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Essay Subject: How & why it became a city. Gay & senior activists, rent control, growth, influences.... More...

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Paper Abstract: How & why it became a city. Gay & senior activists, rent control, growth, influences. Paper Introduction: West Hollywood: Finally Finding the Right Fit Background The driving forces behind West Hollywood's incorporation in 1984 have a lot to do with the changing face of West Hollywood during the decade prior. This little 1.9 mile square island runs along the Santa Monica Boulevard and includes parts of the Sunset Strip, and down to Beverly Boulevard in the south. As the gay movement in the United States gathered momentum, gay men and women found refuge in West Hollywood's bohemian attitudes. By the early 1980s, West Hollywood boasted one of the largest percentages of single men over 14, nearly 40% of its 17,000 men. In general, the small community experienced dramatic growth of 18 percent from 30,000 to 36,000 from 1970 to 1980. Santa Monica Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. The hearing would take place not less than 3 nor more than 45 days after initiation of proceedings by the Board.5. As part ofthe study, it showed a projected positive cash flow of approximately $5million annually based on estimated revenues of $14.4 million frombusiness, sales, cigarette, gasoline and other taxes. [1 ]West Hollywood: The Business of Creativity, City of West HollywoodInformation Office, West Hollywood, 199 . The only political office in the area was held by Supervisor EdEdelman, a traditional liberal Democrat, who represents the area and wholong has been popular with gays and most other West Hollywood residents.[3] When County voters rejected Proposition M which would have extendeda countywide rent control law, rent controls would be relaxed as ofJanuary, 1985. Only 98 signatures were raised intime and the Board went ahead and authorized the election. They questioned whether thebusinesses and investment money in presently in the area would stay therefollowing incorporation.[4] Edelman was repeatedly rebuffed byconservative supervisors in attempts to extend rent control in WestHollywood. Submission of signatures representing 25% or more of the registered voters served by the proposed area to a special commission of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).2. Incorporation becomes effective on the date that the Executive Officer executes and records with the County Recorder a "certificate of completion" (35352-35354). The slots would be filled by thecandidates receiving the five highest vote counts in the general electionon November 6, 1984. A simple majority of the voters determines if the proposal is accepted or terminated.7. the only non-endorsed winner wasSteve Schulte, a longtime gay activist. Expenses wereestimated at about $9.5 million, the largest chunk being $6.2 million forcontracting Sheriff's services for police enforcement. City of West Hollywood, West Hollywood, 199 .LAFCO Feasibility Session Minutes. It included four candidatesendorsed by the Council for Economic Survival: Valerie Terrigno, AlanViterbi, John Heilman, and Helen Albert. This little 1.9 mile square island runs along the Santa MonicaBoulevard and includes parts of the Sunset Strip, and down to BeverlyBoulevard in the south. City of West Hollywood Information Office, West Hollywood, 199 .----------------------- [1]Community & Economic Profile, City of West Hollywood, WestHollywood, 199 . The group is responsible forpromoting the city's avant-garde reputation and foster economic growth. Senior citizens made upabout 11, residents of area residents. [11]Ibid.----------------------- 1 Nearly half ofthe 4 candidates running for five council seats were gay. [2]Demographic Statistics, City of West Hollywood, West Hollywood,199 . [4]Morrison, Patt, "Petitions Filed for Vote on Cityhood for W.Hollywood", Los Angeles Times, 5 April 1984, B3. Irv Rubin, former head ofthe Jewish Defense League, also testified, saying that West Hollywood'sadvocates were out to harass and intimidate the largely Jewish seniorpopulation in the area. As the gay movement in the United States gatheredmomentum, gay men and women found refuge in West Hollywood's bohemianattitudes. [9]Roderick, Kevin, "A Victory for Gays or Renters?", Los AngelesTimes, IV, 2-3. This was morethan the 25% of voters required by County Law. Upon acceptance of the proposal, LAFCO scheduled an open hearing. If adopted, the Board of Supervisors adopts a resolution confirming the order of incorporation (35257-58) and transmits a certified copy of its resolution to the LAFCO Executive Officer.8. Not more than 3 days after conclusion of its public hearing, the Board of Supervisors would either: 1) terminate the proceedings if written protest is filed and not withdrawn by 5 % or more of the registered voters; or 2) order incorporation subject to confirmation of the voters.6. Overall,West Hollywood has definitely achieved all and more of what the originalproponents of cityhood desired. Politically, there was also a strong possibility thata new council would hold the nation's first openly-gay voting majority, aprospect not unwelcomed by the largely gay support group. City of West Hollywood, West Hollywood,199 .Demographic Statistics. By the early 198 s, West Hollywood boasted one of the largestpercentages of single men over 14, nearly 4 % of its 17, men.