November 29, 2023 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Bill Rosendahl service held in Santa Monica

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa addresses the crowd at St. Monica's Church.

LOS ANGELES (BY CNS with supplemental reporting BY TROY MASTERS) – A Catholic mass was held today Santa Monica today to remember the life of former City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, the city’s first out gay councilmember.  

Rosendahl died last week after a long and courageous battle with cancer (read Karen Ocamb’s obituary here).

Hundreds of friends, dignitaries and elected officials packed a Santa Monica church today to celebrate the life of former Los Angeles City Councilman, hailing him as a public servant with a zest for life and an open door to the rich and poor alike.

Rosendahl died March 30 at age 70 after a four-year battle with cancer.

City Councilman Mike Bonin, who served as Rosendahl’s chief of staff and ultimately succeeded him representing the 11th District, asked attendees at the St. Monica’s Church serve to pray for Rosendahl, “a cherished friend and exemplary public servant, beloved partner, a brother, an uncle, a mentor, a colleague, a boss, a role-model and an inspiration.”

Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who delivered the eulogy, invoked one of Rosendahl’s favorite catch-phrases in describing his former colleague.

Bill_Rosendahl_Worship_Aid-1“Billy was great, great, great, great, great, great, great!” he said, prompting applause from mourners.

Villaraigosa said Rosendahl had an “unbridled enthusiasm for life” and was the type of man who welcomed people of all backgrounds into his home.

“You could go to Billy’s house and see a billionaire and a homeless person there, and Billy holding court,” he said.

Rosendahl once also “found a place to live” for Zuma Dogg, a well- known City Hall gadfly, Villaraigosa said.

“Zuma Dogg would beat us all up, he certainly beat me up!” he said.

“He would beat Billy up from time to time. But that was Billy. He was a man (who) embraced love and embraced people. He was someone committed to working for the homeless, someone who understood that to whom much is given, much is expected.”

One of Rosendahl’s legacies was in bringing the “safe parking concept to Los Angeles,” which would have allowed those who are homeless to park and live in their vehicles in a lot overnight, Villaraigosa said.

He said the idea was “foiled by petty politics and bureaucracy,” but there is now another chance to implement this idea under Rosendahl’s successor, Bonin.

“We owe it to Bill’s legacy to make it happen this time,” Villaraigosa said.

Villaraigosa also hailed Rosendahl for his ability to be civil, even in the midst of political debate.

“Even when we argued he made sure we did it with civility and respect,” he said. “It was never personal for Billy. And in this political season when too much is personal, not enough of our debate is civil, we should
think about Billy. He made me proud and I know he made you proud to have him as
a colleague.”

Rosendahl, a former cable television executive and public affairs broadcaster, served on the council from 2005 to 2013, when he retired to fight stage-four cancer. Toward the end of his tenure in office, Rosendahl was an ardent supporter of medical marijuana, which he used to fight the side effects of his cancer treatments.

He was often referred to as the “conscience of the City Council.

Mayor Eric Garcetti, who could not attend the Catholic mass service because he was traveling back from a trip to Washington, D.C., is expected to speak at another event honoring Rosendahl, “GREAT GREAT GREAT: A Celebration of Life,” which is also set for 2 p.m. April 16 at Mar Vista Park.

The public is welcome to RSVP for the service and make donations to three organizations in lieu of flowers at http://www.11thdistrict.com.   The organizations, which serve the homeless, are Safe Place for Youth,
New Directions for Veterans and the Jeff Griffith Youth Center at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center.

In July 2012, after collapsing suddenly, Rosendahl was diagnosed with cancer of the ureter, a tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. He was told he did not have long to live.

He said that for several months, he would suffer from delirium and underwent numerous chemotherapy treatments, which reduced him from 225 pounds to 170.

It was only after his doctor suggested he use marijuana to help him ease the pain and get more sleep that he began to recover. The extra rest helped save his life, Rosendahl said in 2013.

He resumed his City Council duties in September 2012, throwing himself into getting a medical marijuana law passed and becoming the only council member to oppose a plan to expand an LAX runway closer to some of his constituents. In April 2013, Rosendahl announced he was in remission.

“The amount of love I’ve gotten has been phenomenal,” he told his colleagues on his first day back from medical leave. “People have brought food to the house. People have prayed with me, people have sung with me. They put all kinds of positive energy toward me.”

