The West Hollywood Public Safety Commission welcomed two new members during their Monday meeting, as Mayor Chelsea Byers and Councilmember Danny Hang administered oaths of office to Kelly M. Pilarski and Catherine Eng, respectively. Residents and officials congratulated the appointees, recognizing their community involvement, while the new commissioners shared their backgrounds and priorities for enhancing public safety.
Byers swore in Pilarski, who pledged to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of California” as a commission member. Hang followed, administering the same oath to Eng. Both ceremonies emphasized the commissioners’ commitment to serve the city, with Pilarski and Eng promising to “well and faithfully discharge the duties” of their roles.
Public comments highlighted the appointees’ qualifications. Resident Richard Maggio praised Eng’s dedication, noting, “She has lived in the city for many years, but it wasn’t until five years ago that she decided it’s really time to get involved.” Maggio, a friend of Eng, recalled encouraging her initial appointment to the Business License Commission, where “she has done a wonderful job.” He offered lighthearted advice, saying, “Dress up and always look nice,” highlighting the importance of professionalism in the role of commissioner.
Councilmember Hang, after administering Eng’s oath, congratulated both appointees, emphasizing their potential impact. “Welcome to the two females on the commission—I know you two will bring a much-needed added breadth of value to this body,” he said. Former commissioner Jackie Steele, speaking
via Zoom, expressed excitement for their contributions. “As a former public safety commissioner, I’m thrilled to see two women on the board yet again,” she stated, noting her long collaboration with Eng and anticipating their influence.
During commissioner comments, Pilarski introduced herself, emphasizing her unique perspective as a walker and cyclist. “I experience the city at a very different speed than most people,” she said, highlighting her engineering and program management background in public infrastructure for Los Angeles. She outlined her approach, stating, “Public safety for me is not just about enforcement but also about building trust, addressing root causes, and investing in community-based solutions.”
Eng reflected on her prior role, noting her collaboration with Community Safety Director Danny Rivas on the Business License Commission. “I’m looking forward to bringing my experiences and my knowledge to this commission,” she said, expressing enthusiasm for enhancing safety initiatives. Commissioner Brandon J. Blau welcomed both, saying, “I am thrilled to have you on the dais with us,” acknowledging their fresh perspectives.
The appointments mark a new chapter for the commission, with Pilarski and Eng poised to contribute to West Hollywood’s public safety efforts through their diverse experiences and community-focused approaches. Both are new appointees, serving their first terms on the commission, which extend until February 28, 2027.
How very nice.
Now support the police and keep us safe. And for God’s sake, can we get someone else than Eng who is recycled on every commission?
So our city needs help ASAP. In the last week or so the amount of NEW homeless and transients Ive seen around is down right scary. This are not just homeless these are individuals who are really really scary. You can see it in their eyes. Our new mayor acts like a frigging 10 year old. WAKE UP homeless and crime is not going down in our city its rising. You should have seen into thee old French market I walked past this am …OMGGGGGGGGGGGG
Scary that such a naive and out of touch person can be mayor of any American city. The deer in the headlights look is getting old. Chelsea Byers is not qualified to run a lemonade stand.
“engineering, program management and public infrastructure for Los Angeles”
Red Flag.