STEFANIE LAHART: An outside perspective and a passion for WeHo

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I’m a 30-year resident of West Hollywood, and I’m running for City Council with a clear vision: to create a safer, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable community. My dedication to West Hollywood is deeply rooted in my extensive community involvement, my successful local business, and my passion for ensuring that all residents have a voice in shaping the future of our city.

My campaign is built on a foundation of five key priorities: Public Safety, Small Business Advocacy, Neighborhood Support, Responsible Building Development, and At-Risk Community Support, including homelessness and addiction recovery, as well as Affordable Housing. As a longtime resident, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that face West Hollywood, and I’m committed to addressing these with thoughtful, proactive solutions.

I’m not a career politician and want to bring a voice to the residents in my beloved city who feel unheard and undervalued. As a small business owner, I deeply care about the future of this city for all residents.

One of the most pressing issues I aim to tackle is public safety. I understand the concerns many residents have regarding the rise in homelessness, drug addiction, and untreated mental health issues. My involvement in resolving the problematic vacant property at 1030 N Sierra Bonita, which burned on Thanksgiving night 2023, demonstrated my commitment to public safety. My efforts were instrumental in urging the city to take swift action, resulting in the demolition of the unsafe structure and the implementation of new codes to prevent similar situations in the future. My leadership in this matter showcased the impact a dedicated individual can have on local government action.

In addition to public safety, I’m a staunch advocate for small businesses. As the owner of Boomtown Marketing, a boutique marketing agency based in West Hollywood, I have over two decades of experience helping local businesses attract customers and thrive. I understand the vital role that small businesses play in the economic health of West Hollywood, and I’m committed to supporting policies that streamline permitting processes, offer financial incentives, and provide resources for business development.

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I’m also deeply committed to preserving the unique character of West Hollywood’s neighborhoods. I believe that responsible building development is essential to maintaining the city’s charm while accommodating growth. By focusing on transit-oriented developments and engaging with residents throughout the planning process, I aim to ensure that new projects enhance our city’s livability without compromising its integrity.

Recognizing the urgent need to address homelessness and addiction in West Hollywood, I’m dedicated to expanding access to mental health and addiction treatment programs. As a volunteer with The Phoenix, a national sober active community, and Angel City Pit Bulls, I’ve seen the transformative power of support and recovery. My plan includes collaborating with local organizations and neighboring cities to develop comprehensive solutions that provide both immediate relief and long-term stability for those in need.

My commitment to sustainability is reflected in my campaign, which is the first carbon-neutral, digital-forward, zero-waste campaign in West Hollywood. I have no plans to create or distribute printed materials that would litter neighborhoods and contribute to waste. Instead, I’m embracing a fully digital approach, leveraging online platforms to engage with residents in a way that is both environmentally responsible and effective.

Starting August 29th, I will be holding weekly live digital community discussions on my website and accessible via YouTube/Instagram, where I will address the most pressing issues facing West Hollywood. These discussions are open to all residents, providing a platform for everyone to have their voice heard. I believe that true leadership involves listening to the community and fostering open dialogue, and I’m committed to making these discussions a cornerstone of my campaign.

My vision for West Hollywood is one of safety, inclusivity, sustainability, and community. My campaign is not just about winning a seat on City Council; it’s about creating a better future for all residents of West Hollywood. Join me on this journey to make our city a place where everyone can thrive.

LEARN MORE AT:

https://www.lahart4weho.com/

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Lani Martinez
Lani Martinez
2 months ago

So little miss Fire Bug thinks she can do a better job running off the unhoused and low income residents on the City Council? What’s her slogan, vote for me or I’ll burn your house down? No thank you!

VShar
VShar
2 months ago

This candidate already has a track record of getting things accomplished. Who was absolutely tenacious in getting the unsafe and unsanitary property on Sierra Bonita razed? She was. She stayed the course and got it done, keeping the neighborhood safer from potential fire and squatters. And she did this as a private citizen. What other political candidate took matters into their very own hands and accomplished anything that helped the people of West Hollywood? I know who I am voting for.

