How West Hollywood approaches law enforcement and its vision for city security is outlined in the the city’s Community Safety and Well-being Strategy, which City Council reviewed at their Monday night meeting alongside representatives from the Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, security ambassadors and the city’s own Community Safety Division.
Councilmember Laurel Meister inquired about the filling of positions at the WeHo Sheriff Station, specifically the sworn positions, and was informed that sworn positions had been filled, but hiring for the Public Information Officer and Community Liaison positions was on hold by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The discussion then shifted to concerns regarding the 988 hotline, which is primarily a suicide and crisis hotline. Meister raised concerns about the appropriateness of the hotline for non-suicidal or non-crisis situations and inquired about alternative ways to reach the CARES team.
The increase in beds from 10 to 20 was also discussed, with clarification that the increase would involve 10 beds in West Hollywood and the retention of 10 beds in Glendale, as Ascencia would use those beds for their Glendale population.
Councilmembers also asked about the activities of the CARES team when not on calls. The team’s proactive efforts, follow-up work with clients, engagement with other agencies, and participation in hotspot patrols were highlighted.
The Council expressed interest in a grand launch of the CARES team and discussed the timeline for materials related to 988 and the CARE team’s outreach efforts.
Questions were raised about the impact of recent changes in state law regarding 5150s and temporary holds on the work with individuals experiencing mental health issues. The law, known as the CARE Act, was discussed, and its implementation was described as a gradual process.
The possibility of hiring a Communications PIO individual for the city was explored, given that the Sheriff’s Department is not currently filling such positions. It was noted that there were open positions at the station, and an individual with PIO experience was being considered for hire, with the intention of assigning them to the PIO position when it becomes available.
During Public Comment, resident Annie Jump Vicente, who had experienced a 5150 lockdown expressed frustration with the way the police handled their situation. She emphasized the need for support and understanding rather than confinement in solitary. She questioned the priorities of the city in providing housing and addressing mental health issues among the unhoused population. Vicente pointed out that the harsh conditions faced by unhoused individuals, including sweeps by Block by Block and the lack of safety, could contribute to psychosis. She criticized the use of conservatorships and forced hospitalizations by law enforcement, raising questions about their effectiveness and impact.
Another community member, who had participated in the Community Police Academy and CERT training, praised these programs for providing insights into the challenges faced by first responders. However, they raised concerns about the reduction in the number of sworn officers in West Hollywood and emphasized the need to support law enforcement adequately. They cited statistics suggesting that the city has fewer officers than the national average and called for an increase in the police force to ensure public safety.
A speaker mentioned the importance of addressing transphobia in the community and then asked questions about the selection of stakeholders for the Community Safety and Well-being Strategy. They also questioned the necessity of creating additional layers of bureaucracy and suggested utilizing existing commissions and advisory boards. They inquired about the Civic Education Academy’s progress, the availability of reports from the Westside Regional Community Safety Working Group, and the status of Holloway Interim Housing. They also expressed interest in the involvement of the Trans Task Force in LGBTQ community awareness training with the sheriff’s department.
Adam Darvish, a community member, raised concerns about patrolling on residential streets and suggested the need for more police presence in those areas. He also emphasized the importance of communication and engagement with the leadership at the police station.
During councilmember comments, Chelsea Byers inquired about the upcoming end of the guaranteed income pilot and requested information on the next steps, including a thorough report with data and metrics. She also questioned whether the pilot’s funding would be included in the next year’s budget.
Councilmember John Heilman discussed the issue of protecting housed residents from slipping into homelessness and suggested targeting tenants who receive fee rebates for rental support. He also advocated for reconstituting the hoarding task force to address mental health issues and support at-risk tenants. He highlighted the importance of residential satisfaction in housing buildings owned or contracted by the city and called for enhanced community outreach, especially on the east side.
Mayor Pro Tem John Erickson expressed concern about LGBTQ training for the sheriff’s department and the need for more comprehensive and in-depth training. He inquired about the training provided to Block by Block ambassadors and requested information on who is creating the training.
Mayor Sepi Shyne raised questions about the need for additional sensitivity training for Block by Block ambassadors and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also asked about the creators of the training programs.
