West Hollywood

West Hollywood in brief- City government in action this week

Free Screening and Discussion of Documentary ‘Motherland’, Women’s History Month in March, 38th Annual Los Angeles Marathon plus more

Published

1 year ago

March 8, 2023

LA Blade Digital Staff

West Hollywood City Hall (Photo credit: City of West Hollywood/Jon Viscott)

City of West Hollywood Hosts Free Screening and Discussion of Documentary ‘Motherland’ About the Invasion of the Republic of Artsakh

WEST HOLLYWOOD – The City of West Hollywood will host a free screening and discussion of the feature-length documentary film Motherland, which focuses on the invasion of the Republic of Artsakh by Azerbaijan and Turkey and the massacre of more than 5,000 indigenous Armenians.

The screening of Motherland will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Viewer discretion is advised, as the film contains graphic images of violent warfare. A discussion will follow, which will be moderated by City of West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne featuring filmmaker/director Vic Gerami; producer Henrick Vartanian; and editor Chris Damadyan. Parking validation will be available for the adjacent five-story West Hollywood Park structure (parking is limited to availability). RSVP is requested in advance via Eventbrite.

Through an activist and journalistic lens, Motherland chronicles the Armenian people’s fight for peace, liberation, and humanity. The documentary is aimed toward a worldwide audience so international viewers can not only witness the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against Artsakh and Armenia, but can also experience the extraordinary beauty of the people and cultures in both countries.

Motherland is an investigative documentary written, directed, and produced by journalist and LGBTQ activist Vic Gerami. In creating the film, Gerami traveled to Armenia twice to document and capture the present struggle of Armenians in Artsakh and share their stories with the global community. The documentary features seven members of Congress, including Congressmember Adam Schiff (D–CA), Senator Bob Mendez (D–NJ), Congressmember Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Congressmember Jackie Speier (D-CA), Congressmember Katie Porter (D-CA), Congressmember Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA), as well as Baroness Caroline Cox, Life Peer Member of the British House of Lords.

The film premiered in Los Angeles in 2020 and was well received by local and international critics. Motherland has garnered worldwide attention and has been invited to screen at numerous film festivals. It was shortlisted for Film Independent’s ‘Spirit Awards’ and was Oscar-qualified and available in the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Screening Room. It was chosen as an ‘Official Selection’ at the Cannes World Film Festival, International Activism Film Festival, and the Docs Without Borders International Film Festival.

For additional information, please contact Jasmine Duckworth, City of West Hollywood Community Programs Coordinator, at (323) 848-6559 or at [email protected].

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

Neighborhood Conversation to Discuss Laurel House and Park Artist Residency Program

The City of West Hollywood invites community members to attend the third Neighborhood Conversation about a Laurel House and Park Artist Residency Program. The Conversation will be led by consultant team Kimberli Meyer and Sara Daleiden on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Plummer Park Community Center, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The consultants will share updates on the project and seek feedback from the community.

The City-owned real property at 1343 N. Laurel Avenue, known as Laurel House and Park, consists of a 30,000-square-foot lot, a 7,177-square-foot former single-family dwelling, and an unattached accessory structure that is approximately 2,379 square feet and consists of a chauffer’s cottage and garages. The original portions of the structures were built in 1917. The conversion of the original single-family residence into four apartment units and the southerly four-car garage addition were completed in 1941. The property was designated as a Local Cultural Resource by the City of West Hollywood in 1994.

In 2010, the West Hollywood City Council directed staff to develop a plan to open the grounds at 1343 N. Laurel Avenue as open space on a temporary/interim basis for public use. From 2013-2014, the City conducted an extensive community visioning process for the Laurel property. The community expressed support for several potential uses during the visioning process and prioritized several factors, including: access to more community gathering spaces; activation as an Arts and Cultural Center; maintenance and/or enhancements of the property’s use for peacefulness and beauty; preservation of the house and gardens, but activation through new features and programming; and, continued use for dog walking.

In 2018, the West Hollywood City Council received a report forwarded by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission focusing on Artist-in-Residence programs, including consideration of the use of 1343 N. Laurel Avenue as a potential Artist-in-Residence site. This recommendation was forwarded to the Council Subcommittee for further review and consideration. In October 2022, in a feasibility study update, the City Council confirmed that the site should be used for arts and culture programs and it directed staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a qualified architectural design firm to continue the programming and design process.

Kimberli Meyer and Sara Daleiden are guiding the development of the Artist Residency Program for the cultural resource, Laurel House and Park, located at 1343 N. Laurel Avenue. Meyer is an independent cultural producer, curator, writer, and designer working across the fields of art and architecture. She served as the Director the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, at the Schindler House, 835 N. Kings Road, from 2002-2016. Daleiden is a consultant who specializes in facilitating civic engagement using arts and cultural exchange strategies. She encourages local cultures to value neighborhoods, public space, civic art, business development, as well as artist residencies, creative placemaking and media culture-making.

For additional information, please contact Rebecca Ehemann, Arts Manager, at (323) 848-6846 or at [email protected].

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

West Hollywood Celebrates American Red Cross in March

The City of West Hollywood celebrates the American Red Cross during the month of March to honor and celebrate the Red Cross and its commitment to providing humanitarian relief for people around the world.

As part of the City’s recognition of March as Red Cross Month, West Hollywood City Hall, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard, will be lit in red from Monday, March 13, 2023 through Tuesday, March 21, 2023 to raise awareness and to encourage community members to participate by volunteering, giving blood, learning lifesaving skills, or donating to the organization.

In 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (I.C.R.C.) was founded by Henry Dunant in Geneva, Switzerland. It called for improved care for wounded soldiers in wartime. Sometime later, in 1881, Clara Barton and several of her acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. after learning about the Swiss-inspired global Red Cross network. Today, the American Red Cross continues to attract millions of volunteers and supporters dedicated to helping people who have been affected by war and crises.

Recognizing March as Red Cross Month provides an opportunity for the City to honor and celebrate the employees, volunteers, donors, and partners who have committed their lives to making a difference in their neighborhoods and communities across the world. The Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. The Red Cross estimates that one in seven patients entering the hospital will need a blood transfusion — whether they are accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, or those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease. To meet the needs of these patients, the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 blood and nearly 3,000 platelet donations every day.

During the past two years, the City of West Hollywood participated in community outreach for the ADVANCE Study (“Assessing Donor Variability And New Concepts in Eligibility”), a pilot study aimed at research and collaboration to make blood donation a more inclusive process while maintaining the safety of the blood supply. Study enrollment concluded on September 30, 2022 and researchers from the participating blood centers – Vitalant, OneBlood, and the American Red Cross – continue to share study data with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). New proposed policy by the FDA would eliminate the time-based restrictions on men who have sex with men (and their female partners) and, instead, screen potential donor eligibility based on a series of questions that assess HIV risk, regardless of gender.

