City Hall is an imposing structure. Parking is a pain. City Council members are on the fourth floor, through a maze of hallways hung with historic Los Angeles photos. But for residents in his District 11, City Councilman Bill Rosendahl is not inaccessible. In fact, the trip downtown is a stark contrast to the easy, unpretentious guy that Rosendahl is.
He moves freely among us, shaking hands and administering hugs to community residents at events as small as a garden party or as important as an official committee meeting. He is everywhere, larger than life, flashing a grin and capturing everything in his deep blue eyes. What is captivating about this man is his genuine concern for people, and his enthusiasm for projects large and small. He is, unequivocally, a problem-solver.
Rosendahl is seated at his desk, putting the finishing touches on a little bit of lunch. He moves the dishes to the side and immediately points out a massive binder which graces his desk. He smiles and flashes those pearly whites. His twinkling blue eyes portray a faint hint of mischief. Rosendahl’s popularity is a phenomenon directly proportionate to his relationship with his constituents. You name it, he’s on it in a New York minute. It is precisely that quality which gives him the appeal of a rock star, a moniker coined by Brentwood Community Council President Wendy-Sue Rosen.
“This is the Rand study on our returning veterans of the war in Iraq. I keep it on my desk to remind me.†During the Vietnam War, Councilman Rosendahl served as a psychiatric social worker at Ft. Carson, Colorado, where he counseled returning vets suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “I served as a psychiatric social worker during the Vietnam War,†he says. “I talk from the heart, from my own experience.â€
The Rand report is a gloomy prediction on the status of returning veterans afflicted with psychological and physical trauma from lengthy deployments in difficult circumstances. The report indicates that nearly 20 percent of returning Iraqi veterans will experience PTSD or major depression. Another estimated 19 percent of returning vets suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and seven percent will return afflicted with both TBI and PTSD.
Concern is mounting as the numbers grow. Homeless veterans dot the streets throughout West Los Angeles, with the greatest number in Brentwood’s backyard. The VA hospital is a Mecca for veterans from past wars who need long-range care. There is already a shortage of adequate housing and that need is rapidly multiplying.
“I am appalled and outraged by the lack of services for our vets,†Rosendahl says. “I feel the gravity. And I am proud to be a member of Post 283.†He is referring to the American Legion Post 283, in Pacific Palisades, which donated $2.15 million to the construction of the Fisher House on the VA campus. When completed, the home will provide housing for families of veterans being treated at the VA Hospital. The Fisher family, covering nearly half of the construction costs, matched their generous contribution.
‘There are three empty buildings on the VA property; we could put 200 more vets there,†says Rosendahl, with a visionary, “can-do†expression. “Services for vets are my first priority. What’s wrong with the country’s social contract? We need permanent housing with support services.â€
Rosendahl wants to turn the former animal shelter on Bundy and Centinela into a permanent residence for up to 50 men. His gift is coalition building; creating neighborhood support where initially there is resistance. He finds the areas where there is agreement and builds on them.
Beside the Rand binder is a rock. It’s from Church Lane, in the Brentwood Glen neighborhood. It’s there to remind the Councilman of his responsibility to save the Glen from the 405-widening project. The same applies with his transit plans; community input and common sense define his agenda.
“If Wendy Greuel (Councilwoman, 2nd District and current chair of the City’s Transportation Committee) becomes controller, that will open up the chair of transportation,†he explains. “I think we need a regional transportation plan with a 20-year timetable.†Rosendahl has stated he would like to chair the Transportation Committee.
Rosendahl wants to see California’s lawmakers unite across party lines in Washington. He believes that a coalition of legislators would make a huge difference in the way federal dollars are spent. “California makes up 1/8 of the House of Representatives. They should be united. We give up $50 billion more than we get back. California is the economic engine of this nation and our transportation infrastructure is neglected.â€
With the entire region stuck in gridlock, Rosendahl has plans to bring the green line to LAX. “It stopped 1.5 miles away,†he points out. His plans call for expanding bus lanes first, with subways and light rails to follow.
“I love people,†he says. “You gotta love people! It’s where I learn what’s going on and what I do next. A politician has to listen. It’s not about what I have to say, it’s about what we need to do to make the world a better place.â€
