Community leader Sibyl Zaden has passed away

At Monday’s City Council meeting, Councilmember John Heilman adjourned in the name of Sibyl Zaden. Zaden passed away shortly after Thanksgiving, and the news surprised many who had been unaware of her death. Zaden was born on December 10th, 1948, and passed just shy of her 75th birthday.

Sibyl Zaden was a long-term resident of WeHo Heights Neighborhood. She and her exotic feline companions won multiple ribbons and awards.

Sibyl served on three of the City’s boards and commissions. From April 1997 to November 2001, Zaden was a member of the Public Facilities Commission. From November 2001 to February 2021, she was a member of the Business License Commission, and most recently, from May 2023 through April 2023, she was a member of the Disability Advisory Board.

Former Councilmember and current Los Angeles Assessor Jeffrey Prang reflected on the life of Sibyl Zaden. “Sibyl was one of the originals of the City of West Hollywood. She was there when the city was founded and played a pivotal role through most of our history. She cared deeply about the city and gave freely of her time and energy. She served on a number of critical commissions and community boards, playing a vital role in the early development years in West Hollywood. She was wise, kind, and always available to lend a hand for her neighbors and for the city. She will be greatly missed.”

Former Councilmember John Duran reflected on Zaden’s history in the city. “Sibyl was one of the unique characters that thrived in WeHo. She was the city’s crazy cat lady. But she was also a resident who cared passionately about our city and was always involved in city events, boards, and commissions. The city is a little less colorful without Sibyl Zaden in it.”

WeHo Heights Neighborhood Association President Elyse Eisenberg reflected on Zaden’s life.   “I met Sibyl when I first moved into the WeHo Heights neighborhood, then called Shoreham Heights.   She was the original leader of this area and had impact on the developments in this area.   She was directly responsible for getting the traffic signals and circulation changed so our Horn Ave. drivers could drive directly south thru to Holloway; when before you could only go left or right.   Sibyl was instrumental in getting the cutout in the sidewalk for the Shoreham Villas development so there was a proper drop off area for deliveries, instead of blocking the street.  She was also the longtime organizer of our National Night Out events which she thoroughly enjoyed hosing and could always be found sitting at the base of Horn Plaza’s steps watching over the activities.  We made sure she always had her Snapple at the ready, not to mention the margarita’s.”   

“Sibyl was always passionate about WeHo and took great pride in the many commissions she served on over the years.   She was an icon and will be missed”, added Eisenberg.  

Long-term City Council member John Heilman asked to adjourn the Monday, December 4th city council meeting in honor of Sibyl Zaden. Heilman noted: “Sibyl was incredibly dedicated to West Hollywood. She loved the City. She loved serving on Boards and Commissions. She loved participating in her Neighborhood Watch Group, a group she ran for many years. She had a great love for cats and competed in cat shows all around the country. She was one of a kind. Our community will miss her.”