Community Addresses Recent Protest, Safety Concerns

West Hollywood residents and officials assessed recent events at a Public Safety Commission meeting on April 28, reflecting on a Trump protest and counter-protest that occurred the previous day. Speakers praised law enforcement and security personnel for maintaining order while raising broader issues about street safety, infrastructure, and community protection.

The April 27 protest, marked by tensions between Trump supporters and counter-protesters, drew significant attention. Edd Holman commended the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Block by Block Security Ambassadors for their response. “They did a very good job trying to keep order, but there were some anti-Antifa people that were doing more than they should have,” Holman said. He noted the event’s intensity, having joined after seeing it on social media, and thanked law enforcement for managing what he called “good trouble.”

Councilmember Danny Hang echoed the praise, highlighting the collaborative efforts of city staff, the Sheriff’s Department, and Block by Block. “It could have turned a lot worse, but city staff and the sheriff’s were on top of it along with our Block by Block partners to keep the entire community safe,” Hang stated. He also acknowledged the city’s communications department for timely messaging, ensuring residents were informed during the rally.

Beyond the protest, speakers addressed persistent safety concerns. Cathy Blaivas lauded the East Side Neighborhood Watch for a well-attended meeting, noting its role in fostering community engagement. “It was great to see the community out,” she said, paraphrasing Councilmember Lauren Meister’s remark that community members outnumbered staff, a rare occurrence. Blaivas expressed alarm at the city’s declining safety, stating, “I have never in the almost 30 years that I’m living here felt so unsafe in our city.” She urged more sheriff foot patrols, particularly around Plummer Park, despite improvements from Block by Block’s presence.

Stephanie Harker raised structural safety issues, focusing on delays in earthquake retrofitting for buildings. “The mandate was supposed to be within 10 years; we’re more than halfway through that now, and a lot of them haven’t been done,” she said. Harker cited a developer-owned building on her block as an example, warning of potential loss of life in a seismic event. She also criticized robotic delivery devices, noting a recent incident where one stalled in traffic, posing risks to pedestrians, especially those with disabilities or strollers.

Resident Victor Omelczenko connected the protest response to broader safety priorities, referencing the city’s strategic plan. “Supporting community safety and well-being was the highest ranked priority in the citywide residents survey,” he said, emphasizing the need for safer streets and sidewalks. Omelczenko praised the Sheriff’s Department and Block by Block for their efforts during the protest, reinforcing the community’s reliance on coordinated safety measures.