HSC11.10.26PACKET

and our actions toward one another.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices

(ALD) will be available for check out at the meeting; If you require special assistance to

participate in this meeting, (e.g. an American Sign Language interpreter for people who

are Deaf or hard of hearing), you must call or submit your request in writing to the Office

of the City Clerk at (323) 848-6409 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The City TDD

line for the hearing impaired is (323) 848-6496.

Special meeting related accommodations (e.g., transportation) may be provided upon

written request to the Office of the City Clerk at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For

information on public transportation, call 323.GO.METRO (323/466-3876) or go to

www.metro.net.

RULES OF DECORUM

Members of the audience shall not engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct, including

the utterance of loud, threatening, or abusive language, whistling, stamping of feet or

other acts which disturb, disrupt, impede, or otherwise render the orderly conduct of the

Commission meeting infeasible. A member of the audience repeatedly or continuously

engaging in any such conduct shall, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer or a majority

of the Commission, be subject to ejection from that meeting.

Page 1 of 4

Any person wishing to speak in connection with any item of business on the agenda shall

first complete a speaker request slip and submit the slip to the Secretary.

No person shall address the Commission without first being recognized by the Presiding

Officer.

Each person addressing the Commission shall do so in an orderly manner and shall not

make repetitious, slanderous or irrelevant remarks, or engage in any other disorderly

conduct which disrupts, disturbs or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the

Commission meetings. Any person who so disrupts the meeting may, at the discretion of

the Presiding Officer or a majority of the Commission, be subject to ejection from that

meeting.

To Participate by Listening to the Meeting Audio and Providing Public Comment by

Telephone:

1. You may dial-in ten (10) minutes prior to the start of the meeting. The meeting begins

at 6:00 p.m. You will be placed ON HOLD in the Virtual Meeting Room until the

meeting commences. When you enter the meeting, please mute your telephone.

Dial in Code: *6 = unmute. Dial in Code: *9 = lets the host know you want to speak

on the current item

2. Members of the public who wish to comment by telephone are required to register

to speak via Zoom by sending an email to HSCPublicComment@weho.org no later

than 12:00 p.m. to be added to the remote public speaker list. Please include your

name, phone number (for staff to identify your caller location on Zoom), and the

item number(s) you would like to speak on.

1. CALL TO ORDER:

A. ROLL CALL

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The Human Services Commission is requested to approve the meeting

agenda for November 10, 2026.

Recommendation: Approve the agenda for November 10, 2026.

D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Human Services Commission is requested to approve the minutes of

October 13, 2026, Human Services Commission meeting.

Recommendation: Approve the minutes from the October 13, 2026,

meeting.

Page 2 of 4

E. PUBLIC COMMENT

The Human Services Commission values your comments; however,

pursuant to the Brown Act, the Human Services Commission cannot take

action on items not listed on the posted agenda. Members of the public

have three minutes to speak. This public comment period is to address the

Human Services Commission on agenda items or items of general interest

within the jurisdiction of the Human Services Commission. An additional

public comment period is offered at the end of the meeting.

2. CONSENT CALENDAR:

3. PUBLIC HEARING: None.

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

5. NEW BUSINESS:

A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Human Services Commission will elect a new Chair and Vice Chair

for the upcoming year.

Recommendation: Elect a new Chair and Vice Chair.

B. AGENCY DEVELOPMENT GRANT RECIPIENT REPORT

The Human Services Commission will receive a report from the recipients

of the 2025-26 Agency Development Grant.

Recommendation: Receive and discuss.

C. PAUL ANDREW STARKE WARRIOR AWARDS

The Human Services Commission will receive a report on the 2026 Paul

Andrew Starke Warrior Awards in recognition of World AIDS Day.

Recommendation:

1. Receive and discuss.

2. Assign Commissioners to introduce and present awards to honorees

during the December 2, 2026, ceremony.

B. EXCLUDED CONSENT

C. ITEMS FROM STAFF

Page 3 of 4

D. PUBLIC COMMENT

This time is set aside for the public to address the Human Services Commission

on any item of interest within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Human Services

Commission that could not be heard under Item 1.E. at the beginning of the

meeting.

E. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS

During this time, in accordance with Section 4.7 of the Human Services

Commission bylaws, any member of the Commission may request that an item of

business within the Commission's subject matter jurisdiction be added to a future

agenda. Such requests are subject to the approval of the Commission.

F. ADJOURNMENT

The Human Services Commission will adjourn to its next Regular Meeting on

Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Plummer Park Community Center,

Rooms 5 & 6, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046.

Notice: Written materials distributed to the Human Services Commission within 72 hours

of this meeting are available for public inspection immediately upon distribution at the

Department of Human Services and Rent Stabilization, 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard,

West Hollywood, California, 90069, during normal business hours. They will also be

available for inspection at the staff liaison’s table during the Commission meeting.

Page 4 of 4

HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION

CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD

DRAFTED MINUTES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026

6:00 PM

PLUMMER PARK-ROOMS 5 & 6

7377 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046

1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Commissioner Eyres read the Land Acknowledgment.

A. ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Commissioner Adolphson

Commissioner Eyres

Commissioner Palmieri

Commissioner Steele (Entered meeting at 6:09 pm)

Vice-Chair Borelli

Chair Williams

ABSENT: Commissioner Wyville

ALSO Teree Carter, Human Services Manager

PRESENT: Derek Murray, Social Services Supervisor

Diane Kahn-Epstein, Strategic Initiatives Supervisor

Francisco Gomez, Strategic Initiatives Program Administrator

Katherine Fierro, Commission Secretary, Social Services Specialist

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Chair Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The Human Services Commission is requested to approve the meeting

agenda for October 13, 2026.

Action: Approved the agenda for October 13, 2026. Moved by Vice

Chair Borelli, seconded by Commissioner Eyers and approved by roll

call, noting the absence of Commissioner Wyville and Commissioner

Steele.

D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Human Services Commission is requested to approve the minutes of

September 8, 2026, Human Services Commission meeting.

Page 1 of 5

ITEM 1.D

Action: Approved the minutes from the September 8, 2026, meeting.

Motion by Commissioner Adolphson, seconded by Vice Chair Borelli

and approved by roll call, noting the absence of Commissioner Wyville

and Commissioner Steele.

E. PUBLIC COMMENT

ED HOLMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, expressed concerns regarding gate

codes written on residential buildings. He encouraged residents to report

the markings through the City’s reporting app or notify Athens Services if

markings are found on dumpsters.

RENEE SOTILE, WEST HOLLYWOOD- Spoke on animal welfare in West

Hollywood and cooling centers not allowing pets.

CHIEDU EGBUNIWE, WEST HOLLYWOOD - Spoke on animal welfare

and emphasized the importance of pets as sources of emotional support.

*COMMISSIONER STEELE ENTERED THE MEETING AT 6:09 PM*

Commissioner Palmieri requested clarification on previously funded

animal services. Staff explained that the former provider had not renewed

its contract due to capacity limitations.

2. CONSENT CALENDAR:

3. PUBLIC HEARING: None.

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

A. HOMELESS INITIATIVE UPDATE-COORDINATED RESPONSE

FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE

This report provided the Human Services Commission with an update on

implementation of the Coordinated Response Framework (CRF), the City’s

effort to strengthen coordination for community members experiencing

homelessness with the most complex needs. Staff shared case

conferencing data on the current cohort including identified housing

pathway and barriers. The report also summarized Phase 2 consultant

implementation support with Hening + Associates Consulting, LLC through

June 30, 2027.

Discussion included case management assignments, housing eligibility for

undocumented individuals, documentation barriers, challenges engaging

clients who decline services, distinctions between individuals known to the

Page 2 of 5

ITEM 1.D

homelessness response system and those considered housing-ready, and

culturally competent care for transgender individuals.

Commissioner Steele requested that the Commission revisit its previous

motion to recommend a data position at City Hall. Staff clarified that an

item would need to be formally agendized for additional Commission

discussion and that staff had previously submitted a staffing request

through the City’s internal process.