One notable development mentioned during the meeting was the creation of an LGBT Advisory Board by Sheriff Robert Luna. While this was seen as a positive step, questions were raised about whether this board is actively developing a comprehensive training framework to address the specific issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community effectively. Shyne stressed the importance of ensuring that the training provided to law enforcement officers is not only thorough but also relevant and up-to-date.
Another significant aspect of the discussion was the Block by Block Security Ambassador program. This program plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and security in West Hollywood. Council members were keen to understand the type of LGBTQ sensitivity training provided to Block by Block ambassadors, recognizing that these ambassadors are often the first point of contact with the public. Erica Leon, the General Manager of Block by Block, provided valuable insights into the diversity and inclusion training offered to their ambassadors.
However, Shyne pressed for more details regarding the source and specifics of the LGBTQ+ training. They expressed a strong desire for transparency and collaboration with LGBTQ organizations to receive feedback and ensure the training’s effectiveness. It was clear that the council members were committed to ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community in West Hollywood feels safe and respected.
The meeting also delved into the grievance process for individuals with issues related to the security ambassadors. The process, as explained during the meeting, involves thorough investigations, the collection of statements, and the implementation of appropriate actions in line with company policy. This discussion highlighted the city’s commitment to holding all parties involved in community safety accountable.
As the discussion continued, council members expressed various concerns and made insightful suggestions related to community safety. These included Meister’s concerns about the 988 number for mental health crisis calls. While acknowledging the importance of addressing suicide and crisis situations, council members suggested expanding the services provided by this number to offer guidance and connect individuals with social services when needed.
Proactive outreach by the CARE team, a vital component of West Hollywood’s efforts to support vulnerable individuals, was also suggested. Councilmembers emphasized the need to identify and address hotspot areas, including parks, where issues related to homelessness and substance abuse often arise.
Regarding the CSWB (Community Safety and Well-being) collaboration table, councilmembers expressed their desire for more information about how the group would be selected. They stressed the importance of transparency and inclusivity in the selection process, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in shaping the city’s safety policies.
Meister raised a point during the meeting related to individuals released from prison contributing to homelessness. Council members discussed the need for West Hollywood’s social services team to collaborate closely with Los Angeles County to address this issue effectively. It was recognized that this problem extends beyond the city’s borders, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation.
Furthermore, councilmembers highlighted the Healthcare in Action program as a valuable addition to the social service portfolio. The program focuses on cross-collaboration and on-site triage for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing much-needed support and services. Councilmembers expressed their appreciation for the program’s effectiveness and suggested expanding its reach to make a more significant impact.
One of the pivotal points of discussion revolved around community safety and the performance of the Los Angeles County Fire Department within West Hollywood. Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith presented a comprehensive overview of the year-to-date fire statistics for the city. His report revealed that West Hollywood’s fire stations 7 and 8 field an average of approximately 20 emergency calls during each shift. Notably, the majority of these calls are medical emergencies, accounting for roughly 71% of the total call volume.
The fire department faces several challenges in fulfilling its duties effectively. One prominent issue is the management of traffic congestion within the city, which can hinder timely responses to emergencies. This challenge highlights the need for strategic planning and coordination to ensure the safety of residents, especially in densely populated areas. Addressing these concerns, as well as others, is paramount for the fire department’s continued success in safeguarding the community.
The discussion also emphasized the importance of open communication between city leaders, the County Fire Department, and the Board of Supervisors. Collaborative efforts are essential to securing the funding required for necessary improvements and potentially a new fire station that can better serve West Hollywood residents. This commitment underscores the dedication of city leaders to enhancing community safety.
Councilmembers took the opportunity to express their deep appreciation for the professionalism and compassion demonstrated by the West Hollywood Fire Department in their interactions with residents and in addressing various emergencies.
Council members raised questions about the timing of fire department involvement in new development projects and how this could impact fire safety requirements. There was a concern that sometimes these requirements were identified late in the approval process, leading to potential complications and additional costs for developers.
Council members emphasized the importance of early communication and collaboration between developers, planners, and the fire department. They sought to address fire safety concerns at the initial stages of project planning, rather than discovering them later in the approval process. Additionally, council members inquired about a specific project that had committed to providing parking for firefighters, and they requested an update on whether this commitment had been fulfilled.
