West Hollywood honors longtime Chamber CEO, proclaims Heart Month and hears Park, tree and restaurant grant updates

At the start of the meeting the council presented a proclamation declaring February 2026 as American Heart Month. Brian Lopez of the American Heart Association's Greater Los Angeles team accepted the proclamation and urged residents to learn CPR and AED use.

The council also recognized Genevieve Morel, CEO and president of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce since 2010, on her retirement. Morel recounted 25 years of local work, noted the Chamber's role in raising private capital to build the library and council chambers, and thanked the city and local partners.

Mayor Heilman presented a certificate to Project Angel Food; CEO Richard Ayoob announced the nonprofit will open a $20 million kitchen in three days that will expand capacity from 1.5 million to 4.5 million meals per year and encouraged volunteer sign-ups.

City Manager Jackie Rocco provided brief operational updates: the West Hollywood Park lighting replacement plan check is underway with the project expected to return to council in April for award of agreement; staff will schedule community outreach about Tipu tree removals in the northeast area; and a restaurant grant program will launch Friday at 8 a.m. to support eligible West Hollywood restaurants with awards up to $12,500 (details on weho.org/business).

Next steps: Staff will return with project agreements and outreach schedules, and the restaurant grant application will be available online at the announced time.