West Hollywood Commissioner Todd Hallman Honored at Rick Chavez Zbur’s Inaugural AD51 Community Excellence Awards

Assemblymember and Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) honored West Hollywood Public Safety Commissioner Todd Hallman as Man of the Year during Zbur’s inaugural Assembly District 51 Community Excellence Awards. The event, held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Santa Monica College’s Edythe & Eli Broad Stage, recognized a diverse array of honorees, including Academy Award-winning screenwriters and grassroots advocates tackling homelessness, environmental challenges, and antisemitism.

“I’m so incredibly humbled and honored,” said Hallman. “I never in a million years fathomed that I would receive an award, much less Man of the Year. My late mother taught my sister and me two essential lessons: the love of family and community. As the first Black, queer commissioner of the West Hollywood Public Safety Commission, the city of West Hollywood is my family and community.”

Among the honorees was screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, recipient of the AD51 Community Excellence Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Visibility. Black praised the district’s commitment to diversity and storytelling, saying, “This is a district that understands diversity, it understands how to rise to a challenge, and it certainly understands the power of storytelling.”

Former West Hollywood councilmember and mayor Abbe Land introduced Lillian Raffel, who received the Woman of the Year Award.

 

 

“People are doing amazing work trying to lift up our vulnerable communities, trying to help with homelessness, working on climate change, working on reproductive rights, fighting antisemitism, and fighting for LGBTQ+ civil rights,” said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. “We showcased all these really important and amazing contributions that are happening in the 51st District. No matter what is happening on the national level, we have an ability to lift up people in our community. We as individuals have a lot of power to make change for the future.”

Jewish community leader Dena Bloom, honored for combating antisemitism, echoed Black’s sentiments. “Assemblymember Zbur will always use his voice wherever it’s needed, whether it’s antisemitism, environmentalism, or LGBTQ+ rights,” she said.

Another highlight of the evening included West Hollywood Councilmember Danny Hang joining newly elected Santa Monica Councilmembers Dan Hall and Ellis Raskin on stage to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

The event also showcased the district’s vibrant tapestry of advocates and organizations. From Pink’s Hot Dogs and the Williams Institute to Rabbi Mari Chernow and the Hollywood Food Coalition, the recipients reflect the district’s commitment to progress and unity.

Zbur emphasized that the awards are more than just accolades; they’re a call to action. “This is about showcasing the amazing contributions happening in the 51st District,” he said.

The full list of honorees spanned categories such as environmental protection, social justice, public safety advocacy, and more, underscoring the district’s wide-reaching impact:

AD51 Community Excellence Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Visibility

Dustin Lance Black
Tom Daley

AD51 Community Excellence Award for Combating Antisemitism

Dena Bloom
Lauryn Harris Pimstone
Jonah Platt

AD51 Woman of the Year Award

Lillian Raffel

AD51 Man of the Year Award

Tod Hallman

AD51 Nonprofit of the Year Award

Williams Institute

AD51 Small Business of the Year Award

Pink’s Hot Dogs

Mickey Fine Pharmacy

AD51 Community Excellence Award for Distinguished Service in Local Government

Hon. Lili Bosse
Hon. Gleam Davis
Hon. Dr. Julian Gold

AD51 Community Excellence Award for Social Justice

Rabbi Mari Chernow (Temple Israel Hollywood)
Hollywood Food Coalition

AD51 Excellence in Journalism Award

Rance Collins

AD51 Community Excellence Award for Neighborhood & National Advocacy

Brian Colker
Susan Sheu

AD51 Community Excellence Award for Neighborhood Advocacy

Cindy Chvatal-Keane

AD51 Community Excellence Award for Environmental Protection

Marian Dodge

AD51 Community Excellence Award for Public Safety Advocacy

Melrose Action
Danny Lee

AD51 Community Excellence Award for Homelessness Advocacy

Kerry Morrison

The event’s livestream and is available on YouTube:

Assembly District 51, which includes areas like Universal City, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, continues to shine as a beacon of progress under Zbur’s leadership. The event was lives treamed for those unable to attend, ensuring the community’s stories and achievements reached an even broader audience.

To learn more about Rick Chavez Zbur, visit: https://a51.asmdc.org/

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