ACTION: Received and discussed the Coordinated Response

Framework implementation update.

B. LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND QUEER WOMEN’S PROGRAMMING

NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Human Services Commission received a report on findings from the

LGBTQ+ Planning and Coordination Meeting regarding Lesbian, Bisexual,

and Queer (LBQ) women’s programming needs and opportunities in West

Hollywood. The presentation identified three focus areas: health and

wellness, social connectedness and visibility.

Commissioners expressed support for the continued LBQ women’s

programming focused on health, safety, social connection, affordability,

and visibility.

Discussion included expanding health care needs and partnerships,

creating non-alcoholic safe spaces at local coffee shops, systemic issues

of lesbian visibility, discounted Pride tickets, and recognizing LBQ

women’s contributions and history in West Hollywood.

Chair Williams’ contribution to the Lesbian community was noted by

Commissioner Steele.

Staff indicated that the City’s LGBTQ+ Planning and Coordination

meetings will continue and that additional updates regarding planning for

the Lesbian Speaker Series will be provided.

RENEE SOTILE, WEST HOLLYWOOD- spoke on the history of lesbian

visibility programming in West Hollywood and encouraged expanded

collaboration with the Mazer Lesbian Archives.

CHIEDU EGBUNIWE, WEST HOLLYWOOD- Expressed support for the

Mazer Lesbian Archives and recognized its contributions to the City.

Emphasized continued support for dedicated queer community spaces.

Page 3 of 5

ITEM 1.D

ACTION: Received and discussed the report and provided input on

Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer (LBQ) women’s programming needs and

opportunities including identified gaps in services.

5. NEW BUSINESS:

A. AGENCY DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM REFRESH

The Human Services Commission received an informational update on the

refreshed Agency Development Grant program, including revised eligibility

requirements, eligible uses, application requirements, scoring criteria,

review procedures, and grant closeout expectations for future grant

cycles.

Commissioners expressed gratitude for the information. Vice Chair Borelli

emphasized the importance of keeping the application straightforward and

manageable for service providers.

ACTION: Received and filed an informational update on the refreshed

Agency Development Grant Program Guidelines (Attachment A) and

revised application (Attachment B).

6. EXCLUDED CONSENT

7. ITEMS FROM STAFF

Derek Murray, Social Services Supervisor, shared information on the

upcoming Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards that will take place on December

2, 2026, with the reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards

program at 6:00 p.m. Staff explained that Commissioners and City employees

are ineligible to nominate or be nominated for the Warrior Awards. Staff

announced planned participation by the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles and

an exhibit and presentation by the Mazer Lesbian Archives highlighting queer

women’s contributions during the AIDS crisis.

Teree Carter, Human Services Manager, shared information on the upcoming

Provider Open House event that will take place on November 14, 2026. It was

announced that Andrew Henning, the City’s consultant supporting

implementation of the Coordinated Response Framework, will provide a

community presentation on the City’s homeless response. She announced that

the Health Hub ribbon-cutting ceremony had been postponed and that a revised

date will be announced once the equipment is received.

8. PUBLIC COMMENT : NONE

Page 4 of 5

ITEM 1.D

9. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS

COMMISSIONER STEELE- Commended Human Services Division staff for

improvements in communication and coordination. Spoke on the history the

LGBTQ+ Commission. She also discussed the importance of sustained LGBTQ+

community representation and programming. Recognized the Gay Freedom

Band of Los Angeles member Robert Gamboa’s HIV/AIDS advocacy and

contributions to the community.

COMMISSIONER PALMIERI- Praised the staff for their work. Reported that two

individuals previously associated with the Holloway Interim Housing Program had

secured permanent housing. He expressed appreciation for the planned

participation of the Gay Freedom Band in the Warrior Awards.

COMMISSIONER ADOLPHSON- Asked for clarification on crating policies at the

Holloway. Asked for more pet services for community members. Encouraged staff

to explore celebrating local West Hollywood heroes. Asked to adjourn in honor of

Linda Duncombe.