As the world marks one year since the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and the humanitarian crisis continuing there, The International Committee of the Red Cross — together with its partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement — are active in Ukraine. Red Cross is also active in the response to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The City’s WeHo Responds program is helping facilitate contributions from local residents, businesses, and others to organizations to make a difference in Ukraine, Turkey, and Syria. Details about the International Committee of the Red Cross are included in a directory of nonprofit humanitarian organizations listed on the City’s website at www.weho.org/wehoresponds.

For more information about the City of West Hollywood’s recognition of American Red Cross Month, please contact Jennifer Del Toro, the City of West Hollywood’s Community and Legislative Affairs Supervisor, (323) 848-6549 or [email protected].

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

West Hollywood Presents

West Hollywood Artists and Icons Featuring Barbara Bain

West Hollywood’s Artists and Icons series will host a conversation with actress, director, and concerned citizen Barbara Bain, highlighting her decades-long career.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and opening remarks will take place at 7 p.m., followed by the conversation and a Q&A that will begin at 8 p.m. The event is free, but seating is limited. RSVP is requested via Eventbrite.

Parking validation for the adjacent five-story West Hollywood Park structure, will be available at the event (parking is limited to availability).

Best known for her work in the landmark television series Mission: Impossible, Barbara Bain was the first actress in the history of television to receive three consecutive Emmy Awards for Best Dramatic Actress. She began her acting career in New York under the instruction of Lee Strasberg of the Actors Studio. After settling in Los Angeles permanently, she established herself at the Actors Studio West. In 1968, the Actors Studio West moved to William S. Hart House in West Hollywood and Barbara was active in the Studio’s efforts to relocate. She is a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio where she taught classes and performed scene work for many decades.

The conversation will be moderated by Corey Roskin, a writer and social services professional based in Palm Springs, California. Roskin worked for the City of West Hollywood for 29 years, most notably coordinating special events and projects as part of the City’s Social Services Division. For the past 21 years he has also been programming and producing literary events including the West Hollywood Book Fair, Lambda Lit Fest, and Palm Springs Pride on the Page, among others. He currently serves on the Boards for the Omega Sci-Fi Awards and the Palm Springs Library Foundation. He has also volunteered for a variety of social services and cultural arts programs for nearly 40 years.

The West Hollywood Artists & Icons is a periodic series organized by the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division that celebrates the lives and work of West Hollywood residents and artists who present their work in the City, and who have made significant contributions to local, national, or global culture. The series has previously focused on many local artists and icons including Bette Davis, Mae West, Michael McMillen, Dan Guerrero, and Frances Taylor Davis.

For additional information about the Artists & Icons Series, please visit: www.weho.org/community/arts-and-culture/about/west-hollywood-artists-iconsFor more information, please contact Joy Tribble, the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Specialist, at (323) 848-6360 or at [email protected].

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

Applications for Youth Scholarship Program

The City of West Hollywood will open its application window for the 2023 Youth Scholarship Program on Monday, March 13, 2023. The program awards $2,000 to graduating high school students who are West Hollywood residents and who are pursuing a post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational school. Students must have completed 150 verified hours of community service to be considered. The Youth Scholarship Program application period is open through Friday, May 12, 2023. The scholarship money can be used for any expense incurred in pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational school.

To qualify for a youth scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:

Residency – Applicant is a West Hollywood resident at the time the scholarship application is submitted and awarded. Please visit www.weho.org/city-government/contact-us/map-of-weho for a map of West Hollywood.
Secondary Education – Applicant is a high school senior ready to graduate or an individual receiving a GED.
Post-Secondary Education – Applicant is planning to attend a college, university or trade/vocational school and has proof of acceptance to a post-secondary institution.
Community Service – Applicant has performed and provided verification of 150 hours of community service.

More information, application instructions, and the application link are available by visiting www.weho.org/youthscholarship.

The Youth Scholarship Program is organized by the City of West Hollywood, but scholarship funds come entirely from individual and community donations. The City has awarded 40 youth scholarships since the program began. To support the program, the City encourages donations from community members, organizations, and area businesses. Community members wishing to donate to the Youth Scholarship Program may do so at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/youthsco.

The City of West Hollywood created the West Hollywood Youth Scholarship Program in 2007 and it is one of the first municipal government sponsored programs of its kind in the country. The Youth Scholarship Program recognizes the importance of education to our community and encourages and supports local students interested in pursuing their education beyond high school.

For additional information please contact the City of West Hollywood’s Social Services Division at [email protected] or by calling (323) 848-6510.

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

City Council Playhouse Design Steering Committee

West Hollywood invites the community to attend upcoming City Council City Playhouse Design Steering Committee discussions for the new West Hollywood City Playhouse that will replace the former Coast Playhouse, located at 8325 Santa Monica Boulevard, across the street from West Hollywood City Hall on Santa Monica Boulevard near N. Sweetzer Avenue.

Proposed as a new 99-seat approximately 5,000-square-foot venue, the Playhouse will serve as an arts and cultural event facility that will support artists and nonprofit arts organizations by providing an accessible venue in the center of West Hollywood. The project will include public programming and an outdoor landscaped civic space.

In February, the City hosted two community design visioning workshops with members of the local community as well as local artists and performers. City staff will collate input from these previous community workshops and the design team will receive guidance from the Steering Committee and community members on crafting the new Playhouse design during these sessions.

The Steering Committee will include members of the West Hollywood City Council; members of the Arts & Cultural Affairs Commission; Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure Commission; and Planning Commission Design Review Subcommittee; as well as technical advisors and experts in fields including performance facility design, theatre technology, climate and sustainability, open space goals, and construction. The City will host three in-person City Council Playhouse Design Steering Committee discussions to collect feedback and ideas and finalize the design for the new Playhouse:

The City Council Playhouse Design Steering Committee Meeting #1 will take place on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the Kings Road Park Community Room, located at 1000 N. Kings Road. The purpose of this in-person meeting is to review the community feedback to date, review the project’s goals and objectives, discuss site and building programming opportunities, and discuss initial design concepts.

The City Council Playhouse Design Steering Committee Meeting #2 will take place on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the Kings Road Park Community Room, located at 1000 N. Kings Road. The purpose of this in-person meeting is to review updated design concepts and technical refinements based on previous input from the community and Steering Committee.

The City Council Playhouse Design Steering Committee Meeting #3 will take place on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the Kings Road Park Community Room, located at 1000 N. Kings Road. The purpose of this in-person meeting is to further review updated design concepts and technical refinements based on previous input from the community and Steering Committee and to determine recommendations to the City Council regarding the programming and design of the playhouse.

