As a devoted resident of West Hollywood for nearly a quarter of a century, I’ve seen our city evolve into a vibrant, diverse community. As a candidate for the City Council, I’m committed to addressing the key issues that impact our daily lives: safety, economic sustainability, and robust community services. My background, experiences, and values uniquely position me to serve our community with dedication and insight.
Creating Safer Communities. Safety is a fundamental right for every resident and visitor in West Hollywood. Recent concerns about crime and public safety have underscored the need for effective, balanced measures to protect our community. My plan involves reallocating funds to enhance our Sheriff’s Department and addressing staffing shortages that hinder law enforcement efforts. By investing in advanced public safety technologies and strengthening neighborhood watch programs, we can create a more secure environment for everyone.
Our city’s safety also depends on robust emergency preparedness. I advocate for improved collaboration between local, regional, state, and federal emergency services to update our emergency plans. Enhancing security on public transportation and pedestrian areas will further ensure that our residents feel safe and secure in their daily commutes.
Building a Thriving & Sustainable Local Economy. Economic vitality is essential for West Hollywood’s future. We must support our local businesses and foster a sustainable economy that benefits all residents. I propose prioritizing the creative economy by nurturing local cultural industries such as fashion, art, and music. Encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses will drive innovation and job creation within our community.
Strengthening Community Services. Community services are the backbone of a vibrant, inclusive city. I am committed to modernizing the tracking system for rent-stabilized units, ensuring accurate information and supporting housing programs that increase affordable housing availability. Protecting renters’ rights and maintaining habitable living conditions are top priorities. We must expand social services for older adults and vulnerable populations, ensuring they have access to necessary resources. Fostering an inclusive community through public events and workshops will ensure that diverse voices are heard and represented in our city’s decision-making processes.
West Hollywood on the World Stage. As we prepare for significant international events like the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028, West Hollywood must be ready to showcase its best. Enhancing public safety for these events and supporting local businesses to capitalize on the influx of visitors will bring economic benefits to our city. Developing comprehensive plans to manage the additional strain on city services will ensure that residents continue to receive the high-quality services they expect.
In my professional capacity I have had several conversations with Rachel Schmeidler, and I observed how she treated my colleagues. She has a toxic personality, is manipulative, vengeful, and offensive. In my experience, she lashed out at people who tried to help her. Especially when they were women, especially when they were attractive. She may be a fresh face in WeHo politics, but make sure you get to know her more than from a boiler-plate article. I cringe thinking she may one day be in a position of power. There is a reason why, for example, Jerome Cleary never gets… Read more »
Nothing new the same old same old. Give me ideas that are new and meaningful. Our city surrounded by LA. Last week the LAPD stopped a break in at 800 N Harper which is LA. And we are 900 N Harper. No one can stop break ins during the day is obvious. And living on the border I no a wall won’t work.
Who?
These are very general statements that Horvath, Sepi, Erickson, and Byers might have also said.
I’m afraid you’re going to split the vote when we desperately need Larry Block and George Nickels on the council and Erickson will walk away with the win even though most people voted against him.
A safe, inclusive West Hollywood won’t be such until there is a conservative in the mix. That is a sign of having a diverse panel. Having the representatives all subscribing to one mind-think is not fair or balanced. And it’s annoying.
I wouldn’t say we need a conservative; we just need someone with common sense, real world experience and someone with neighborhood roots. What we don’t need are more disconnected from reality “social justice warrior” types. What we have right now is a Council majority who are ideologues who are pushing agendas that don’t make West Hollywood safer. When neighborhood activists are accused of “fearmongering” over public safety, you know that City Hall is off track.
In other words ….. a conservative!
I don’t agree with you but I must admit as a life long progressive Democrat, if you are not subscribing to the
“social justice” mindset, then you are labeled a conservative.
When you have people in the Party upset with VP Harris because she was a former DA, then you know the Party has problems. I do agree that the best policy arising out of real debate not from a lock-step political/social mindset. Supporters of DA George Gascon, like Mayor Erickson and Danny Hong can’t be trusted to protect West Hollywood.
Hong is a supporter of Gascon? That’s very good to know!
As always, a good reply. Much appreciated!
Couldn’t agree more! Early on progressives in city mgmt had great intentions but they’ve lost their way…up and down the west coast progressive city leaders have overseen the downfall of great cities, weho is no exception. It’s time for a change. We weho residents deserve better
So true
Well spoken, Rachel. Re emergency response connecting with neighboring cities, the county, state and federal entities, look to CERT as the answer. Waiting to hear more from you.
For those of us on the Eastside, emergency response times will be dangerously delayed if Fountain gets reduced to one lane in either direction as the Mayor is proposing.
Thanks, Rachel, for a thoughtful review of your positions. Do you have thoughts on handling the homeless situation, and does the new ruling allowing for citing and arresting homeless for overnight camping play into your plans or ideas? Thanks.