Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers is enjoying her last few days wearing the Mayor’s title for the City of West Hollywood. On Monday night, Vice Mayor John Heilman will assume the Mayor’s role for the last time in his storied career.
Let me say, I call it like I see it, and WEHOonline strives to be as objective as possible. These perspectives and thoughts are my own.
Chelsea doesn’t always return my calls or reach back to answer a question. But, many people say that. Nor do I think she has been even-handed to this publication. But this past year, the young woman from Arizona, serving in her first term on the West Hollywood City Council, deserves high marks for her service as Mayor.
Chelsea blossomed. Then she bloomed. Even if you disagree with Ms. Byers’ on an issue, she articulated her positions effectively. And she had a no-nonsense with a smile approach to each city council meeting, and every event she attended. If I held one criticism of Ms. Byers, it is that she often towed the county or state positions, rather than look at West Hollywood as having its own unique needs. And that should be expected, Byers long term partner Austin Cyr is the Director of Community Affairs for Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. So, they are all on the same page in most cases. Case in point, Byers took the position that the County of Los Angeles had a hands-off policy to the street vendors, so West Hollywood should do the same.
Over the year, I’ve gotten many calls asking if Byers an anti-Semite. Many challenged her history of activism for an organization called Beautiful Trouble. Many of those stories told on these pages. But for the record, I do not believe Chelsea Byers is anti-Semitic. The attacks come from a specific source with a bully pulpit has proven, over time to lack credibility. Unbeknownst to her, I’ve defended her on many occasions. Squash the anti-Semitic sh*t against Chelsea Byers.
If you watch the City Council meetings, it is easy to see how well Ms. Byers has led each City Council meeting, even on the most contentious issues. Her poise, even-keel, approach to her colleagues and the public always respectful. She remained in charge of the Council chamber during many the most heated issues facing the city.
There was one moment that peaked my interest back in October. Council members Erickson and Meister were having words back and forth, and Erickson turned to Byers and asked, can we get a recess? Chelsea continued forward. The frustrated Erickson asked again, can we have a recess? Chelsea barreled through. It was an authentic moment when the Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers didn’t flinch. She was not anybody’s pawn and showed impressive leadership with all the antics on the dais and from the public.
Mayor Chelsea Byers Restored The Dignity Of Public Comment Period. It’s not too hard to think back to the years of Council member Shyne, or Council member Erickson’s previous stint as Mayor. In many cases, they would limit the public comment period to the 20-minute rule. In many cases, they would force speakers to the end of the meeting. In many cases, they would cut down the time the speaker were allotted. In many cases, they were so disrespectful to the public that this year they made new rules of decorum for themselves. Throughout the year Chelsea ran the public comment period with deference to the public. There were no retaliations, or discourse. Take a bow Chelsea, great job.
City events, Chamber events, Community gatherings, Chelsea showed up. She always looked fresh and chipper. Wonder Woman behind those glasses. As Mayor she rose to the occasion and took on the responsibility of the City of West Hollywood with honor, dignity, and strength. While we all don’t always agree on the policy, or any particular vote, it’s important to recognize Mayor Chelsea Byers formidable year of service.
Job well done.
Go back to Arizona! Transplants love moving to the big city to “reinvent” themselves. Pathetic much.
She was a good hostess, but, that’s about it.
Good riddance, I hope the people that voted for you learned a lesson in political incompetence.
Happy that her time in the mayor’s seat is coming to an end. The policies she has supported are directly responsible for West Hollywood’s downward trajectory.
Well! I too, think Mayor Byers did a commendable job leading the Council meetings.
I too, have defended her from the beginning against the antisemitism smears.
I do not know Chelsea personally, but she answered a few emails that I sent her.
However, she never responded to me, when I suggested that she fight back against the claims.
Too many people have been conflating anti Israeli policies with antisemitism and if they want to remain respected and relevant, they really ought to stop.
I don’t agree with a lot of Mayor Byers’ policy positions but she has done a great job as Mayor in making people feel welcome at City Council meetings. She has not only treated me and other speakers who are often critical with respect, she allows the public to vent their views without interjecting her own editorial or trivializing the public while maintaining a pleasant demeanor. I appreciate the fact that Byers recognized the need to create a new atmosphere at City Council meetings when she took the helm and she has done an excellent and sincere job in making… Read more »
Okay, you like the way she conducted meetings. Then what? How did she improve our city? And please don’t mention anything cannabis or park related.
Don’t get me started but her immediate predecessor was an immature and self important bully would felt it was his “duty” to make snarky remarks when ever he wanted to belittle anyone’s opinions that differed from his own. His conduct discouraged the public’s participation at Council meetings and set a tone that was like being in middle school student council. Byers conduct was a welcome restoration of civility, which is way in demand, at all levels of government.
There is articulate and there is the ability to word vomit. She has the latter. I’ve never seen someone be able to say nothing so eloquently. She’s done nothing for the city besides advance her own career. Good bye!
I’m grateful that her term is ending. West Hollywood needs proper leadership. Only happens once in a while.
Spoken like someone who is running for city council. She didn’t return your calls because you led the way with the anti-semite pitch fork.
“Can an Anti-Jewish candidate win a seat on the West Hollywood City Council?
Friday – May 27, 2022 by Larry Block
You are correct in 2022 I reported the allegations of anti semitism against Byers that represented the views of Dillion Hosier from the Israeli-American Civic Action Network. He has a right to free speech too. I could have posted the link but opted not to promote old rumors, leave that to you to bring it up. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to clear the record. Glad you read this publication so closely.