For additional information about the City Playhouse project, please visit www.weho.org/city-government/city-manager/capital-projects/city-playhouse-design.

For more information about City Playhouse design and construction, please contact Michael Barker, City of West Hollywood Project Architect, at (323) 848-6483 or at [email protected].

For more information about City Playhouse arts programming and playhouse operations, please contact Rebecca Ehemann, City of West Hollywood Arts Manager, at (323) 848-6846 or at [email protected].

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

38th Annual Los Angeles Marathon will Take Place on Sunday, March 19, 2023

Runners in the 2023 Los Angeles Marathon Presented by ASICS will be making their way through the City of West Hollywood on Sunday, March 19, 2023 as part of a 26.2-mile Stadium to the Stars course.

Celebrating its 38^th running, the Los Angeles Marathon course will begin, once again, at Dodger Stadium and it will conclude at Century Park in Century City, as it did last year. The portion of the route that runs through the City of West Hollywood remains unchanged.

The Los Angeles Marathon route for 2023 will guide runners westbound into the City of West Hollywood along Sunset Boulevard at Marmont Lane, just west of N. Crescent Heights Boulevard. From the Sunset Strip, runners will turn left (south) onto N. San Vicente Boulevard; then right (west) onto Santa Monica Boulevard; then left (south) onto N. Doheny Drive, where they will enter the City of Beverly Hills. The Marathon will run through West Hollywood between miles 14 and 15 of the course.

To ensure the safety of the large numbers of Los Angeles Marathon runners, there will be several street closures in the City of West Hollywood on Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.; crews will work to reopen roads to vehicle traffic as quickly as possible as the Marathon moves through the City of West Hollywood:

Sunset Boulevard between Marmont Lane and Clark Street/N. San Vicente Boulevard (the route enters the City of West Hollywood from the City of Los Angeles west along Sunset Boulevard from Marmont Lane, just west of N. Crescent Heights Boulevard);
N. San Vicente Boulevard between Sunset Boulevard and Melrose Avenue;
Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and N. Doheny Drive;
N. Doheny Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard (the route exits the City of West Hollywood to the City of Beverly Hills south along N. Doheny Drive).

Parking will be strictly prohibited along the Los Angeles Marathon route. “No Parking” signs will be posted prior to the event. Vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Los Angeles Marathon spectators and community members who are searching for alternative parking solutions in West Hollywood during the Los Angeles Marathon are encouraged to visit the City of West Hollywood’s website, where a directory of parking structures and municipal lots with hours of operation and rates is available online. Members of the public are encouraged to carpool and to use public transportation, taxis, or ridesharing options.

For additional information regarding the 2023 Los Angeles Marathon Presented by ASICS, including details about road closures and alternate access routes, community members may email, call (213) 542-3000, or visit the Los Angeles Marathon website. Members of the media interested seeking media credentials for the event should apply directly with McCourt Foundation.

For more information specific to the City of West Hollywood regarding the Los Angeles Marathon or related street closures, please contact the City’s Event Services Division at (323) 848-6502. The City of West Hollywood’s Special Event hotline for general information is (323) 848-6503.

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

City of West Hollywood Celebrates Women’s History Month in March

West Hollywood will celebrate National Women’s History Month in March with a series of virtual events to recognize and honor women and women’s history.

From Sunday, March 5, 2023 through Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the globe lanterns above Santa Monica Boulevard will glow in purple and gold. Throughout the month, a series of streetlamp banners that commemorate famous American women, civil rights leaders, and women’s rights activists will be on display along Santa Monica Boulevard. The City’s featured streetlamp banners will include: Gail Abarbanel; Maya Angelou; Ivy Bottini; Rachel Carson; Hillary Rodham Clinton; Midge Costanza; Marion Wright Edelman; Alicia Garza; Barbara Gittings; Dolores Huerta; Coretta Scott King; Wilma Mankiller; Michaela Mendelsohn; Patsy Mink; Connie Norman; Michelle Obama; Rosa Parks; Sonia Sotomayor; Gloria Steinem; Elizabeth Taylor; and Oprah Winfrey; among others.

National Women’s History Month will officially kick-off with the unveiling of two new women’s history month streetlamp banners honoring local community leaders: Nadia Sutton, founder of PAWS/LA, and, in memoriam, Ruth Williams, who was a neighborhood advocate who was involved in the City as early as its founding, and who served on the City’s Public Safety Commission for many years; Williams passed away in 2022. The streetlamp banners presentation will take place at the regular meeting of the West Hollywood City Council on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room at the West Hollywood Library, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Attendance is free; no RSVP is required. Limited validated parking will be available at the adjacent five-story structure. The City Council meeting broadcast will be available for viewing on the City’s website by visiting www.weho.org/wehotv or on the City’s WeHoTV YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/wehotv.

MashUp Contemporary Dance Company’s annual International Women’s Day Dance Festival will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The event will kick off with a day full of community, dialogue, master classes, and performances through the LA Women in Dance Summit. Free admission. To find out more about the day of programming, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-women-in-dance-summit-tickets-514314196607. This project is supported in part by a grant from the City of West Hollywood.

The City of West Hollywood and its Russian-Speaking Advisory Board will host a program created by Helix Collective celebrating International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 5, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The celebration features a concert featuring music by female composers of film, television, and video games. Helix Collective’s nine-piece film music ensemble will perform original works by Dara Taylor (The Tender Bar), Sherri Chung (Riverdale, The Red Line), Anna Drubich (Barbarian), Amritha Vaz (Mira, Royal Detective). There will also be a screening of an International Women’s Day documentary dedicated to women heroes in the local community. Free admission. For additional information call (323) 848-6826 or email [email protected].

Women and Books is a book club that meets on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss books written by women authors. On Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the group will discuss In the Shadow of the Mountain: A Memoir of Courage by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado. Women and Books is co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood through its Women’s Advisory Board and by West Hollywood Library. Admission is free, but space is limited so RSVPs are encouraged. This is a hybrid event and will be hosted in-person at the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard, as well as virtually via WebEx Meetings. To RSVP for the in-person event and for more information please visit the LA County Library website: https://lacountylibrary.org/west-hollywood-library/.

To participate on WebEx Meetings please visit the following WebEx link: https://lacountylibrary.webex.com/lacountylibrary/j.php?MTID=maa8a00d769f8b023cc81d2d603b7184c.

The City of West Hollywood and its Women’s Advisory Board will co-sponsor the Annual Herstory Awards & Reception, which is presented by the Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Women (Hollywood NOW) to honor a woman who has made exceptional contributions to the community and embodies the spirit of feminism. This year’s honoree is Jeanette Robinson Flynt, Executive Director of Black Women for Wellness. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 7 p.m. at the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Admission is free. For more information contact [email protected].

