West Hollywood’s Public Safety Commission reinforced community safety on May 12, reviewing updates from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Block by Block Security Ambassadors, and local engagement initiatives. The Fire Department reported 614 April responses, including six fires: three dumpster (e.g., Santa Monica/Poinsettia, $500 loss), one vehicle (9201 Sunset, $8,000 loss), one cooking (341 Westbourne, contained), and one outdoor. Of 439 medical calls, 303 required patient transports. Captain Smith warned of rising snake bite risks as residents explore Southern California’s spring terrain, urging caution. He flagged potential lithium-ion battery fire risks, though no local increase was noted. Five hazardous condition calls addressed gas leaks (e.g., 1023 La Jolla) and electrical issues, while 159 “good intent” calls reflected vigilant reporting, encouraging community alertness.
Block by Block Ambassadors conducted 4,200 business contacts, 1,249 unhoused contacts, 686 calls for service, and 30 safety escorts, with 466 bike miles (down 12% due to aging equipment) and 248 scooter parking corrections. Daily patrols of pocket parks (Formosa, Heart, Laurel, Kings Road) ensure restroom lockups, addressing Commissioner Brandon Blau’s concern about a Kings Road Park bathroom altercation involving an unhoused individual. A notable incident saw an ambassador assaulted there with a thrown glass bottle, causing no serious injury; Sheriff’s deputies are pressing charges. Erica Leon from Block by Block emphasized training, noting low assault rates. The Senior Safety Officer program at Plummer and West Hollywood Parks reduced contacts, improving quality-of-life issues.
Recent hot weather spurred wellness checks, with ambassadors trained for heat exhaustion, offered shorts, and provided Gatorade. A WeHo Cares refresher enhanced social service coordination. Tragically, an unresponsive individual, known to ambassadors, was found deceased at La Brea/Santa Monica, highlighting unhoused challenges. For Pride 2025 (May 30–June 1), ambassadors will deter unauthorized vendors (e.g., hot dog stands), assist intoxicated individuals, and extend trolley services, complementing Sheriff’s and Fire’s unified command. Ambassadors were encouraged to attend the May 13 bike safety pop-up for bike lights and street safety tips.
Community engagement shone through resident input. Kevin Burton praised CERT training, noting a May 20 alumni meeting at West Hollywood Park and oversubscription, urging more sessions via WeHo Research (weho.org/research). Commissioner Catherine Eng suggested allowing CERT drop-ins to broaden access. Jonathan Wilson advocated revisiting the Center for Policing Equity’s BIPOC treatment recommendations and improving Sheriff’s report-filing technology, citing discussions with Lieutenant and Danny Revis. Victor Omelczenko flagged concurrent Public Safety and Historic Preservation Commission meetings, limiting civic participation.
Upcoming events include a June 16 PSC meeting with a Human Services presentation, a July meeting on Athens’ trash safety tips, and National Night Out on August 5, with details by June’s end on weho.org. Residents are urged to join the June 16 meeting to discuss these initiatives, ensuring West Hollywood remains proactive in safety and engagement.