The General Manager of the Block by Block Security Ambassador Program, Erica Leon, presented a comprehensive overview of the program’s vital role in maintaining safety and security within West Hollywood. The program employs uniformed and unarmed Security Ambassadors, licensed by the state of California, who serve as a visible deterrent to potential crimes. These ambassadors are trained to observe, report incidents, and de-escalate non-violent, low-level quality of life offenses.
Security Ambassadors offer a wide range of services to support the community, including safety escorts, business contacts, and acting as a source of information at various kiosks throughout the city. Their responsibilities also extend to providing traffic control during minor collisions, participating in neighborhood watch meetings, and attending over 200 City Council meetings, commission meetings, and other city and park events.
One of the key areas of focus for Security Ambassadors is their engagement with the unhoused community. The program collaborates closely with outreach service providers, such as Healthcare in Action, Essentia, Step Up on Second, and the Vehicle Cares Mobile Unit. This collaboration allows Security Ambassadors to assist in addressing the needs of unhoused individuals, providing wellness checks, mental health support, and other critical services.
The report provided statistics that shed light on the program’s activities. Notably, there was an increase in calls for service compared to the previous year, with a significant percentage of these calls being related to the unhoused community. The majority of calls pertained to panhandling, wellness checks, mental health crises, unwanted behaviors, and more. Additionally, safety escorts and business contacts saw an increase, demonstrating the program’s commitment to maintaining a visible presence and providing support to local businesses
Security Ambassadors collaborate closely with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department, with 177 calls placed to the Sheriff station for additional assistance. The report highlighted the average response time of approximately 13 minutes and 24 seconds, emphasizing the timely support provided by law enforcement when needed.
Training plays a crucial role in preparing Security Ambassadors for their responsibilities. They undergo sensitivity training, as well as training related to gender identity and sexual orientation. They are also trained in various critical areas, including active shooter response, first aid administration, mental health first aid, and more. This comprehensive training equips them to handle a wide range of situations effectively.
The Security Ambassador Program actively participates in community events and training initiatives organized by the City of West Hollywood. This includes involvement in campaigns and initiatives focused on issues such as sexual assault awareness and prevention. The program also collaborates with outreach organizations to better understand and serve the needs of the unhoused population, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement and support.
One important aspect of the discussion was the role of Block by Block Security Ambassadors in the city. The speaker provided a detailed explanation of the services they offer and the areas they cover. Security Ambassadors focus on proactive patrolling, particularly in commercial and high-traffic areas such as Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Melrose Avenue. They engage with both residents and visitors, offering general information and assistance when needed. Business contacts are a significant part of their role, involving regular interactions with local businesses to establish a rapport and let business owners know that assistance is available if required.
Councilmember Meister raised questions about the specific breakdown of calls for service and their outcomes. The speaker clarified that the majority of calls for service relate to issues involving the unhoused population. These include panhandling, wellness checks, mental health crises, and code violations. It was emphasized that 78% of calls for service are associated with unhoused issues, highlighting the importance of addressing these concerns effectively.
Councilmember Byers inquired about the process for Block by Block Ambassadors to connect community members with the appropriate agencies or partners when the issue goes beyond their scope. The speaker explained that when dealing with social service issues, Ambassadors aim for a “warm handoff” to the appropriate service provider, such as Healthcare in Action or WeHo Cares. Additionally, when situations escalate or become aggressive, Ambassadors involve the Sheriff’s Department for assistance.
A question was raised about whether Block by Block Ambassadors have a mechanism to collect reports that could be passed on to the Sheriff’s Department without direct involvement on the spot. The speaker clarified that they do not have such a mechanism but rely on immediate escalation to the Sheriff’s Department when needed.
Councilmember Meister highlighted the importance of educating the public about Block by Block’s role and limitations, especially when residents or community members might expect them to perform tasks that fall under the purview of the Sheriff’s Department. The speaker acknowledged the challenge and mentioned the ongoing efforts to improve communication and understanding through one-on-one conversations.
The discussion provided clarity on Block by Block’s responsibilities and their collaborative approach to addressing community issues. The Ambassadors play a vital role in enhancing safety and well-being in West Hollywood, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and business activities.