The City of West Hollywood will present A Conversation with Barbara Bain as part of its ongoing West Hollywood Artists and Icons Series on Thursday, March, 16, 2023 at 7 p.m. at the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room at the West Hollywood Library, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The conversation will highlight the career of actress Barbara Bain, who is best known for her work in the landmark television series Mission: Impossible and was the first actress in the history of television to receive three consecutive Emmy Awards for Best Dramatic Actress. Admission is free. RSVP Required: https://artistsandicons-mar2023.eventbrite.com.

The City of West Hollywood will join centennial celebrations across the country honoring the 100^th anniversary of the Equal Rights Amendment by hosting a #ERA100 birthday bash on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 11 a.m. with the organization Equal Means Equal at the West Hollywood City Hall Courtyard, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard. The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced on March 22, 1923 by suffragist leader Alice Paul. Free Admission. For more information: #ERA100 | Online-RSVP.com or call (323) 848-6823.

In celebration of women authors, WeHo Reads: Crafting Literary Legacies will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 6 p.m. The discussion will focus on creating new truths through storytelling and putting women at the center of literature with Natashia Deón, Toni Ann Johnson, Malia Márquez, and Laura Warrell. Admission is free. To RSVP and for more information, please visit www.weho.org/wehoreads. WeHo Reads is a literary series presented by the City of West Hollywood and produced by BookSwell.

Also on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the 26th Annual West Hollywood Women in Leadership Awards and Reception will take place at the Andaz West Hollywood, located at 8401 Sunset Boulevard. The event is co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood and its Women’s Advisory Board and the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Admission is $25 and proceeds will benefit the West Hollywood Youth Scholarship Fund; for tickets, please visit https://wila2023.eventbrite.com or call (323) 848-6823.

The City and its Women’s Advisory Board will host the Women’s History Month Block Party on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. This fun and festive outdoor event will include a DJ, giveaways, booths featuring local women-owned businesses and resources, and a costume contest. Admission is free. For more information call (323) 848-6823.

The City will co-sponsor Ladies of Courage, presented by Eye of the Poet, a free two-day cultural arts celebration and festival celebrating the achievements of women, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 and Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The festival features art, poetry, music, dance, and projection mapping. Admission is free. For more information, including the event schedule, please visit: www.ladiesofcourage.com.

Artworks by noted women artists will be on display in West Hollywood throughout the month and beyond. Jessica Goehring’s LightWave, a kinetic artwork inspired by the California Light and Space Movement will be installed at the West Hollywood Aquatic and Recreation Center located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard and on display from Monday, March 20, 2023 through March 2024. Digital art is also currently on display now through Wednesday, May 31, 2023 on billboards on the Sunset Strip. Kassaram (Adapted) by Thania Petersen examines how embedded clichés devalue culture and provide the framework for the permission of subjugation. It is on display at the Streamlined Arbor Billboard located at 9157 Sunset Boulevard Billboard. Reverse Women by Sarah Rara illustrates how hope and progress for women’s rights are walked back, as a woman’s personal freedom is reversed to gone. It is on display at the Invisible Frame Billboard located at 8743 Sunset Boulevard. This project is presented as part of the Moving Image Media Art Program (MIMA). The West Hollywood Moving Image Media Art Program (MIMA) is an exhibition series administered by the Arts Division, as part of its Art on the Outside program, and is presented with the Sunset Arts and Advertising Program.

A full schedule of City of West Hollywood events and meetings is available at www.weho.org/calendar.

For more information about Women’s History Month in the City of West Hollywood, please contact Larissa Fooks, the City of West Hollywood’s Community Programs Coordinator, at (323) 848-6413 or at [email protected].

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

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For more information, please call the City of West Hollywood’s City Council Offices at (323) 848-6460. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

For up-to-date information about City of West Hollywood news and events, follow @wehocity on social media, sign-up for news updates at www.weho.org/email, and visit the City’s calendar of meetings and events at www.weho.org/calendar.

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Stache closes after three years of serving WeHo

The popular bar and eatery will close its doors on July 13

Published

5 days ago

July 10, 2024

Rob Salerno

Patrons at Stache enjoying a screening of "Romeo + Juliet" on July 8, 2024, hours after owners announced the bar would be closing at the end of the week. (Social media photo)

The popular WeHo bar Stache will be closing its doors for good July 13, its owners announced via social media Monday afternoon.

“Thank you so much for all of your support since day one. Over the last three years, we’ve been a WeHo destination where everyone was welcomed and memories were made. We’ve truly cherished serving you, our community, and appreciate everyone who has been with us for this unforgettable ride,” the owners said in a post on Instagram.

“We have given Stache our best effort, however our operations no longer make sense. It is with great sadness that we must announce that Stache’s last day of operations will be this coming Saturday, July 13th, 2024.”

“We are forever grateful to our amazing team for their dedication and hard work. We hope you’ll join us in supporting them and celebrating Stache’s last week – we’ll forever hold dear the community, friendships, and memories we’ve made.”

Stache’s owners and PR team declined to comment further when contacted by the Los Angeles Blade. A search of Stache’s liquor license shows a clean record that would be good through July 2025.

Stache’s owners signed onto their lease in December 2019, taking over and merging the locations previously occupied by Café d’Étoile and Bumsan Organic Milk Bar. But the COVID pandemic that began three months later put all of their preparation for the bar on hold. It eventually opened in September 2021.

The restaurant originally served only vegan food, but quickly expanded its menu options.

Over the past three years, Stache has evolved into a neighborhood hub that hosted events every night of the week, including classic gay movie screenings, a weekly drink and draw, drag shows, and dance parties.

DJ Jon Klaft, a regular fixture at Stache since he played at its friends and family preview night back in September 2021, says the bar was an important part of the Weho scene.

“Stache has held a very special place in my heart since it opened,” Klaft says. “I’ll continue to DJ at the other bars in Weho, but really hope that whoever takes over the space keeps it a queer venue. I feel like we are losing too many spaces in the neighborhood. I’m so bummed to see stache go.”

Tributes to the bar poured in on social media.

“This wasn’t just a bar to me, this was the space within which I reclaimed a passion and a talent that I hadn’t accessed in over 20 years,” said James Farrell, an artist who was a regular attendee at Stache’s drink and draw events.

“Thank you @stacheweho for giving me my first weekly on the Boulevard! I’ll cherish the moments I had with you and the people I met in your loving walls forever!” wrote drag artist Xoana.

“Always a vibe. Always sexy. Always the most amazing staff!” wrote DJ Ivan Mariscal.

Queer Here Cinema, a monthly networking and screening event for queer filmmakers, has had to cancel its July event, and announced on Instagram that it was looking for a new venue.

Several WeHo venues have changed hands recently, with Roosterfish announcing it would open in the former Pump location, the Abbey relaunching with a new owner, and Heart closing to reopen as Beaches Tropicana.

