My love affair with West Hollywood began when I first moved here in 1993. I have fond memories of my
first job at the Pacific Design Center, back when it was just the blue and green buildings. I remember
being impressed with the friendliness, cleanliness, eclecticism, and how safe it seemed. It was so
inclusive and diverse from one end of the city to the other. So many different lifestyles and cultures, I
knew it would be a lifelong love affair. Currently I live with my husband Shawn and our cat Jade in a
quaint studio apartment in the Norma Triangle.
Now, many years later, I walk around and reminisce of those early years and think about how can we
preserve these qualities for future generations while embracing the growth and change of West
Hollywood.
For the last twenty years I have been a soldier in the U.S. Army, business owner, entertainer, as well as
worked in the hospitality industry. My most rewarding position has been as a General Manager of two
retirement communities. As a Senior Living Executive not only did I care for the residents, I also led and
mentored a team of young adults. I worked closely with the California Workability program through the
school districts. We had an excellent success rate, the young people graduated and either stayed employed
with me, or moved on to other jobs and college. For the seniors, I was a friend, councilor, resource, and
first responder. This is where I developed my desire to look out for all seniors and the disadvantaged. It is
our responsibility to care for our seniors, especially our LGBT seniors who may not have anyone to care
for them. Together we can ensure that not only do the seniors of West Hollywood have affordable
housing, food, and healthcare, but every resident calling West Hollywood home has access to these basic
human dignities.
As a leader for most of life I have learned that not only must you listen to the need of those looking up to
you, but you must also show them that you listened. I will be a steward of West Hollywood and preserve
its eclectic history as well as serve you fairly.
