Tag: West Hollywood

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city is getting the word out about the opening of three new Metro D Line stations, close to West Hollywood. The Metro D Line is one of the region’s subway/underground rail lines, formerly called the Purple Line. It currently runs from Downtown Los Angeles to Koreatown. It will be extended west along Wilshire Boulevard into Beverly Hills. The D Line route will continue west to Century City and Westwood in the future.

On Friday, May 8, new D Line stations will open at three locations: Wilshire/La Brea; Wilshire/Fairfax; and Wilshire/La Cienega. These will directly serve the Mid-Wilshire, Miracle Mile, and Beverly Hills areas and will strengthen connections and mobility options between West Hollywood and surrounding communities. The new stations are a significant milestone for fast, frequent, and reliable rail access for residents, workers, and visitors.

Community members are asked to take advantage of several existing Metro bus lines that provide direct access to and from West Hollywood and connect seamlessly with the new Metro D Line stations:

-Metro Line 212 – north/south on La Brea Avenue with service to the Wilshire/La Brea station;
-Metro Line 217 – north/south on Fairfax Avenue with service to the Wilshire/Fairfax station; and
-Metro Line 105 – north/south on La Cienega Boulevard with service to the Wilshire/La Cienega station.

The routes offer daily frequent service and provide easy north-south travel across West Hollywood, Mid City, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills (Line 105 only) linking riders to the new rail line and the broader Metro system.

Metro bus and rail rides are $1.75 including 2 hours of free transfers between Metro bus and rail routes with further discounts available for seniors, disabled riders, students, and low-income riders as well as frequent riders through automatic daily and weekly fare capping. Qualifying West Hollywood residents who are disabled or over 62 can apply for city-subsidized bus passes for free rides on all Metro buses and trains.

Community members are asked to plan a trip using Metro’s Trip Planner to explore the fastest and most convenient routes.

West Hollywood is planning to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its local transit services such as Cityline to ensure its transit options continue to meet community needs later this year. As part of this effort, West Hollywood will explore opportunities to enhance or expand city-operated transit services, including assessing whether future routes or service modifications may offer more direct connections to the new Metro D Line stations.

In March 2026, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors voted to advance and approve the San Vicente-Fairfax alignment as the locally preferred alternative for the K Line Northern Extension, a major rail project that will, in the future, connect West Hollywood with Mid-City and Hollywood.

Additional details about the Metro D Line extension is available via: www.metro.net/d-line-extension. For information about transit services in West Hollywood visit: www.go.weho.org/transit.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—West Hollywood will host its WeHo Rec Expo & Kids Fair on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. Event booths and activities will be held throughout the park’s outdoor areas and in both Fiesta Hall and Great Hall.

The Rec Expo & Kids Fair is free and open to the public. Attendees can look forward to demonstrations, giveaways, community resource booths, and fun activities for all ages. Highlights include the Kids March: Kids Have Voices, Too! — a march where children create posters and share their voices. Materials will be provided, and no registration is required.

Representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department will be onsite providing public education and information. Attendees can learn all about the city’s recreation programs and events for all ages, community services, and local school and preschool programs!

For additional details about the WeHo Rec Expo call (323) 848-6497 or email recreation@weho.org. For additional information about the Kids Fair call (323) 848-6510 or email humanservices@weho.org or wehocares@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On April 22, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station announced via a post on its Facebook the West Hollywood City Council decided to honor the efforts of the volunteers who worked with the staff of the West Hollywood Sheriff Station. The celebration occurred during the week of April 20 to April 25. The timing of this celebration is being announced because April is National Volunteer Month.

Volunteers do more than work with the West Hollywood Sheriff Deputies. Duties require them to, “assist residents, and show up for major events.” The West Hollywood Sheriff Station is interested in more citizens volunteering with the deputies.

Anyone who is interested should contact the station at (310) 855-8850

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—At 4:22 p.m. on April 21, a post was made on the Facebook page of Friends of Runyon Canyon, a nonprofit group that preserves Runyon Canyon Park, informing people that a wildlife health alert had been issued about sightings of dead squirrels in the park, along with squirrels that look either sick or tired.

Visitors to Runyon Canyon Park should be alert for the bodies of dead squirrels that might be found on park trails. Also to watch out for squirrels displaying unusual behavior or acting tired.

In addition, any visitors to Runyon Canyon Park should “not touch any squirrel, sick or dead, Keep dogs on leash and away from wildlife,” according to the post on the Runyon Canyon Park Facebook page.

Individuals are instructed to wash their hands after leaving the park and to not feed any animals, including squirrels. Anyone who encounters a sick, tired or dead squirrel should call the park ranger at 323-644-6661.

During the call, the park ranger will ask for information about where the sick squirrel was seen and when the squirrel was seen.

It is unknown what is causing the animals to become sick, and it is unclear if their illness is dangerous to humans.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, April 15, the city of West Hollywood announced that Measure E, a Los Angeles County voter-approved Emergency Response and Infrastructure Special Parcel Tax Initiative Ordinance passed in 2024 can provide tax exemption opportunities for eligible residents.