Following this discussion, the Neighborhood and Business Safety Manager, Vito Adamidis, presented statistical data related to code enforcement and community concerns. The data covered the period from January to October and revealed an increase in calls for service compared to the previous year. The speaker highlighted trends in different types of requests, including general construction concerns, noise complaints, short-term rental issues, and more. There was also mention of changes to the city’s regulations on short-term rentals and an upcoming update on this matter
Additionally, the presentation provided insights into business licenses, including new licenses, renewals, and temporary licenses. The data indicated changes in business license activity, demonstrating the evolving business landscape in West Hollywood.
Last year, 126 construction hour permits were issued and approved, marking a 24% decrease from the previous year’s 166 approvals. Special event permits saw an increase with 319 applications approved, of which 270 were processed by staff, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous year’s 254 approvals. Additionally, a new code officer, Melissa Tin, has been recruited and is already providing valuable support to the team.
Councilmember Meister raised concerns about the substantial increase in short-term rental activity and questioned whether there were enough resources to handle these cases. City staff believes that the tools provided by the council earlier in the year, in the form of ordinance amendments, would help address the short-term rental issue in the long term. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the rent stabilization and housing department.
The council inquired about collaboration with the rent stabilization and housing department to analyze rental registrations for high turnover, which could indicate illegal short-term rentals. Staff mentioned their partnership with the department and their frequent interactions to address such issues.
The discussion then shifted to monitoring and tracking compliance regarding false or fake promotions of short-term rentals and whether cases were being referred to the City Attorney for further prosecution. Staff highlighted their collaborative efforts with the City of Los Angeles and their commitment to sharing information and resources to address the issue effectively.
Following this discussion, Captain Bill Moulder from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station provided a report on crime statistics and data from January 2023 through October 2023. During this period, there were over 17,500 calls for service, 1,599 arrests, and various responses by law enforcement.
Citywide part one crimes decreased by 8.27%, with theft-related crimes being the most prevalent category, making up 65% of the part one crimes. The West District saw a 21% decrease in part one crimes, with reductions in various crime categories, including vehicle burglaries and aggravated assaults.
In the City Center, part one crimes decreased by 1%, although there was an increase in residential burglaries by 75%. The East District, however, experienced a 23% increase in part one crimes, with strong-arm robberies and vehicle burglaries showing significant increases.
Moulder credited the reduction in part one crimes to the hard work of patrol deputies, the COPS team, the Entertainment Policing Team (EPT), and various operations. He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the engagement of the unhoused population in addressing crime issues.
One of the initial topics of discussion was the collaboration between West Hollywood and the city of Los Angeles in addressing the short-term rental issue. West Hollywood, with its unique character and community, has been actively monitoring and dealing with this challenge. However, speakers acknowledged the valuable insights gained from their colleagues in Los Angeles, given the scale and magnitude of their city. While West Hollywood is confident in its existing tools and staff dedicated to tackling short-term rentals, ongoing collaboration with Los Angeles remains a priority to address this common issue effectively.
Addressing the problem of illegal short-term rentals was another point of focus. The city is committed to combatting this issue internally while also cooperating with the City Attorney of Los Angeles for potential legal action. It was emphasized that being good partners with the City Attorney is crucial, as these illegal rentals impact West Hollywood’s residents directly. The collaborative approach with Los Angeles extends to sharing information, resources, and ideas to address this pressing concern.
The meeting also shed light on various safety initiatives undertaken by West Hollywood’s law enforcement agencies. These initiatives include saturation patrols, plain-clothes and undercover operations, and foot patrols. The Cops Team and Entertainment Policing Team actively engage with the community, address quality-of-life issues, and collaborate with various city departments.
The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station has a full-time Mental Evaluation Team (MET) that pairs a deputy sheriff with a mental health clinician. This team has been successful in responding to incidents, evaluating individuals experiencing mental health crises, and facilitating involuntary hospitalizations when necessary. MET has contributed to reducing use-of-force incidents and has been a valuable resource in connecting individuals with needed services.
The meeting also touched upon other important aspects of community safety, such as domestic violence, hate crimes, and traffic collisions. Notably, the city’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras played a vital role in tracking and apprehending suspects in recent incidents, highlighting the importance of modern technology in law enforcement.
