Hernan Molina has worked for West Hollywood since 2001. (photo courtesy of Hernan Molina)

West Hollywood government affairs liaison Hernan Molina is bidding farewell to city government on Aug. 31.

After 25 years of service, the longtime West Hollywood resident said he is looking forward to traveling and spending time with those close to him.

“The biggest honor of my life has been to work for this city, with the people I work with. And it is not just co-workers; it is the residents, the advisory board members, the commissioners, the business community – everybody is so engaged here,” Molina said. “People care and people are engaged, and that makes community. There is true community in West Hollywood.”

Molina moved to West Hollywood in June 1992 and was hired by the city in May 2001 as deputy to City Councilman John Duran. In 2012, Molina was selected by then-City Manager Paul Arevalo to serve as government affairs liaison.

“It entails monitoring what is happening in Sacramento, advising the City Council on which positions we should take on a certain bill and why. Sacramento does things that impact cities, for instance housing, which is a big discussion locally right now with SB 79.”

Molina also works closely with the Westside Cities Council of Governments, a joint powers authority comprised of Beverly Hills, Culver City, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and West Hollywood, as well as Los Angeles County. The WCCOG provides advocacy and a regional voice at the state and federal level.

The city will embark on a recruitment process this fall to fill the government affairs liaison position. Community and Legislative Affairs Manager Andi Lovano will oversee government affairs until the position is filled.

“I decided to retire [on Aug. 31] because the legislative session runs in two-year cycles, Congress as well, and the day I retire is the day that the legislative session comes to an end,” Molina added. “I wanted to basically carry the work until the end, and that end is Aug. 31. I’m going to be traveling. I want people to know that it was amazing to have worked for the city of West Hollywood.”