By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Hermosa Beach City Council selects new city manager
The Hermosa Beach City Council yesterday announced the selection of longtime South Bay public servant Steve Napolitano as Hermosa Beach’s full-time City Manager. The official vote to approve the new City Manager’s contract will take place during the upcoming December 9 Council meeting.
A lifelong South Bay resident and licensed attorney, Napolitano brings more than three decades of city leadership, government experience and legal expertise to the full-time City Manager role. His background includes five terms as a Manhattan Beach City Councilmember and 12 years as Senior Deputy to former Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.
Napolitano has served as Hermosa Beach’s Interim City Manager since May 28, following the departure of former City Manager Suja Lowenthal. In that role, he has guided the City’s day-to-day operations, implemented Council policies and ordinances and supported major capital improvement projects.
“During his time as Interim City Manager – from 7:00 am on day one – Steve has worked tirelessly to lead and support our City staff. He brings to our community years of experience in city government and a lifelong understanding of our beach culture,” said Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann. “He has demonstrated the sound leadership, judgment and commitment that Hermosa Beach deserves. We look forward to working with Steve in the years to come, together moving the City toward a bright future.”
If his contract is approved as expected at the City’s upcoming Dec. 9 meeting Napolitano will assume the full-time City Manager role on December 10, with responsibility for overseeing 150 full-time employees and a $55.5 million annual budget.
If approved, Napolitano’s annual salary will be $270,000.
West Hollywood announces Jackie Rocco as next city manager
The West Hollywood City Council announced this week its selection of Jackie Rocco to serve as the City’s next City Manager.
Rocco currently serves as the Assistant City Manager for West Hollywood. She will take over for David Wilson, who announced his retirement from the City Manager position in January 2026.
“The selection of Jackie Rocco as our next City Manager is especially meaningful for all of us in West Hollywood who have had the joy of knowing her and working with her,” said West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers. “Over the past several months, the City conducted a comprehensive national search and screened more than 70 talented candidates. In the end, it was clear that Jackie brings not only exceptional expertise, but also an unmatched commitment to the West Hollywood community. We are confident that we’ve chosen the very best person to help guide our City forward.”
Rocco began her tenure in West Hollywood in 2008 as the City’s Parking Operations Manager overseeing parking enforcement, on-street and off-street parking, permit parking, and taxi operations. She then transitioned to the Economic Development Department as its Business Development Manager responsible for managing programs and services to support the West Hollywood business community, before joining the Department of Public Works.
In recent years Rocco completed the California City Management Foundation’s (CCMF) New & Future City Managers Seminar and the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Leadership ICMA Program. She has also been instrumental in developing a forward-looking internal organizational change management plan during the past year.
The City Council will consider approval of an employment agreement at their next regular City Council Meeting this Monday, Dec. 15.
Calabasas awarded recycling grant to support local sustainability efforts
The City of Calabasas announced yesterday that it has been awarded the 2025–26 “Show Your Park Some Love” Recycling Grant in the amount of $10,000.
This grant, made possible through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), will enhance local recycling programs and strengthen the City’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
The award reflects a successful collaborative effort between the City’s Environmental Commission and Parks, Recreation & Education Commission, whose partnership exemplifies Calabasas’ community-focused approach to sustainability. Together, the commissions will launch a series of community recycling events and public outreach activities in 2026 to increase recycling participation and awareness across the City.
“This grant is a testament to our City’s leadership in environmental responsibility and innovation,” said Mayor Peter Kraut. “We’re grateful for the dedication of our commissioners and staff who continue to make Calabasas a model for green living.”
The upcoming initiative will focus on promoting waste reduction, improving recycling access in parks and public spaces and educating residents on sustainable practices. As details on the program plan and event calendar become available, the City will share additional information through the City website and City newsletters.
The “Show Your Park Some Love” Recycling Grant Program supports park and recreation agencies nationwide in expanding recycling opportunities and encouraging environmentally responsible behavior. More information about the program is available at NRPA Recycling Initiative.
Pérez lauds state database reporting illegal ICE activity
State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Altadena, Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, Upland) this week lauded Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta for launching a database to report illegal activity by ICE:
“California is taking action to hold ICE accountable by tracking reports of misconduct and illegal activity by agents. This new database launched by the Governor and Attorney General will provide accountability by giving the public a way to file a complaint. I have heard from so many community members who have witnessed aggressive and potentially illegal actions by ICE agents or people posing as immigration enforcement agents,” said Pérez.
Pérez noted that the database piggybacks on her legislation, No Vigilantes Act (SB 8050), that helps community members distinguish between law enforcement and people impersonating them by requiring law enforcement to display clear identification.
“This new state database can be an important tool for enforcing the No Vigilantes Act. California must be able to trust that law enforcement officials are actually who they claim to be and not impostors breaking the law to prey on innocent people,” said the lawmaker.