West Hollywood City Council’s issue is that it is trying to be all for all, and has a difficult time understanding they work for the city residents NOT for their personal opinions. Their responsibility is to ensure the basics of running a small town, safe, clean and responsibly managed financially. “Vicente pointed out that the harsh conditions faced by unhoused individuals” That is called being an adult, if you can’t afford to live some place you move. You don’t become homeless and demand taxpayers take care of you. These people have lost their minds. And they are NOT “UNHOUSED” (the… Read more »
youre an idiot and you dont understand that the entire country is overpriced and under paid. theres no where else to move to.
Excellent recap Brandon. But I was appalled at the council for their lack of action when Annie went off on Captain Moulder with middle fingers blazing and screaming FU at him. Not one member chastised her for that behavior. And how ironic when she gets up each time screaming for respect but shows none to anyone else.
Would not be at all surprised if the behavior of AJV did not escalate at some point that would provoke the sheriffs deputies into applying physical restraint to AJV resulting in a member(s) of the public to become collateral victims. Or worse that AJV reinforces her anger by other unforeseen means.
im v concerned about how you like to paint individuals that you disagree with.
im concerned about some of these commentators on these right-wing sites that have literally issued death threats to council members. youre all the perpetrators of violence, you know.. by advocating for physical restraint by law enforcement against someone who speaks.
im v concerned about your behavior. hey cops, you should investigate this commentator named “very concerned.” they might commit violence against others. seems like a 5250 is in order against “very concerned.”
see, i can also suggest state violence on you.
Great breakdown, Brandon. Annie is 100% correct to raise concerns about the misuse of involuntary detentions and conservatorships to address the homelessness crisis.
Sadly the conversation about expanding surveillance of WeHo citizens, and the gratuitous spending on ballistics barriers primarily to protect Councilmembers, went unaddressed as usual.
These people are overly eager to play identity politics and have the same circular conversations around public safety, but are more deathly afraid of accountability than if they were forced to sit next to an unvaccinated person on the bus.
Lol more and more Wehoville’s headlines look like The Onion or the Babylon Bee. Safety and security shouldn’t be used in headlines that have to deal with West Hollywood. It’s not safe. And your property is not secure! But, hey! We can pretend people in polos are keeping our community safe and women should feel content that the city is doing everything to ensure their safety walking alone. Thanks for the laugh!
agreed. trans women arent safe from rich and well of predators. theres more safety with unhoused ppl well, you know, since so many of us fall into one or both categories at extremely high rates.
seems like the rich and well off society wants to demonize us and suppress us to the point of extreme instability, then either arrest us or hope we die immediately.
There is no safety for women in West Hollywood with an endless stream of unhoused predators allowed to roam freely on our streets.
The people committing armed robbery in West Hollywood aren’t the homeless. Stop blaming everything on them.
They are the center of crime from theft, vandalism to violence! They create filth and disease like the plague.
thank you Chris.
to dissenters, no, even Block by Block admits the most of calls are just people who are just on the streets literally doing nothing other than just being poor. you didnt read the article or watch the council meeting or didnt look at staff reports.
you have no basis to comment.
Still wondering about the disparity between the Sheriff’s crime report and the widely distributed La Brea :Press Police Blotter.
One no mention of CERT , and essential elements in n y well-designed public safety plan.
I suggest that we do not turn in our MACE yet.
Brandon – you must be the world’s fastest typist! Thanx or the detailed article.
“developing a comprehensive training framework to address the specific issues faced by the LGBTQ+ “. I’m a gay man and I’m sure I have the same issues that everyone else has when it comes to safety. I want to be able to be safe in my home. I want to be safe walking the streets day and night. I want to be safe going to a restaurant or a bar. I want the mentally ill to be in mental health facilities and I want the drug addicts and the alcoholics to be in rehabilitation centers. I want people that commit… Read more »
Logic is a novel concept. Too bad the skittle head activists and the lgbtq+ community can’t see it. They voted for sepi.
Exactly!
no, we dont share the same concerns. you rich mf’ers like to scream f**got at me and them attempt vehicular manslaughter.
i dont believe we have the same issues. my problem is violence done onto me by the rich and well off, not the poor and homeless. the latter are v kind to me. they just want some acknowledgement that they exist.
you obviously dont do that. you coward away from “the poor.”
Thank you Brandon for this very comprehensive overview!