COMMISSIONER EYRES- Asked for clarification on pet-related policies at the

Holloway Interim Housing Program. Encouraged everyone to vote when voting

centers open in the City of West Hollywood on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Spoke on Poll Pass located on the last page of the sample ballot.

VICE CHAIR BORELLI- Thanked speakers for items discussed at public

comment. Discussed the importance of recognizing residents and advocates who

have contributed to local human services efforts.

CHAIR WILLIAMS- Thanked staff and commissioners. Asked for continued

attention to human trafficking issues. Spoke in support of more pet services.

Adjourned in memory of Linda Duncombe and Allan Carp.

10. ADJOURNMENT

The Human Services Commission adjourned in memory of Linda Duncombe and

Allan Carp to its next Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6:00

p.m. at Plummer Park Community Center, Rooms 5 & 6, 7377 Santa Monica

Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046.

Notice: Written materials distributed to the Human Services Commission within 72 hours

of this meeting are available for public inspection immediately upon distribution at the

Department of Human Services and Rent Stabilization, 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard,

West Hollywood, California, 90069, during normal business hours. They will also be

available for inspection at the staff liaison’s table during the Commission meeting.

Page 5 of 5

ITEM 1.D

HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION NOVEMEMBER 10, 2026

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS

SUBJECT: ELECTION OF CHAIR & VICE CHAIR

PREPARED BY: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE

Melissa Crowder, City Clerk

Lulu Morales, Assistant City Clerk

Katherine Fierro, Social Services Specialist, City Clerk Designee

______________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT:

The Human Services Commission will elect a new Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming

year.

RECOMMENDATION:

Elect a new Chair and Vice Chair.

BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS:

The Human Services Commission By-Laws state that at its November meeting, the

Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair from its members. All election(s) of the

Chair and Vice Chair will be conducted by the City Clerk or the City Clerk’s designee in

accordance with the process developed by the City Clerk’s Office. The term of the Chair

and Vice Chair shall be one year, and no Commissioner shall serve more than one

consecutive term as Chair. To be nominated, the Commissioner must have served on the

Commission at least six (6) months prior to the election. Additionally, the current Chair

shall not be eligible for nomination as Vice Chair.

This information can be found beginning with Section 3 of the By-Laws as well as

information regarding the role of the Chair and Vice Chair. For your convenience it is

outlined below:

3.1 Officers. The Human Services Commission shall elect from its membership a

Chair, who shall preside over Human Services Commission meetings. The Human

Services Commission shall also elect a Vice-Chair, who shall preside in the

absence of the Chair. The Chair and Vice-Chair are sometimes referred to herein

as the “presiding officer.” The Chair shall have the following powers:

1 ITEM 5.A

3.1.1 To call to order the Human Services Commission meeting and to conduct

the order of business as set forth in the agenda.

3.1.2 To adjust the agenda, if needed, at the time of the meeting with the approval

of the Human Services Commission;

3.1.3 To move, second, debate and vote;

3.1.4 To rule motions in or out of order;

3.1.5 To determine whether a speaker from the audience has exceeded his or

her time or is otherwise out of order;

3.1.6 To rule on questions of parliamentary procedure based generally on

Rosenberg’s Rules of Order;

3.1.7 To sign all resolutions and other documents necessitating his or her

signature;

3.1.8 To call a brief recess during a meeting;

3.1.9 To appoint commissioners to subcommittees with the approval of the

Commission; and

3.1.10 The presiding officer shall maintain decorum by completing the business of

the body as described on the agenda within a reasonable time; conduct business

in a professional, businesslike and respectful manner that allows for meaningful

deliberation and focuses on issues; incorporate public participation in a way that

satisfies the requirements of the Brown Act and provides the public a meaningful,

yet managed, role in the meeting; and use parliamentary procedure as a tool for

organizing actions of the body and not an obstacle to getting business

accomplished.

The presiding officer’s determination as to any of the above matters may be

overruled by a majority of the Human Services Commissioners present.

3.2 Organizational Meeting. At its meeting in November, the members of the

2 ITEM 5.A

Human Services Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice-Chair from among its

members.

