Commissioner Jackie Steele.

“We are you,” Steele said to the audience. “We are members of this community. I am a resident. I love this city. Your voice is extremely important. Please continue to use it and if you want to see change and you want to get involved.”

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[…] Hallman, new chairperson of WeHo’s Public Safety Commission, chastised a recent WEHOville report on the past homicide […]

Curious
Curious
2 years ago

Let’s not revise history. Go back to the YouTube of the Public Safety Commission on Feb 14th, 2022. Robert Oliver, Tod Hallman, Danny Roman, Nika Soon-Shiong, and Alana Roshay approved the defund motion.

WeHo Resident
WeHo Resident
2 years ago

Chair Hallman has been involved in public safety, as a resident, for YEARS. He’s definitely qualified. I also like that he’s realistic about safety and cares about what residents have to say, he isn’t trying to defund the Sheriff out of some kind of a political motivation. He’s legit, big fan. Also Vice Chair Balbone is completely reasonable and not a rabid “defund!” person. I’m glad they both got promoted. I’ve only been watching these meetings the past few months, but I feel like I can confidently say Hallman & Balbone (and Oliver) have been the most productive members of… Read more »

Me, Myself & I
Me, Myself & I
2 years ago
Reply to  WeHo Resident

Granted, let Chair Hallman prove his worth.

West
West
2 years ago
Reply to  WeHo Resident

Hallman projects sincere dedication to his public service, and always shows respect to the public. I remember when Balbone was new to PSC and I was feeling her out, and WOW has she been a treasure to us all.. especially through this time.

West
West
2 years ago

PSC is overrun with insider rats, carpet baggers and think tank shills. “New face” must be a misnomer—Jackie Steele is a rotating door appointee. Still, here’s to hoping she really does listen to residents..especially those she disagrees with.

Last edited 2 years ago by West Seegmiller
WeHo Mary!
WeHo Mary!
2 years ago
Reply to  West

Jackie Steele is your typical Hollywood hustler who has 10 different jobs. When will she add real estate agent or personal trainer to the list? Time will tell.

Me, Myself & I
Me, Myself & I
2 years ago

The new Chair Tod Hallman voted for himself. One can see from his overly hyped resume that he has all the useful credentials to focus on public safety. As a producer of fashion shows, did he have any ideas about how to make the commissioners visible with better lighting in the poorly designed Council Chamber? They looked as if they were sitting in a dark cave which with the possible exception of Kerri Balbone will extend to their vision.

Joe Bologna
Joe Bologna
2 years ago
Reply to  Me, Myself & I

All I have to say is, they better work, b***h! Do their thing on the runway …

:dpb
:dpb
2 years ago

Would seem the entertainment industry is well represented on the Public Safety Commission. Would definitely like some real credentials for inclusion on the commission.

Me, Myself & I
Me, Myself & I
2 years ago
Reply to  :dpb
Steve Martin
Steve Martin
2 years ago
Reply to  :dpb

As an Eastside Neighborhood Watch Captain I know that Tod Hallman is the real deal when it comes to fighting to make us safer. He spent years organizing Eastside residents into an effective organization that has definitely made a difference in our lives. He took over an organization that was pretty much limited to Formosa Avenue and has expanded so we now taken in everything east of Genesee to La LaBrea. Tod is a fashion diva but don’t left that distract you from his very real accomplishments on the Eastside. He is relatively new to a Commission that has become… Read more »

Self Centered Commissioner
Self Centered Commissioner
2 years ago
Reply to  Steve Martin

Hallman has no class. He voted for himself while Balbone voted for her colleague. He’s also not an equal opportunity person.