Re “WeHo forum puts focus on small business,” Oct. 3 issue

It is disingenuous for Mayor [John] Erickson to say that we need to fix the sidewalks and make them safe, when he refuses to abandon the scooter program and the delivery robot program, which both provide enormous obstacles to pedestrians just trying to take a walk.

All pedestrians, but especially older adults and people living with disabilities, have to constantly be aware of scooter riders on the sidewalks acting as if they have the right of way. Before two years ago, when Erickson and [Vice Mayor Sepi] Shyne voted in this program, we didn’t have these problems. [Councilwoman Chelsea] Byers later voted for continuation of the program. The same holds true with the delivery robots, which not only are dangerous on the sidewalks and streets, but they also take jobs away from people.

If our City Council majority truly wanted to make our sidewalks safer, they would do more than just widen them. They would suspend the scooter program and the delivery robot program, they would get rid of the outzones and stop the unhoused and mentally disturbed people from sleeping on the sidewalks.

Erickson and [council candidate Danny] Hang try to say what sounds good. But their words ring hollow when you look at the reality of what is actually happening on our sidewalks. That’s why that majority needs to be broken up. We need to vote in new council members who actually listen to the public rather than just pursue their own agenda.

Myra “Mikie” Friedman

West Hollywood

 

At the recent candidates’ forum, it was clear from the loud audience response, Fountain Avenue may be the hottest topic of this election, competing with concerns about public safety. The Fountain “re-design” elicits visceral reactions from voters who are aware of the plan.

The current Fountain “re-design” will reduce Fountain to one lane of traffic in either direction and require the removal of at least 150 parking spaces, to install “protected” bike lanes. Coupled with the loss of parking on Gardner Street, just south of Fountain, for additional bike lanes, West Hollywood residents will lose at least 200 parking spaces. Furthermore, thousands of vehicles will be directed on to Santa Monica Boulevard, which is close to gridlock on any given day. The impacts of the plan on first responders have not been studied.

The Eastside Neighborhood Watch and other residential groups have been critical of the city’s lack of outreach regarding the “re-design.” The original online survey took place in 2022. Of the only 1,400 people who responded, 60% favored the re-design. But the city let anyone who claimed to visit WeHo participate in the survey and the Los Angles Bike Coalition and Streets for All ensured that the survey was skewed against the residents.

The re-design is backed by a three-person majority on the City Council. Two Councilmembers, Lauren Meister and John Heilman, oppose the “re-design.” The only candidates who support the re-design are Mayor John Erickson and Danny Hang. If the residents elect just one of the candidates opposed to this plan, the “re-design” can be scrapped.

Steve Martin

West Hollywood

 

Mayor John Erickson states during this forum that he is in FAVOR of Prop 33 about housing. And yet, he donated money to California YIMBY Victoria Fund that OPPOSES Prop 33. So, which is it?

S.J. Harker

West Hollywood

 

[Mayor John] Erickson’s claim to have hired two new [sheriff’s] deputies is a blatant lie. The facts are on the record. Erickson voted to reduce the number of deputies until, under intense public pressure, he backed down and voted to restore (not add) two deputies.

Facts matter. The historical ­­record is clear.

Alan Strasburg

West Hollywood