Local News in Brief : Panel Member Keeps Post
Planning Commissioner Peter Weinberger withstood an effort by several West Hollywood City Council members to oust him from office because of his comments accusing them of racism and giving in to the pressure of a “lynch mob.”
Three of the five council members said they would vote to remove Weinberger, but Councilman John Heilman withdrew the motion when it became clear that the effort would fail.
Four votes were needed to remove Weinberger, including that of Mayor Alan Viterbi, who said he would stand by the commissioner. Under city rules, Viterbi’s agreement would be needed for the ouster because he appointed Weinberger to the commission.
Weinberger’s controversial comments came after the council, going along with area residents’ demands, voted last month to block a project proposed by an Iranian-born developer for a site on the Sunset Strip.
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