Esther Baum passed away on Friday June 25th at Cedars Sinai Hospital. Baum was 98 years old. A burial service will be held Tuesday, Juen 27th at Mount Sinai, Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive. A community memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 9th, at 3:30 pm at the Kol Ami Temple, 1200 N. La Brea Ave.
“Esther was a champion for West Hollywood. She was a true public servant. She gave tirelessly to so many organizations, including the City. Many people don’t know that she also worked full-time well into her 90s. Her energy and commitment will be missed. She was one of a kind,” said West Hollywood’s founding father, Council member John Heilman.
“I remember meeting Esther at WeHo Democratic Club potluck events, where her claim to fame was deviled eggs. She always brought deviled eggs! I’d also see her at council meetings advocating for affordable housing and other issues that impacted older adults living on limited incomes. Esther was a fixture in the West Hollywood Community,” echoed Council member Lauren Meister.
Mayor Pro Tem John Erickson reflected on his long relationship with Baum, which began while serving as a deputy to former Council member Abbe Land to his rise to the Council dais. “Esther Baum was a friend to all and someone who touched the lives of so many. I’m honored I got to know her for as long as I did and will miss her (and her famous deviled eggs).”
Former Council member Abbe Land has a long, close relationship with Baum and spoke from her heart. “Esther always stood up for what she believed in. She was a tireless advocate for renters and affordable housing. She never shied away from a tough fight. She was smart, compassionate, and loyal. I have known her for over 40 years and will miss her terribly.”
Los Angeles County Assessor and former West Hollywood Mayor and City Council member Jeffrey Prang took note of the importance of Baum to the history of the city. “It’s often told that West Hollywood’s founding consisted of a coalition of gay men and older Jewish women. By that standard, Esther was among the last of these older women. She loved West Hollywood and cared deeply for other people and for social justice. She never stopped being an activist up until the time of her passing. She wanted a kind and just world and treated everyone kindly and justly. She left an indelible mark on the City, served for years on the Senior Advisory Board, and was a fierce advocate for seniors and the community. I miss her.”
Esther was an accountant by trade and understood business issues. She supported former Council member John Duran for many years. Duran reflected on Baum’s passing. “Esther was a good frined to so many of us. Diligent, liberal, lioness of West Hollywood. Constantly reminding me “what about our seniors?”. We were all blessed to have her in our lives. And those deviled eggs she made for us = always the best!”
Baum is the current appointee of Mayor Sepi Shyne to the Senior Advisory Board. Shyne did not reply to text messages for a statement. Baum was the only Jewish female among Shyne’s appointees.
John Allendorfer, a ten-year member and former Chair of the Senior Advisory Board, echoed the sentiments expressed by all the others. “Esther was one of the most beloved residents of West Hollywood. She was a staunch supporter of the best interests of the city, very vocal, and very active attending council meetings and a long-term member of the Senior Advisory Board. Her wit and determination will be missed.”
Over the years, Marcy Norton remained Esther’s closest ally. Baum was a close friend of Rita Norton, Marcy’s mom. Rita Norton was one of the matriarchs, along with Ruth Williams, as well as Baum among others, who led West Hollywood’s march toward cityhood in 1984.
Esther BAUM was the most senior member of the WeHo Senior Advisory Board in years, 98, and service, possibly since the Board’s inception in 1987 (verification pending). She truly loved the City of West Hollywood and displayed that in her many civic and personal activities. A long-term member of the Harper-Sweetzer Neighborhood Association and avid leader and supporter of National Night Out, she worked until she was 92 as an accountant at several businesses. She was a devotee of the Hollywood Bowl and regularly attended WeHo civic and social events. Additionally, she was a member of Kol Ami Congregation. She… Read more »
Nice that she is having a community service. I remind readers Jeanne Dobrin passed away during Covid, and had no service of any kind. No resident ever came close to the involvement and impact of Jeanne Dobrin.
It is notable that although Esther Baum. was the appointee of Sepi Shyne, she has failed to acknowledge her passing. She may likely design an acknowledgement at a City Council Meeting putting herself in the spotlight rather than the deserving and selfless Ms. Baum from who Ms. Syne could have gathered some wisdom.
This is disgusting. Using someone’s death to attack the mayor…really?
Shame on you.
You are unreasonable. The prior comment was perfectly within reason.
It would have been a very small effort for Mayor Shyne to respond to the request for comment by Wehoville. Many other notable leaders offered their comments. This shows the smallness of Mayor Shyne always preening for the spotlight, as she did last evening without human regard or regard for her fellow council members. These small points always indicate the character of a person or lack thereof. Lucien Tudor of La Boheme put it succinctly, in his comment as to the superficiality of Mayor Shyne.
Shyne had some very thoughtful words to say about Esther at the council meeting last night.
I think it’s clear Sepi doesn’t want anything to do with Wehoville and for good reason. That is her prerogative.
Yes, Marcy Norton wrote some very heartfelt words for her to read.
Sepi Shyne has created her own poor relationship with Wehoville. That of course is her prerogative for selectively choosing with whom she chooses to communicate. She is mayor of the entire City if West Hollywood, not simple to the BFF’s but it comes at a price which is something beyond the control of Mayor Shyne who appears to be the antithesis of Esther Baum.