Cy Husain
2 months ago
Reply to  VShar

Taking matters into their own hands when it comes to committing arson🔥 against low income or unhoused neighbors is unacceptable❗

VShar
VShar
2 months ago
Reply to  Cy Husain
Cy Husain
2 months ago

Let’s be perfectly clear that correlation does NOT necessarily equal causation. Now I do have some concerns over the conflicts this candidate for City Council has had with numerous poor people in substandard housing and, their residents bursting into flames🔥 with them in it shortly there after😱. Hoping my additional fire insurance is an unnecessary precaution if something I say upsets her❗

Come on, really?
Come on, really?
3 months ago

You can tell that she used AI to write this article. I ran it through a free AI detector software, and it said there is a 100% chance this was written by AI. See the link https://www.scribbr.com/ai-detector/ and run any part or all of the article through it.

Last edited 3 months ago by Come on, really?
WehoQueen
WehoQueen
3 months ago

Thanks for this info. Sadly, as far as I can tell, all the alternatives so far seem to be worse. Why is it in Weho, a place with sophisticated smart people (we don’t always have to agree), we can’t get people to run who are sincere and genuine.

Pedro B
Pedro B
3 months ago

Good grief, let’s throw in safety and affordable housing with no explanation on how to achieve this. Are you going to ban scooters on sidewalks? Are you for or against builders remedy that destroy neighborhoods? Please tell us so we can make a decision on voting for you otherwise it’s just meaningless blah blah blah.

Steve Martin
Steve Martin
3 months ago
Reply to  Pedro B

You are right on. I just got a Danny Hang door hanger that was nothing but meaningless blah, blah, blah. If you are too afraid to take a stand or you don’t understand the real issues facing residents, don’t run for office. Voters deserve more than platitudes.

Mr Watson
Mr Watson
3 months ago

More of the same. I’m sure “inclusion” is a top priority of the citizens. LOL

WehoQueen
WehoQueen
3 months ago

You gotta love how you just threw in the required “affordable housing” as some “priority”, with no details of how you are going to suddenly make one of the most expensive cities in the entire world, “affordable” to anyone who decides they want to live here. This is a clue that sadly we have another wannabe politician who thinks they have answers, but doesn’t have any answers. You’re not alone in being clueless as I received a funding appeal today from George Nickle boasting about “affordability” as one of his 3 top priorities, and the fundraiser is going to be… Read more »

Steve Martin
Steve Martin
3 months ago
Reply to  WehoQueen

It is so obvious you have probably never been to the bar at the Rainbow much less bought a drink there.

Cy Husain
2 months ago
Reply to  Steve Martin

Could be another right-wing internet troll who has never been to West Hollywood and, only wants to create some conflict with our elected officials❓

Tom
Tom
3 months ago

Thank you for providing this forum for candidates to introduce themselves. I hope more of them will take advantage of it.

John Arnold
John Arnold
3 months ago

I truly value a fresh perspective, especially from someone who has a proven track record in her community and has been a long-time resident. However, I think it will be an uphill battle. She lacks name recognition, and with so many candidates in the race, they may end up canceling each other out. My concern is that Erickson and Hang might get elected while Block, Nickle, and others split the same voter base.

West
West
3 months ago

Thanks for your many valiant contributions to our community. Best of luck Stefanie!

Gimmeabreak
Gimmeabreak
3 months ago

Politicians often state their positions in very general terms leaving the voter to interpret that position in a way that best suits themselves only to find out later the politician didn’t mean it that way at all. Your list of positions could also have been written by John Erickson, Sepi Shyne, Chelsea Byers, and Lindsey Horvath when they ran and probably was! Take some of the more controversial decisions of the current council and tell us what you would do, whether it is to agree with them or that you disagree and what you would do instead. All politicians say… Read more »

Last edited 3 months ago by Gimmeabreak
gdaddy
gdaddy
3 months ago

I appreciate you getting in to run! I’ll say though from your messaging, we at this point need clear direction on someone’s beliefs of how they’ll go about things. We all believe in public safety, ending homeless, etc. If I were running, here is what I’d say: 1. We have access to mental health services and try homeless outreach. It isn’t working. On a monthly basis we make over 100 homeless service outreach attempts and have less than 5% accept. Our most successful program is our clean needle program. I will work to enforce Gavin Newsom’s executive order removing all… Read more »