West Hollywood

WeHo unveils ‘Profit with Purpose’ plan at State of the City 2024

Craig Berberian presented with Ed Levin Award for Design Excellence

Published

2 weeks ago

July 2, 2024

LA Blade Digital Staff

West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson delivers opening remarks at State of the City 2024 on July 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce)

The City of West Hollywood and its chamber of commerce joined forces Tuesday to host the State of the City 2024 event, bringing together community leaders and experts to discuss “Progressive Economics: Putting Progress Back in Progressive.”

The annual gathering, held 1 Hotel West Hollywood, aimed to highlight the city’s achievements, outline future initiatives, and explore strategies for fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the 1.9-square-mile city known for its vibrant culture and diverse community.

Mayor John M. Erickson delivered the keynote address, emphasizing West Hollywood’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.

“Our city continues to be a beacon of progress, combining economic vitality with our core values of inclusivity and sustainability,” Erickson said.

City Manager David Wilson echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re not just talking about progress; we’re actively implementing policies that make West Hollywood a model for progressive urban economics.”

The event featured a panel discussion on progressive economics, moderated by Jonathan K. Wilson, chair of the West Hollywood Social Justice Advisory Board. Panelists included California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, LAEDC President Stephen Cheung, UCLA Anderson School of Management Professor Avanidhar Subrahmanyam, and local business owner Jacob Shaw.

Ma emphasized the state’s role in supporting local economic initiatives.

“West Hollywood’s approach aligns perfectly with our statewide efforts to create an economy that works for everyone,” she said.

From left: West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Genevieve Morrill; WeHo Chamber of Commerce Chair David Wood; Craig Berberian, founder and managing partner of the Empire Property Group; California State Treasurer Fiona Ma; and Jorge Nariño of Levin-Nariño Architects. (Photo courtesy of Willa Cutolo)

Stephen Cheung highlighted the importance of balancing growth with community needs.

“Progressive economics isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating opportunities that uplift all segments of society,” Cheung noted.

A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Ed Levin Award for Design Excellence to Craig Berberian, founder and managing partner of Empire Property Group. The award, named after the late architect and civic leader Ed Levin, recognizes significant contributions to West Hollywood’s architectural landscape.

Upon receiving the award, Berberian expressed his gratitude and commitment to the city’s development.

“This prestigious recognition inspires me and Empire Property Group to continue pushing the boundaries of design, creativity, and innovation,” he said. “Adopting a resident-first approach coupled with a sustainable lens has the power to transform living spaces and enhance the lives of our residents.”

Berberian also praised the city’s leadership, adding, “Thanks to the strong leadership of our mayor, the City Council, and the city manager, the city continues to be a highly desirable place to live, work and play. In a mere 1.9 square miles, it encapsulates rich artistic culture, bustling entertainment, a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, and a tight-knit residential community.”

The event also served as a platform to bid farewell to Deborah Kallick, vice president of government and industry relations for Cedars Sinai Medical Center, who stepped down after 22 years as a chamber board member. Her tenure was marked by dedicated service and significant contributions to the community.

David Wood, chair of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic prosperity.

“Our collaboration with the city government has been instrumental in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities for growth,” Wood said.

Genevieve Morrill, president of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, added, “Events like these are crucial for fostering dialogue and aligning our efforts towards a common goal of a thriving, inclusive West Hollywood.”

The State of the City event comes at a time when many urban centers are grappling with post-pandemic economic recovery and social equity issues. West Hollywood’s focus on progressive economics signals its intent to address these challenges head-on, balancing economic growth with social responsibility.

As the city looks to the future, the discussions and recognitions at this year’s State of the City event reflect a community committed to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. With its unique blend of culture, commerce, and community, West Hollywood continues to position itself as a leader in urban development and progressive policies.

State of the City concluded with networking opportunities for attendees, connecting business leaders, city officials, and community members.

West Hollywood

Q Con Queer comic con returns to WeHo

WeHo Mayor John Erickson & Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers attended the event as Erickson, an admitted comic book nerd, stated this was his favorite

Published

4 weeks ago

June 17, 2024

Special to the LA Blade

Q Con West Hollywood 2024. (Photo Credit: Mike Pingel/WEHO TIMES)

By Mike Pingel | WEST HOLLYWOOD – Over 1000 queer comic book fans hit West Hollywood Plummer Park for the third annual Q Con queer comic book convention this past Saturday, June 15, 2024.

The event was hosted in part by Prism Comics, the nonprofit championing LGBTQ+ visibility, diversity, and inclusion in comics, graphic novels, and popular media. The WeHo Pride event had something for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, including LGBTQ+ books, comics, artists, and meet and greets with authors and cosplay personalities.

Q Con West Hollywood – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES

This year, Q Con included special appearances by X-Men ’97 voice-over actors Holly Chou (voice of Jubilee in X-Men ‘97), Christine Uhebe (voice of Nina Da Costa), and JP Karliak (voice of Morph from X-Men ’97, available from 11 am – 1 pm only); Gui Agustini (voice of Sunspot), and Morla Gorrondona (voice of Lilandra). The actors participated in meet and greets and signed autographs.

There was also a surprise appearance by actor Kevin Caliber, who starred in the movie Surge of Power, which screened at the event. Many may recognize Caliber from his role as Superman in the movie Superman World War. He also appeared in the TV shows Supergirl and Futureman.

The event was larger than in previous years, with more exhibitors on display at the West Hollywood Recreation Center. The expanded programming included comics creators, cosplayers, panels, gaming, photo opportunities, and comics portfolio reviews by comics professionals for aspiring comics creators.

Creators at the event included David Booher (Killer Queens, Ghostbusters), A.C. Esguerra (Eighty Days), Sina Grace (Superman: The Harvests of Youth), Sam Maggs (Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas), Knave Murdock (Transcat), Josh Trujillo (Blue Beetle), William O. Tyler (We Belong), Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes, Hollow), Kendra Wells (Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas), Qweerty Gamers, and more.

Special guests at the Prism Comics table included Tim Sheridan (DC Pride Through The Years; Superman: Man of Tomorrow), Rex Ogle (Free Lunch, Northranger; Four Eyes), Lee Dawn (We Are Frogs), and animated voice actress Valerie Rose Lohman.

West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson and Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers attended the event to show their support. Mayor Erickson, an admitted comic book nerd, stated that this was his favorite programming in the entire WeHo Pride Arts Festival.

The event concluded with a cosplay costume contest. The Joker took first prize, followed by the Green Lantern and an Anime character.

Prism Comics:

Prism Comics is a nonprofit championing LGBTQ+ visibility, diversity, and inclusion in comic books, graphic novels, and popular media.

