WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city, West Hollywood City Council, and its Public Safety Commission are joining the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, local Fire Stations 7 and 8, and Block by Block Security Ambassadors to remind the public not to drink and drive as the upcoming holiday season arrives.
The PickUp, a free trolley service launched in 2013 is celebrating 10 years this year and a community reception will be held. The trolley runs along Santa Monica Boulevard on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on specific holidays.
The trolley carries people safely to and from bars, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues in and around West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, Center City and Eastside areas.
The reception will take place on Monday, December 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the motor court adjacent to West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. It is free and open to the public to attend and will happen before the regular meeting of the West Hollywood City Council, which will start at 6 p.m.
The PickUp provides more than 100,000 passenger trips each year and connects individuals to the places in the city they want to go. The PickUp reduces driving while intoxicated and eases parking and traffic congestion. Details for riding can be viewed at: www.wehopickup.com.
West Hollywood works year-round to raise awareness about safe driving, distractions, and pedestrian safety. The City’s Drive Mindfully campaign reminds community members to encourage safety in the community whether driving, bicycling, or walking. The City’s Imbibe Intelligently campaign promotes safety tips and messages regarding alcohol consumption and encourages responsibility as the city works to maintain safe establishments that are free from overconsumption of alcohol.
As the holiday season approaches, the West Hollywood Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has issued the following safety tips:
-Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk — or worse, the risk of having a crash while driving.
-If you will be drinking or using marijuana, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins – a designated driver is someone who hasn’t had any alcohol or marijuana, not just the person who drank or smoked the least.
-If you have been drinking or using marijuana, do not drive. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, use a ride share service or public transportation, or call one of your local sober ride home programs.
-Be responsible. If someone you know is impaired, do not let that person get behind the wheel, and do not accept a ride with an impaired person.
-If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station’s Community Impact Team (CIT) actively patrols bars, nightclubs, and hotels. Deputies are proactive in addressing impacts from entertainment establishments and special events. The Sheriff’s Station’s Entertainment Policing Team (EPT) focuses on entertainment and alcohol-related law enforcement issues. Together, the Sheriff’s Station and the City’s Code Compliance Division work with the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to educate businesses and work collaboratively on alcohol-related issues.
For more details about The PickUp Celebrating 10 Years or about West Hollywood’s transit programs contact Douglas Bear Nguyen, West Hollywood Transportation Program Administrator, at (323) 848-6370 or at dnguyen@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.
By Trevor