Though I live three blocks outside the West Hollywood city limits, I consider WeHo home. Not because of it's reputation as "Boys Town," but it's 30-plus year dedication to the arts, culture and community diversity. Such a focus, and a new dedication to preserving it's past were themes at tonight's City Council Reorganization and Installation. An overflow crowd filled the beautiful new City Council chamber on the ground floor of the WeHo library to witness the shuffling of the guard. Those who attend or view the council meetings on cable are familiar with this process but it was news to me that the WeHo Mayor changes every 12 months. Wow, that's what I call term limits to the extreme. But it's a rotation that pulls from council members who serve four-year terms. 

Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Prang was sworn in by California 29th District Congressman Adam Schiff, and stood proudly with his husband Ray Vizcarra, sister Mary Prang and young niece McKenna. Following Prang's installation, Council Woman Abbe Land acknowledged her husband in the audience and was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem, next in line of succession. In his detailed acceptance speech, Prang expressed his dedication to improving community security with increased Sheriff patrols, and finding a common ground solution for renovation plans to Plummer Park. The new Mayor, who was first elected to the WeHo city Council in 1997, thanked outgoing Mayor and now Council member John J. Duran for his endless hard work toward the betterment of the community. The current Council is completed with John D'Amico, John Heilman and the previously mentioned Land and Duran. 

The ceremonies were included as part of a usual council meeting which included time for residents and concerned citizens to speak their mind about issues. Though most were of congratulatory nature, there were expressed worries about local prostitution and the suggested solution of security cameras. Then, hardly a stranger to any community, frustrations over parking tickets. As well as the need for a preservation focus as brought to light with recent construction work at the former Warner Bros. Hollywood studio, now called the Lot and the Plummer Park plans. 

A crowd of over two hundred spilled out into the lobby where some watched the proceedings on video monitors. The outer patio area, called the 'auto court' which sits below the brand new library, was the sight of the after party reception. In view of the stunning Pacific Design Center across the street, guests sampled fruit, cheese, cupcakes and assorted desserts from popular local sweet-eries Cake and Art and Yogurt Stop. Though the performance of a maximum decibel rock band called Warner Drive made verbal socializing impossible, the softer and more appropriate sounds of the 18-piece Fairfax High School Orchestra, conducted by Prang's husband, Vizcarra was a more pleasing contrast. 
 

Now, the WeHo Mayor and City Council roll up their sleeves and look at the year ahead. A period where they may yet come up with another groundbreaking ordinance like the ban on fur that brings the city national news exposure. In show biz terms, break a leg Mayor Prang and honorable Councilmembers. Here's hoping you always keep an open ear to the voice of the people.