Founded in 2003, Prism Comics is “LGBTQ+ Comics Central” at San Diego Comic-Con, WonderCon Anaheim, Los Angeles Comic Con, other conventions, and online, providing a safe, welcoming community for LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ friendly comics creators, readers, librarians, educators, and families. Prism has helped foster many comics creators who have become major voices in comics and graphic novels.

For more information, please visit prismcomics.org and @prismcomics.

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Mike Pingel has written six books, Channel Surfing: Charlie’s Angels & Angelic Heaven: A Fan’s Guide to Charlie’s Angels, Channel Surfing: Wonder Woman, The Brady Bunch: Super Groovy after all these years; Works of Pingel and most recently, Betty White: Rules the World. Pingel owns and runs CharliesAngels.com website and was Farrah Fawcett personal assistant. He also works as an actor and as a freelance publicist. His official website is www.mikepingel.com

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

West Hollywood

Final OUTZone patios removed from WeHo’s Rainbow District

During the most acute stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of West Hollywood responded in a variety of creative ways to community needs

Published

4 weeks ago

June 16, 2024

Special to the LA Blade

West Hollywood Rainbow District. (Photo Credit: Paulo Murillo/WEHO TIMES)

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The final four remaining OUTZone outdoor patios in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District were dismantled and removed this past week, marking the end of an era when outdoor patio dining spilled onto Santa Monica Boulevard during the pandemic.

The OUTZone patios were taken down from Beaches WeHo, Tom Tom Restaurant, Fiesta Cantina, and Trunk’s Bar, all located within walking distance of each other.

Beaches WeHo owner Jacob Shaw tells WEHO TIMES that he was able to work out a deal with Koontz Hardware next door and obtained permission to expand their patio area into their property line, so their patio area is wider than before the pandemic. Workers were seen on Wednesday taking the OUTZone apart and making adjustments.

West Hollywood Rainbow District – WEHO TIMES

Tom Tom Restaurant had to revert back to their previous patio space. The restaurant was also trying to meet a deadline to have the OUTZone patio removed by Thursday.

Trunks Bar had their seating area removed right after WeHo Pride weekend. The city also had the concrete K-rails removed, and cars are already taking advantage of the extra parking space in a spot where customers enjoyed drinks for these past three years.

Fiesta Cantina removed portions of their OUTZone but still needs to take down the wood paneling as of the posting of this piece.

Some businesses like La Boheme WeHo had the option to apply to make their OUTZone patios permanent. However, businesses on streets with sidewalks greater than or equal to 19 feet deep were not given this option. Therefore, businesses in the City’s Rainbow District along Santa Monica Boulevard were mandated to revert to pre-COVID-19 sidewalk allowances. They were given an extension to keep the OUTZones past WeHo Pride weekend. Some businesses, like Stache WeHo and Hi Tips, opted to end theirs early at the beginning of the year.

During the most acute stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of West Hollywood responded in a variety of creative ways to community needs as we all navigated the pandemic.

In July 2020, the City began a Temporary Outdoor Expansion Permit (TOEP) program by offering streamlined approval for businesses to use sidewalks, on-street parking spaces, and private parking lots as areas to expand operations while protecting health and safety.

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist. Murillo began his professional writing career as the author of “Love Ya, Mean It,” an irreverent and sometimes controversial West Hollywood lifestyle column for FAB! newspaper. His work has appea

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

West Hollywood

Heart WeHo owners say club will remain open until further notice

It will be business as usual at the former home of Rage Nightclub while the business is in escrow and legal agreements are ironed out

Published

1 month ago

June 15, 2024

Special to the LA Blade

Heart WeHo/WEHO TIMES

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – Heart WeHo nightclub, located at 8911 Santa Monica Boulevard, is not closing anytime soon, say the owners of Beaches Tropicana, the new restaurant and bar set to take over the space near the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard.

It will be business as usual at the former home of Rage Nightclub while the business is in escrow and legal agreements are ironed out.

Beaches WeHo owner Jacob Shaw tells WEHO TIMES that a report stating Heart WeHo was closing after WeHo Pride weekend is false. He said there will be a transition from business to business and that Heart WeHo will remain open through most of it until they may have to close for major renovations.

Partner Paul Nichols added that there will be no disruption to operations and there will not be a farewell party because some partners are staying (Nichols included), and the partners leaving are simply going across the street to Rocco’s WeHo.

In fact, this past Thursday night, Heart WeHo had a busy night with a long line snaking around the corner for an album release party for Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo. There is also a Thank You for Pride Party happening this Saturday.

The Beaches WeHo team has formally announced that a whole new concept called Beaches Tropicana is coming to the former Heart WeHo space in the heart of West Hollywood’s Rainbow District. Renovations are set to kick off after Pride Month celebrations, with the highly anticipated grand reopening slated for Labor Day 2024.

“HEY BEACHES FAM!” reads a post on Beaches WeHo’s social media platforms. “We have some exciting news to share with you all. We’ve officially purchased the venue that is currently Heart WeHo, and Heart’s original partners Lance Bass and Paul Nichols will be joining the Beaches team. Together, we are all excited to transform the space into something truly special. INTRODUCING **BEACHES TROPICANA!”

According to the post, Beaches Tropicana will be their flagship headquarters, combining a full-service Cuban-American restaurant with an entertainment venue where guests can dine, dance, and enjoy top-notch performances, all in one space.

Beaches WeHo at 8928 Santa Monica Boulevard will also be getting a makeover and will be turned into Beaches Baja with a new Tex-Mex menu. According to a press release, the team is in talks with several high-profile chefs and hopes to make an exciting announcement once these plans are finalized.

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

West Hollywood

WeHo Mayor John Erickson graces cover of THE FIGHT Magazine

This interview delves into his personal narrative, celebrating his identity and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community he now calls home

Published

1 month ago

June 10, 2024

Special to the LA Blade

Mayor John M Erickson on the cover of THE FIGHT Magazine (Paulo Murillo/WeHo Times)

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson has landed on the front page of The Fight Magazine.

In this issue, a shirtless Mayor, being interviewed by editor and publisher of WEHO TIMES, Paulo Murillo, speaks about the gay male experience while growing up in Ripon Wisconsin.

The Q&A is part of an ongoing media partnership between the two news outlets. Space is limited in print, so stay tuned for the full unedited online interview coming soon.

Mayor John M Erickson on the cover of THE FIGHT Magazine (Paulo Murillo/WeHo Times)

West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson grew up in the small town of Ripon, Wisconsin where he faced the challenges of understanding his sexuality amidst a backdrop of limited representation and societal expectations.

This interview delves into his personal narrative, celebrating his identity and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community he now calls home as we approach Pride Month in the City of West Hollywood.

How do you identify?