All election(s) of the Chair and Vice-Chair shall be conducted by the City Clerk or

their designee, in accordance with the process developed by the City Clerk’s

Office.

3.3 Term of the Chair and Vice-Chair. The term of office of the Chair and Vice

Chair shall be one year. A Human Services Commissioner shall not serve more

than one consecutive term as Chair. Nothing shall prevent the Human Services

Commission from removing and replacing the Chair or Vice-Chair at any time

during their respective terms, provided that the item is properly on the agenda of

the meeting. If, due to extenuating circumstances, a Chair or Vice-Chair serves

less than 9 months, they shall be eligible to be nominated and re- elected to serve

a consecutive term of one year at the annual election in November.

3.4 Eligibility Requirements of the Chair and Vice-Chair. A Human Services

Commissioner shall not serve as Chair unless they have served on the

Commission for at least six (6) months prior to the election, except in the event

that no qualifying members are able to serve. In that case, nominations will be

open to any member of the body for consideration. The current Chair of the

Commission/Board is not eligible for nomination as the Vice-Chair.

OFFICE OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

CITY CLERK’S DIVISION

ATTACHMENT:

Attachment A - Chair and Vice Chair Election Procedures

3 ITEM 5.A

Election of Officers

1. The City Clerk (or designee) opens nominations for the election of the Chair.

2. The City Clerk (or designee) closes nominations.

3. The City Clerk (or designee) conducts a roll call vote.

4. If there’s a tie, there is a run-off roll call vote on the top two nominees.

5. Steps 1-5 are repeated for the election of the Vice Chair.

1 Attachment A

NOVEMBER 10, 2026

HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION

NEW BUSINESS

SUBJECT: AGENCY DEVELOPMENT GRANT RECIPIENT REPORT

PREPARED BY: HUMAN SERVICES & RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT

(Teree Carter, Human Services Manager)

(Derek Murray, Social Services Supervisor)

(Dee Saunders, Social Services Program Administrator)

(Jenny Ivanova, Strategic Initiatives Specialist)

______________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT:

The Human Services Commission will receive a report from the recipients of the 2025-26

Agency Development Grant.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Receive and discuss.

BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS:

The City of West Hollywood’s Agency Development Grant provides targeted capacity-

building support to the City’s contracted social services agencies. The program aims to

strengthen each agency’s ability to deliver effective, sustainable programs that improve

outcomes for West Hollywood community members. Since its inception in Fiscal Year

2014-15, the grant has helped agencies enhance their organizational infrastructure,

planning, and fiscal sustainability, allowing them to better respond to emerging community

needs and align with the City’s social services priorities.

The City of West Hollywood Human Services Division released the Agency Development

Grant Request for Proposals on November 4, 2025, and received seven proposals. City

staff evaluated the proposals and recommended the two top-ranked applicants for the

two available awards, which the City Council approved at its January 20, 2026 meeting.

For Program Year 2025-26, the City awarded a total of $25,000 to two agencies,

with

1 ITEM 5.B

grant activities taking place from February 2026 to September 2026. Each award

supported a specific project designed to improve the agency’s internal capacity,

sustainability, and service quality:

• Healthcare in Action ($12,500)

Funding supported advanced de-escalation and crisis intervention training for

staff; staff certification through a state-recognized domestic violence program

to strengthen survivor-centered response, safety planning, and referral

practices; and an HIV physician consultant to provide ongoing clinical guidance

and staff support on HIV prevention, treatment, and linkage to care.

• Pathways LA ($12,500)

Funding supported the development of a strategic plan for expanding early

childhood education and family resource services. The planning process

included community needs assessment, program and operational planning,

data systems review, staff and board development, and the design of an

evaluation framework.

At the November 2026 Human Services Commission meeting, representatives from each

agency will present their project, including its outcomes, its impact on the agency and

West Hollywood community members, and any lessons learned.

OFFICE OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

HUMAN SERVICES & RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT / HUMAN SERVICES

DIVISION

ATTACHMENT:

None.