[1] Ingeneral, the small community experienced dramatic growth of 18 percent from3 , to 36, from 197 to 198 .[2] Santa Monica Boulevard became afocal point for night life and as the area became wealthier, gay activistswondered about their influence as a group in their neighborhood. Hollywood."Los Angeles Times, 5 April 1984, B3.Roderick, Kevin, "A Victory for Gays or Renters?" Los Angeles Times, p.IV, 2-3.Staff Report: Proposed Incorporation of the City of West Hollywood. In compliance with the steps of incorporation, West Hollywoodadvocates first raised 5,119 official signatures from the area's 19, registered voters covered by the proposed city boundaries. 6." Los Angeles Times, 14 October 1984, II,3Community & Economic Profile. The study concluded byrecommending incorporation of West Hollywood on the grounds that "thereappears to be more than sufficient revenue to provide a sufficient level ofservice."[5] Public hearings on the LAFCO study were held May 3 , 1984. The City Hall, housed in stylish, but modest facilities, located onSanta Monica Boulevard, provides warm and friendly service to constituentsand visitors alike. LAFCO also earmarkedthat property tax revenues of $2.7 million would be earmarked for WestHollywood upon successful incorporation. "West Hollywood Will Vote on Incorporation Nov. BibliographyBoyarsky, Bill, "West Hollywood Residents Approve Cityhood." Los Angeles Times, 1 Braun, Stephen. While cityformation in West Hollywood had been attempted earlier, in 1957 and 1963(both measures failed to gather enough signatures), not until rent controllaws were defeated in a County election in 1983 did anyone do anythingabout it. If an election is called, the election shall be held on the next regular election date occurring at least 75 days after adoption of the Board's resolution. Perhaps because of its small size, andidentifiable groups of influence, leaders have been able to successfullygrasp the economic, social and political implications of their actions. "Petitions Filed for Vote on Cityhood for W. On May 15, 1984, LAFCO completed its feasibility study. [5]Staff Report: Proposed Incorporation of The City of West Hollywood,Los Angeles Formation Commission, Los Angeles, 3 May 1984, 54. Development and acceptance by the Executive Officer of LAFCO of a feasibility study covering economic impacts, and mapping out transfer of services, estimated revenues and costs by LAFCO.3. In West Hollywood, where renters made up 86% of thepopulation, residents had voted for the measure by a 5 to 1 ratio. The natural opposition group to the incorporation movement came fromlandlords, businessman, and some developers. West Hollywood chose to contract basic Municipalservicesto the County and law enforcement to the Sheriff's Department. West Hollywood: Finally Finding the Right Fit Background The driving forces behind West Hollywood's incorporation in 1984 havea lot to do with the changing face of West Hollywood during the decadeprior. The report, pursuant to Section 5479 .3(b( of the Government Code, determines the amount of property tax revenue to be transferred from the County to the new city should incorporation be successful.4. At the first meeting of the new council, Terrigno waselected acting mayor, largely an administrative function who chairs thecouncil meetings. In West Hollywood, an appointed City Manager actuallyruns the bureaucracy. Supporting the activists for rent control was the substantialblock of elderly residents, most of whom were renters, who would also beadversely affected; by the repeal of rent control. Surprisingly, traditional liberalState Representatives Henry Waxman of Los Angeles and Howard Berman ofStudio City, opposed cityhood and sent out mailers urging voters to rejectit while endorsing a slate of traditional Democratic candidates in theCongressional elections. In addition, the Council, in one ofits first acts, also placed a moratorium on new development, "sparkingapprehension that controversy and inexperience would tarnish the businessclimate in the new city."[1 ] To avoid polarization with business, thenew council and business leaders joined together to create the WestHollywood Marketing Corporation in 1986. Opponents to the plan overall felt that gay activists wereoverreacting and rushing into incorporation too quickly. The Board wasfar from unanimous on the issue, splitting 3-2 in favor.