[3] They had met in New York City and later moved to Bergenfield, New Jersey, before Englewood to make room for their growing family.

[4] Rosendahl graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

[6] Prior to his election, Rosendahl was an educator and an award-winning television broadcaster with a long record as a leader in Los Angeles civic affairs.

While he served as Distinguished Professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills until his election, Rosendahl was best known as producer and moderator of critically acclaimed public affairs television shows.

[2] As a cable executive, Rosendahl fought for better service, upgraded technology, more local programming choices, and better wages and working conditions for his employees.

[11] He was a regular moderator of community forums, steering discussions on various issues including charter reform, secession and the formation of neighborhood councils.

[2] In the May 2005 election, Rosendahl defeated community activist Flora Gil Krisiloff 56.6% to 43.4% to replace Westside City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, who termed out.

[18] Serving as chairman of the Transportation Committee, he attempted to use his position to ease traffic congestion in America's most congested city, using Measure R funding to push for subway construction from finally completing the Green Line to expanding the Expo Line creating new bus routes, and seeking innovative solutions to mitigate the traffic problem.

He chaired of the Southern California Regional Airport Authority[20] and one of the city's appointees to the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission.

[21] From the time he took office in July 2005, Rosendahl focused upon: stopping the expansion of Los Angeles International Airport,[22] promoting mass transit, enhancing public safety, curbing overdevelopment, standing up for tenants’ rights and for affordable housing, seeking solutions to the problem of homelessness and giving neighborhoods a greater voice in city decision-making.

He later checked out a book on homosexuality from a local library and learned about the significance of Fire Island and Christopher Street to gay people.

[4] Rosendahl endured discrimination while working at Westinghouse Broadcasting and Cable, where his boss removed his staff and placed him in a windowless office because they suspected that he was gay.

[3] Rosendahl had an affinity for nature and believed that having a connection to the environment was key to preserving the mental health and vitality of gay people.