I identify as a very proud gay man. I identify with the historical struggle to come out as a member of what was then the lesbian and gay community or the gay community, and now the full beauty of the rainbow we have today… I’m comfortable in my own body that way, and I fought like hell to be this comfortable and this out with who I am.

When did you know you were gay?

I grew up in a really small town … population like 7,000 people, and I knew I was different at a young age. I want to say middle school. I probably knew I was gay as more versions of LGBTQ identity were coming out on TV. You’re always so fearful of what that is because you’re othered in so many communities. By the time I was in high school, I knew I was gay. And before I went to college, I came out privately to a few close friends. Then when I was a sophomore in college, I came out fully to my family.

How did your family react?

My mother probably took it harder than anyone, but that’s because she grew up at a time when LGBTQ people were further demonized than they are still today. My dad was very stoic and said, “Well, you’re just so good at sports. I don’t understand what’s going on.” He didn’t get it, but I came to be close to them in individual ways. My sisters were extremely supportive in bringing my parents around. Thank God they’re licensed therapists, so they were able to work through it with my mom and my dad. They had a toolbox, and now my parents are some of my biggest supporters. I can’t do what I do without them.

To read the rest of the interview click on the link below:

PRIDE WITH A PURPOSE

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

West Hollywood

Micky’s WeHo fined for Go-Go Dancer performances on Patio

Micky’s WeHo was fined $1,000 & a $75 administrative fee for lacking a special license permit to have go-go dancers in their patio dining area

Published

1 month ago

June 7, 2024

Special to the LA Blade

Micky’s WeHo at 8857 Santa Monica Boulevard was fined $1,000 & a $75 administrative fee for lacking a special license permit to have go-go dancers in their patio dining area. (Photo Credit: Paulo Murillo/WeHo Times)

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – While local bars and restaurants in the Rainbow District hustled to make the most out of WeHo Pride weekend, one of their busiest times of the year, Micky’s WeHo at 8857 Santa Monica Boulevard was fined $1,075.00 when West Hollywood Code Enforcement issued an administrative citation.

This included a $1,000 fine and a $75 administrative fee for lacking a special license permit to have go-go dancers in their patio dining area.

The fine outraged Micky’s owner, Michael Niemeyer, who said he didn’t care about the money but found the policing of his LGBT bar inappropriate during a time meant to elevate and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community he serves.

“I’ve owned a bar since 1978,” he said. “I’ve had my face pushed up against the wall by police officers. I’ve had police batons under my chin while I was being made to produce our liquor license. I’ve seen people get thrown over the bar by police and ABC agents because they were ‘overserved.’ I think of all that when something like this happens. I remember police using their batons to lift women’s dresses to check if they were wearing female underwear. I’ve seen all of that.”

Niemeyer is furious that Code Enforcement entered the establishment during pride weekend, an event he says has been watered down in the past ten years and lost its meaning due to political correctness.

“It’s a big day of the year for us, but there’s a reason for the season,” he said. “People stood up and fought back. Over thirty years ago when I first opened Micky’s, there was sensitivity from the sheriffs and the city. They understood where we were coming from. They can do their fire inspections and safety checks, but don’t do it in the middle of everything. Stay the f*ck out during the pride celebration.”

According to an employee, Micky’s WeHo has always been allowed to have go-go dancers in their patio area for two main West Hollywood events: the WeHo Halloween Carnaval and WeHo Pride weekend. He said they have never needed a special permit nor have they ever been fined in the past 30-plus years, so he doesn’t understand why this year was different.

“They have never fined us before,” he said, asking to remain anonymous. “Meanwhile, look at the hot dog vendors all over the street. Why aren’t they being fined? I saw go-go dancers in the outdoor patios at Beaches WeHo, Heart WeHo, and Stache. Why aren’t they getting fined?”

Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas stated that information-sharing on code enforcement matters is limited. “What I can share is that City staff received a reported concern last Friday evening, May 31, that businesses in the Rainbow District may have been performing entertainment in areas where they had not received approval,” he stated. “The City’s code enforcement team works with businesses when concerns emerge, and the team always makes attempts to gain voluntary compliance.”

According to Rivas, a warning was provided on Friday evening, May 31, regarding entertainment occurring in an area without approval. “The following day, on Saturday, June 1, Micky’s continued with entertainment in the area for which they had been warned the day prior. As a result, City staff issued a citation on Saturday, June 1.”

He added that Beaches WeHo had acquired a special event permit allowing entertainers to perform, and City staff was not made aware of any concerns regarding Stache.

“Regarding street vendors selling hot dogs, City code enforcement officers were deployed,” he added. “They addressed unpermitted street vending, among other issues, on Friday, May 31; Saturday, June 1; and Sunday, June 2, each day between the hours of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. The City did receive reports of unpermitted street vending prior to the 6 p.m. deployment on Saturday, June 1, and we immediately responded to those reports upon conclusion of a late afternoon public safety briefing that day.”

Rivas also stated that it is important to remind the community that it is extremely challenging to address unpermitted street vending, as the State of California passed Senate Bill 946 in 2018 and Senate Bill 972 in 2022. These bills have placed limitations on the ability of municipalities to address unpermitted street vending.

Niemeyer says he disagrees with the citation. He thinks it is incorrect and inconsistent with past years, and he has every intention of contesting the fine with West Hollywood City Hall.

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

West Hollywood

WeHo Pride Arts Festival kicks off with Life in Pictures exhibition

This exhibition is part of the 2024 WeHo Pride Arts Festival featuring LGBTQ+ dance, visual art, performance, literary arts, & more

Published

1 month ago

June 5, 2024

Special to the LA Blade

WeHo Pride Arts Festival 2024 (Montage via WeHo Times)

By Mike Pingel | WEST HOLLYWOOD – WeHo Pride Arts Festival kicks off Friday, June 14, 2024, with LGBTQ+ photography exhibition, Vitam Picturarum (Life in Pictures), exploring the quotidian – framing a snippet of everyday life of and through our queer lens. Expounding on existential issues, tribalism, creativity, love, joy, and more, from the humdrum to the fantastical, with a presentation of well over 30 local and international artists.

The opening reception will take place on June 14, 2024, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Plummer Park, Long Hall, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., featuring a DJ and literary performance by West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Jen Cheng.

This exhibition is part of the 2024 City of West Hollywood’s WeHo Pride Arts Festival and the Queer Biennial, formed in 2014 with a mandate to present and champion a more equitable representation of ever-expanding LGBTQ+ and BIPOC diasporas. The Queer Biennial presents full-fleshed, alternative art experiences representing a wide range of disciplines, including art installation, performance, and film.

There is some free parking at Plummer Park. However, attendees are strongly encouraged to take public transit or rideshare.