[7] As stated earlier, more than 4 candidates registered for electionfor the five open council slots. [8]Ibid., II,1. LAFCO, Los Angeles, May 31, 1984, 14.Morrison, Patt. Upon approval by the Commission, the Board of Supervisors must, within 35 days of LAFCO's action, set a time and place for public hearing (3525 ), which is published and mailed. Terrigno (who was to be mayor),Heilman and Schulte all were gay activists making it a gay majority. The traditional structure of the city can be described as a manager-council operation. Steps to IncorporationIn order to achieve cityhood, the following steps were followed:1. Yet, proponents of cityhood felt that some of thenegative campaigning of landlords backfired especially with seniorrenters.[8] On November 6, voters overwhelmingly approved cityhood forWest Hollywood by a 2 to 1 margin making it the 84th city to win cityhoodin the county. The first West Hollywood City Manager was named FrankMartinez. Based on the hearing and findings in the report, the Commission must adopt a resolution either approving the proposal (with or without modification ) or denying it. Skeptics felt otherwise. [3]Boyarsky, Bill, "West Hollywood Residents Approve Cityhood," The LosAngeles Times, 1 . Los Angeles Formation Commission, Los Angeles, May 3 , 1984.West Hollywood: The Business of Creativity. Landlords andothers opposed to city incorporation and rent control poured large sums ofmoney into the race in the final days. The City Manager oversees all departments, city services, andresponds to requests by the council for Staff studies and position papersregarding policy items. It was easily the most liberal city council ever elected andone of its youngest.[9] City Structure Just how important renter's rights was in determining the electioncan be seen by the first council's makeup. In the yearssince incorporation has established a consistent track record of liberalstances on social and community issues. However, they could not produce the necessary signaturesof 5 % of the 19, registered voters. Council members continue to serve on a small stipend,yet are actively involved in the daily operations of the city. The County provided municipal services like sanitation, roaddevelopment (through Caltrans), and, of course, security. They estimatedthe area could generate several million dollars worth of surplus revenueper year. Thefiscal results have been impressive. Property values have continued to rise.From 86-87 to 87-88, the County Assessor recorded a net increase of 1 .2%. As opponents feared, the Council passed in June , 1985 one of thenation's toughest rent control laws. There were alsohints that businessman and landlords feared a dramatic rise in gays movinginto the already densely populated area. On the basis of testimony, LAFCO recommended thefeasibility study to the Board of Supervisors. On August 7, 1984, the Board of Supervisors voted to put the questionof incorporating West Hollywood on the ballot. Los Angeles County's Board of Supervisors had jurisdiction over WestHollywood. In addition, they felt that with the strongtax base of service businesses, restaurants, and retail shops, that WestHollywood could thrive as a self-governing independent city. At themeeting, people defended the incorporation plan on the grounds it would:1) provide government responsible to the people of West Hollywood;2) provide local services locally, including transportation and beautification;3) improve the overall quality of municipal services;4) provide greater awareness of local issues;5) guarantee better land use planning and enforcement of zoning codes;6) secure federal grants available to cities; and7) enable the county stop spend more time on countywide issues.[6] At the hearing several homeowners expressed concern about increasesin property taxes if incorporation was carried out. The Board had originally mettwo weeks earlier to set a date for the incorporation vote, but cityhoodcritics mounted a petition drive to prevent fixing the election date so thedate was put off. The signatures wereofficially submitted on April 1, 1984 to LAFCO, where the signatures wereconfirmed and accepted by the Executive Officer. Other opposition came fromthe West Hollywood Study Committee, which opposed the incorporation planbecause of their doubts about supporter estimates of the income growth fromtaxes. While original revenue estimates projected about $14 millionannually, 199 's budget projects revenues of $4 million -- 3/4ths of itcoming from the business sector.[11] Retail sales tax revenues have jumpedfrom under $2 million in 1984 to over $6 million annually, while hotel taxrevenues climbed 17% over 1989. Taking rent control as their calling card, advocatessaw the opportunity to build a new city that recognized the diversity ofWest Hollywood's new community. Theywere not being heard. [7]Braun, II,3. [6]LAFCO Feasibility Session Minutes, LAFCO, Los Angeles, 31 May 1984,14. They are responsible for implementing policies setdown by the council. As mentioned earlier, acoalition of homeowners and developers protested the commission's report onthe grounds of inadequate environmental impact. If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.