Rosendahl was at one time a vice president of communications company Adelphia and arrived on the council to represent the 11th Council District in 2005 after years as a cable channel host covering public affairs. Prior to that, he worked on presidential campaigns for Robert Kennedy, Fred Harris and
George McGovern.

Rosendahl ran for office as openly gay, which was something that had never been done before. Two previous council members, Jackie Goldberg and Joel Wachs, came out after they were elected.

Rosendahl came out as gay in 1995 when his partner, Christopher Lee Blauman, died of complications of AIDS.

Rosendahl is survived by his partner, Hedi El-Kholti; brother Thomas and sister-in-law Sheila, and their sons, Robbie-Paul, Ricky-Luke and Arthur; brother Steven; sister Mary LeMothe; sister Helen Davoren; and nephew Christopher.

Related Posts

Westfield Century City Unveils Enchanting 25 Days of Christmas Festivities

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

A Winter Wonderland With Festive Delights at Westfield Century City By Dolores Quintana Even though it’s only the week after...

Silencing Classrooms: The Alarming Surge of Educational Gag Orders Across U.S. States

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

PEN America’s Report Unveils Disturbing Trends in 2023 Legislation By Dolores Quintana Mostly conservative lawmakers all over the United States...

Bloomsybox Challenges Christmas Movie Fans to Rate Hallmark Christmas Movies

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Applicant Chosen Will Receive Prizes and Cash Worth $2,500  By Dolores Quintana A flower delivery company, Bloomsy Box, is challenging...

Attorney General Rob Bonta Advises Californians to Exercise Caution Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Tips and Resources Ensure Safe Donations Amid Rising Threats By Dolores Quintana Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the...

Bimbos Theatre Company and Student Committee for the Arts Host Drag Event

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

UCLA Charity Drag Showcase Unites Students for LGBTQ+ Advocacy By Dolores Quintana On November 28th at 7 pm, the UCLA...

Major Cantaloupe Recall Expands: Brands, Stores, and Products Affected

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Cantaloupe Products Linked to Ongoing CDC Investigation in 28 States By Dolores Quintana In an expanded recall from the FDA...

USC Forecast Predicts Rising Rents and Commercial Real Estate Financing Struggles

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Report Sparks Concerns for Real Estate Development in Southern California By Dolores Quintana  The University of Southern California’s Lusk Center...

Historic Transition: The Abbey Food & Bar Changes Ownership in West Hollywood Landmark Deal

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Entrepreneur David Cooley Forges Agreement to Sell Iconic LGBTQ+ Venue By Dolores Quintana Entrepreneurs David Cooley and Tristan Schukraft have...

James Whale’s Former Estate, Home to the creator of “Frankenstein,” Hits Market at $7.245 Million

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Iconic Tuscan-Style Villa, Restored to Old Hollywood Glory, Offers Breathtaking Views in Los Feliz By Dolores Quintana A majestic Los...

Additional Free At-Home COVID Tests Now Available From U.S Government

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

Get Up to 8 Tests at No Cost, Rapid Results, Easy Access, and Free Shipping By Dolores Quintana In an...

West Hollywood’s WeHo Mobility Pop-up: Illuminate Your Ride, Engage in Mobility Dialogue

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition to Distribute Free Bike Lights By Dolores Quintana The City of West Hollywood is set to...

Unexplained Dog Respiratory Illness Sparks Public Health Investigation in Los Angeles County

November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) Prompts Urgent Measures By Dolores Quintana Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Veterinary...

PleasureMed Launches as West Hollywood’s Premier Cannabis and Culinary Haven

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Discover the Future of Cannabis Lounges and Farm-to-Table Dining By Dolores Quintana PleasureMed, the avant-garde establishment spanning 6,500 square feet...

Spread Holiday Cheer: Volunteer or Donate to Charitable Annual Efforts in Los Angeles

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Gobble Gobble Give, Pink Taco, and PATH  Feed the Homeless on Thanksgiving By Dolores Quintana More than one charitable organization...

Thanksgiving Dinner and Shopping Options: What Stores and Restaurants Will Be Open on the Holiday

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Explore the Options for Open Stores and Restaurants on Thanksgiving Day By Dolores Quintana Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday, but...