Image courtesy of the WeHo Pride Arts Festival

WeHo Pride Arts Festival will take place Friday, June 14, 2024 to Sunday, June 16, 2024 at various locations throughout the City of West Hollywood. First launched in 2008, and formerly known as the One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival, this year’s Arts Festival will feature a stellar range of LGBTQ+ dance, visual art, performance, literary arts, and more. More information will be available in the coming weeks at www.wehopride.com.

WeHo Pride celebrations during June 2024 will include a diverse array of LGBTQ+ community groups as part of visibility, expression, and celebration. The City of West Hollywood invites community groups to take part in WeHo Pride 2024.

Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has become one of the most influential cities in the nation for its outspoken advocacy on LGBTQ issues. Home to the “Rainbow District” along Santa Monica Boulevard, which features a concentration of historic LGBTQ clubs, restaurants, and retail shops, West Hollywood consistently tops lists of “most LGBTQ friendly cities” in the nation. More than 40 percent of residents in West Hollywood identify as LGBTQ and three of the five members of the West Hollywood City Council are openly gay or lesbian.

Pride is deeply rooted part of West Hollywood’s history and culture. In fact, Pride events have taken place in West Hollywood since 1979, five years before the City of West Hollywood was incorporated as a municipality. The City’s embrace of Pride is part of its advocacy for nearly four decades for measures that support LGBTQ individuals, and the City is in the vanguard on efforts to gain and protect equality for all people on a state, national, and international level.

The City of West Hollywood is one of the first municipalities to form a Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board (now LGBTQ+ Commission) and a Transgender Advisory Board, which each address matters of advocacy. As part of its support of the transgender community, the City has a Transgender Resource Guide available on the City’s website.

In 2022, the City of West Hollywood inaugurated WeHo Pride with programming that represents a diverse array of LGBTQ community groups as part of visibility, expression, and celebration. West Hollywood is a community of choice for LGBTQ people from throughout the world and WeHo Pride embraces a source of deep connection for its LGBTQ history and culture.

More information: www.wehopride.com/artsfestival.

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

West Hollywood

2024 WeHo Pride Parade on KTLA 5

Tens of thousands of people gathered in West Hollywood on Sunday for the annual WeHo Pride Parade live streamed on KTLA

Published

1 month ago

June 2, 2024

LA Blade Digital Staff

The mobile Los Angeles Blade billboard advertisement truck marks the end of 2024 WeHo Pride Parade June 2. (Screenshot/YouTube KTLA 5)

WEST HOLLYWOOD – Tens of thousands of people gathered in West Hollywood on Sunday, June 2, for the annual WeHo Pride Parade. Legendary pop singer Cyndi Lauper (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, True Colors) was named the 2024 WeHo Pride Parade Lifetime Ally Icon and joined KTLA’s live broadcast.

The 2024 WeHo Pride Parade on KTLA was live streamed on Sunday afternoon.

Watch:

West Hollywood

Typewriters return to WeHo Pride for 5th annual Pride Poets

Published

2 months ago

May 31, 2024

Special to the LA Blade

Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – This WeHo Pride, be on the lookout for typewriters. LGBTQ+ poetry group Pride Poets will be standing by waiting to listen to your story and turn it into poetry, on the spot, for you to take home.

Pride Poets celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, an accomplishment for this first-of-its-kind program which uplifts the voices of LGBTQ+ writers in direct dialogue with their community. In an age of book bans and LGBTQ+ censorship across the country, Pride Poets gives the community a chance to connect and support these writers, and for the writers to serve their community directly and hear their stories.

You might get a poem from Lambda Literary Award-winner Victor Yates, who himself was a poem-recipient in the program’s first year. Says Yates, “I stumbled across Pride Poets in 2019 and was blown away. It was this moment of literature, and honestly a break, in the middle of the Pride to get to sit down with a poet and have your own life turned into a poem and given back to you – I knew I had to be part of it the next year.”

In its 5 years, Pride Poets has worked with over 200 poets to write more than 3,000 poems for the public. During the pandemic lockdowns, when festivals disappeared, Pride Poets operated a hotline that received over 500 calls during Pride weekend. “This was my Pride, this year,” said one caller, who was isolated in the hospital. Another used the poem written for her and her fiance as the vows for their Zoom wedding. And at the festival, one in every ten or so people who receive a poem cry.

“Writing custom poems for strangers is a revelation,” says Catherine Gewertz, a founding member of Pride Poets, who covers the education beat as a journalist when she’s not churning out poems on a typewriter. “In an age of isolation, it creates surprising, tender bonds that come from feeling seen. As the poet behind the typewriter, I get the gift of these unexpected connections, and the experience of deepening my writing in surprising ways.”

The group is the brainchild of Brian Sonia-Wallace, who started writing for strangers a decade ago at a typewriter and now runs typewriter poetry company RENT Poet. “We write at a lot of straight weddings and corporate events,” Sonia-Wallace says, “so it’s been meaningful to bring this transformative practice back to my community.” Sonia-Wallace has just been announced as a 2024 Rainbow Key Awardee for this work by the City of West Hollywood, where he formerly served as Poet Laureate.

Sonia-Wallace isn’t the only Pride Poet to become a Poet Laureate, with founding members Carla Sameth (Altadena) and Jen Cheng (West Hollywood) receiving this title in the years since the group started and helping to change the narrative of poetry from an ivy tower eccentricity to a powerful tool for community organizing.

In addition to bringing together established writers, Pride Poets serves as an incubator for emerging LGBTQ+ talent, supporting participating poets in publishing, performing, and teaching. Beyond Pride, members have supported each other in writing and beyond, from appearing on a game show together to attending a gay rodeo.

Ironically, many Pride Poets say their experience writing poetry is what has brought them to Pride for the first time, or the first time in a long day. Poets are famously introverts, and Pride can be overwhelming. Equally ironically, many of the poets have embraced their identity as poets for the first time since starting this practice. Many have other writing careers as novelists, journalists, screenwriters. Even founding member Hank Henderson, who ran LGBTQ+ literary series Homocentric at Stories Cafe for ten years, marveled, “I wrote more poems in two days at Pride than I had in the two years before that.”

Pride Poets will be at Booth 135 on Santa Monica Blvd between Huntley and Westbourne 12-7pm, June 1 and 2.

Confirmed poets for 2024 include:

Priya Chatwani; Syd; Catherine Gewertz; Victor Yates; Jen Cheng; Jay Baldwin; Alexia Jasmene; Michael Narkunski; Timothy Nang; Tee; DW; Valerie, darling; José Rios; Jeffrey McCray; Jair Bula and Hank Henderson.

Pride Poets receives funding from the City of West Hollywood. Arts Coordinator Mike Che says, “It’s rare that governmental art funders get to see firsthand the emotional impact of the projects they help bring to life. Throughout the last five years I’ve been blessed to have seen countless tears, hugs, and genuine smiles as a direct result of the amazing work of Pride Poets.”

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