2 ITEM 5.B

HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION NOVEMBER 10,2026

NEW BUSINESS

SUBJECT: PAUL ANDREW STARKE WARRIOR AWARDS

PREPARED BY: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES & RENT STABILIZATION

Derek Murray, Social Services Supervisor

Katherine Fierro, Social Services Specialist

STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT:

The Human Services Commission will receive a report on the 2026 Paul Andrew Starke

Warrior Awards in recognition of World AIDS Day.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Receive and discuss.

2. Assign Commissioners to introduce and present awards to honorees during the

December 2, 2026, ceremony.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:

World AIDS Day is observed internationally to raise awareness and show solidarity for

people living with HIV/AIDS. The City of West Hollywood recognizes the occasion through

the 26th Annual Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards. The Warrior Awards recognize

individuals whose work in HIV prevention and care, substance use prevention or

treatment, recovery, harm reduction, advocacy, or outreach directly benefits West

Hollywood community members.

The 2026 Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards will be hosted by the City’s Human

Services Commission and will include a plaque presentation ceremony. The event is

scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2026, in the City Council Chambers. A reception

will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards program at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and

open to the public.

The nomination process for the Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards is open to agency

partners participating in the HIV/Substance Use Prevention Providers Collaborative. Each

participating agency may nominate one individual from its organization. Staff review

nominations for completeness and present the honorees to the Human Services

Commission. This year, staff received seven nominations.

1 ITEM 5.C

The following individuals will be honored,

• Timothy Zembek, Being Alive

• Enrique Castro, APAIT

• Adam Guzman, West Hollywood Recovery Center

• Mariah Ramirez, L.A. CADA

• Caitlin Dolan, Men’s Health Foundation

• Rene Manzano, C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group

• Brian Adams, The Life Group LA

As in the previous year, Commissioners will present awards and have an opportunity to

connect personally with their selected honorees. Commissioners will determine their

honoree assignments during the meeting. Staff will facilitate introductions, allowing

Commissioners to learn about their honorees' experiences, contributions, and impact on

the community. These conversations will help Commissioners prepare personalized

remarks for the awards ceremony and recognize the meaningful work of individuals

providing vital HIV-related services.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will feature a performance by the Gay

Freedom Band of Los Angeles. During the reception, the Mazer Lesbian Archives is

anticipated to present an exhibition highlighting lesbian and queer women's activism,

caregiving, and community response during the AIDS crisis. The exhibition would feature

archival photographs, documents, and a looping video would recognize their contributions

and give attendees an opportunity to learn about this history.

The City will also display its section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt at the City Council

Chambers beginning December 1, 2026. Created in 1987, the AIDS Memorial Quilt

serves as a tribute to those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. The City of West

Hollywood's panel was assembled and sewn by City staff to honor colleagues who passed

away from AIDS-related complications between 1984 and 1993.

City staff will coordinate event logistics, including promotion, venue arrangements,

communication with participating agencies and honorees, preparation of the program and

run-of-show, refreshments, technical support, and on-site assistance.

The Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards provide an opportunity to recognize the

dedication of frontline service providers, strengthen community partnerships, and reaffirm

the City's commitment to reducing barriers to HIV prevention and care.

2 ITEM 5.C

OFFICE OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

HUMAN SERVICES & RENT STABILIZATION DEPT. / HUMAN SERVICES DIV.

ATTACHMENT(s):

Attachment A-Biographies of Nominees

3 ITEM 5.C

Timothy Zembek

Harm Reduction Program Manager | Being Alive

Policy Champion

Since establishing Being Alive’s Harm Reduction Program in 2019, Timothy Zembek has

transformed a twice-monthly service into a lifeline operating six days a week across four

locations. Through his advocacy, he has expanded access to HIV prevention, harm

reduction supplies, and lifesaving overdose prevention education. Yet his greatest

impact is reflected in a simple moment: a longtime participant who had always used a

street name shared his real name upon visiting Being Alive’s Harm Reduction Center,

explaining that he finally felt safe. Through compassion and trust, Timothy has created

more than a program—he has helped build a place where people feel seen, respected,

and valued.

