Candidate for
Council Member; City of West Hollywood

In 1984 Steve joined the campaign to incorporate the City of West Hollywood after receiving a 30% rent increase. It began a long history of community activism.

Prior to being elected to City Council, Steve served on the Rent Stabilization Commission. He was a founder and three term President of the West Hollywood Democratic Club and later served two terms as President of Stonewall Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club. As an activist he forced the Sheriff's Dept. to confront some of its' more blatant forms of discrimination and helped to create the Kolts Commission which led to sweeping reforms. In 1993 he organized Eastside residents to oppose a proposed casino on La Brea.
In 1989 he led the fight to stop the City from building a massive Civic Center in West Hollywood Park which would have eliminated the pool and most of our green space.
When Steve joined the City Council in 1994, street prostitution was rampant; Santa Monica Blvd. was riddled with pot holes; our municipal pool was neglected and only open ten weeks a year.
Steve's first priority was to work with the Sheriff to dramatically reduce street crime and focus efforts on creating new parking. He led efforts to create the Kings Road Park and found funds to renovate our pool. Steve helped design our new Senior-Teen Center in Plummer Park and obtained a State grant to create our community computer lab.
Steve made the renovation of our main street, Santa Monica Blvd., a top goal. He went to Sacramento and successfully lobbied for nearly $30 million in State funds for the project. He chaired the Design Committee and brought hundreds of residents into the visioning process. Today Santa Monica Blvd. is a source of civic pride.