Enrique Castro

Case Manager | APAIT

Community Advocate

Enrique Castro embodies the compassion and dedication that make a lasting difference

in the lives of others. As a Case Manager with APAIT, he goes beyond connecting

individuals to resources, ensuring that every person feels heard, respected, and

supported. His commitment to HIV/AIDS care, housing stability, and health equity is

reflected in his tireless advocacy. When a senior LGBTQ+ client struggled to find stable

housing, Enrique provided more than assistance with applications—he offered patience,

encouragement, and hope. Through his kindness, leadership, and unwavering belief in

human dignity, Enrique reminds us that meaningful change often begins with simply

showing up for someone in need.

Adam Guzman

President | West Hollywood Recovery Center

Community Advocate

For seven years, Adam Guzman has been a steadfast advocate for individuals seeking

recovery, helping create spaces where people find acceptance, connection, and hope.

Through his leadership with the West Hollywood Recovery Center, Log Cabin, and

Being Alive, Adam has championed resources and strengthened the recovery

community. Recognizing that healing looks different for everyone, he continues to

explore expanding support through meetings for transgender individuals, Gamblers

Anonymous, and Debtors Anonymous. His vision is rooted in a powerful belief: everyone

deserves a safe place to belong. Through his compassion and dedication, Adam is

helping ensure that no one has to face the journey of recovery alone.

1 Attachment A

Mariah Ramirez

Outreach Specialist/Peer Support Specialist | L.A. CADA

Healthcare Hero

Mariah Ramirez’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and hope. Having experienced

homelessness, addiction, and life in an LGBTQ+ shelter, she now dedicates herself to

helping others find their way forward. As an Outreach and Peer Support Specialist with

L.A. CADA, Mariah has helped more than 30 West Hollywood community members

access treatment in the past year. Drawing on her own recovery journey, she meets

individuals with compassion, understanding, and unwavering advocacy. As a

transgender woman, Mariah offers something profoundly meaningful: living proof that

healing is possible, transformation is powerful, and no one's past should define their

future.

Caitlin Dolan

Director of Care Services | Men’s Health Foundation

Emerging Leader

Since 2018, Caitlin Dolan has been a steadfast champion for individuals living with HIV,

leading programs at Men’s Health Foundation that provide critical care to approximately

180 patients with complex needs. She has helped expand services, reconnect

individuals with HIV care, and mentor the next generation of care providers. When

federal funding cuts threatened essential services in 2025, Caitlin worked tirelessly to

protect vulnerable patients, securing emergency resources and housing assistance that

helped one individual remain sheltered. Her leadership reflects a profound commitment

to dignity and compassion, reminding us that behind every program is a person whose

life and well-being matter.

Rene Manzano

Youth Advocate | C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group

Emerging Leader

Rene Manzano represents a new generation of LGBTQ+ advocates turning personal

growth into meaningful community service. Through C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group and Men’s

Health Foundation, Rene has championed HIV prevention, healthcare access, and peer

empowerment. As a member of the Los Angeles Rebellion Rugby Team, they have

embraced teamwork, inclusion, and advocacy, proudly representing the team at the

Bingham Cup in Australia. Now pursuing emergency medical services studies at East

Los Angeles College, Rene continues building a future dedicated to helping others.

Their journey reflects the courage to live authentically, the strength found in community,

and the power of lifting others along the way.

2 Attachment A

Brian Adams

Board Secretary, Facilitator, and Educator | The Life Group LA

Educator

For more than three decades, Brian Adams has devoted his life to ensuring people living

with HIV feel heard, valued, and never alone. Through The Life Group LA and other

community organizations, he has supported more than 2,500 individuals, guided over

300 participants through creative writing workshops, and trained more than 60

emotional support facilitators. As an educator and compassionate leader, Brian helps

others confront stigma, discover their strength, and reclaim their stories. One participant

shared that Brian made them feel truly heard for the first time in years. His enduring

legacy is a reminder that listening with compassion can change a life.

3 Attachment A