Measure E is a County Measure that supports the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County (District). For Fiscal Year 2026-27, Measure E establishes a parcel tax of $0.0612 per square foot of structural improvements (excluding parking areas) on properties within the district.

Measure E is included in the direct assessment section of property tax bills to support critical public safety needs, including hiring additional firefighters and paramedics, enhancing training, and upgrading emergency response equipment such as helicopters, fire engines, and 911 communication systems, particularly for wildfire prevention and response.

The tax applies to all properties within the district’s service area, including contract cities, such as West Hollywood. It does not apply to cities that operate their own fire departments.

Measure E includes exemptions to support equitable implementation. Low-income seniors 62 years of age and older who own and reside in their home and meet the low-income requirements outlined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development may qualify for a full exemption from the parcel tax; eligible individuals must apply and reapply annually to maintain exemption status.

Properties receiving disaster relief – such as those impacted by wildfires – are not subject to the tax while under that designation. The deadline to apply for the exemption is May 31, 2026.

Residents can review eligibility requirements and apply for the exemption process if applicable. An exemption application form available to assist applicants. Residents can learn more about Measure E and access the exemption application through the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s website at https://fire.lacounty.gov/measure-e.

For more details or for inquiries regarding appeal, exemptions, or applicability, contact the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County Planning Division via email at Fire-Planning@fire.lacounty.gov or by telephone at (323) 881-6151. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On April 14, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that it opened applications for two cultural ambassador roles: Drag Laureate and the City Poet Laureate.

According to a post, the laureates act as ambassadors for West Hollywood’s arts community, which involves engaging with the community and organizing public events.  It also involves putting on performances.

The deadline to apply to become City Poet Laureate is May 13, and the deadline to apply to become Drag Laureate is May 6.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On April 14, at 12:07 p.m., detectives from the Los Angeles County West Hollywood Sheriff Station arrived at 7900 Block of Norton Avenue, in response to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon.

According to the post that was made on the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station Facebook page, the victim was a male who was taken to a hospital. The victim is now listed in stable condition.

The preliminary investigation was conducted by the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department, which found no other victims, but an unknown number of rounds were fired.

The identity of the suspect is unknown. The name of the victim has not been released authorities. The type of weapon used in this assault has also not been revealed.

The case is being investigated by the LASD West Hollywood Station.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, April 7, Luca Scalisi, 59, the chief financial officer of Del Records, was sentenced by a Downtown Los Angeles federal judge for his role in Del Records’ business dealings with a Mexican Criminal Cartel. Scalisi was sentenced to spend eight months in federal prison.

According to the reporting done by WeHo Times, Scalisi is required to pay a $15,000 fine.  Mexican concert promoter Jesús Pérez Alvear, who headed a company named Gallistica Diamante Perez, along with his company, was identified as being involved in drug trafficking by the United States Treasury Department.

This involvement took the form of a musician, contracted to Del Entertainment, performing at concerts promoted by Jesús Pérez Alvear.

Per a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, on August 15, 2025, José Ángel Del Villar, the head of both Del Records and Del Entertainment Inc., Alvear laundered money for both the Los Cuinis drug trafficking organization and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.

Del Villar and Del Entertainment Inc were found guilty on 10 counts of violating the Kingpin Act, which allows the Department of the Treasury to place sanctions on narcotics traffickers and cartels, and also prevents U.S. companies from doing business with them. Del Villar and his entertainment company was also found guilty of committing one count of violating the Kingpin Act. It took the form of conspiring to engage in transaction with a specially designated narcotics traffickers in violation of the Kingpin Act.

In April 2018, the defendants did business with Jesús Pérez Alvear, a.k.a. “Chucho,” of Guadalajara, Mexico, a music promoter who controlled Gallistica Diamante, a.k.a. Ticket Premier. Pérez promoted concerts for Del Entertainment in Mexico until March 2019.

The U.S. Treasury Department listed Pérez and his company as “specially designated narcotics traffickers” under the Kingpin Act on April 6, 2018, after concluding he facilitated money laundering for the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the Los Cuinis drug trafficking organization. The Kingpin Act prevents people in the United States from conducting business with sanctioned persons and entities.

On May 23, 2025, Scalisi pled guilty to committing one count of conspiracy to do a transaction with a specially designated narcotics trafficker. The prosecution was part of Operation Take Back America.

Canyon News reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, for comment on the sentencing of Scalisi and the prosecution that lead to the sentencing, who indicated they had no comment.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Around 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff Station arrived at a building in the 1000 block of North Vista Street in response to a report of an assault conducted with a deadly weapon.

According to the report issued by myNewsLA.com, after arriving on the scene, deputies learned that a person had been shot while out on the balcony.  Deputies took the victim to a hospital for medical attention.

The victim’s name has not been released by authorities or their current condition. The LASD West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station is still investigating the case.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—At 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that it would be celebrating Food Day.

According to the post, the event will take place on Sunday, April 12, at Plummer Park located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Food Day will run from 11 a.m. to 5 P.M.

The purpose of the event is to celebrate sustainability and a healthier and cleaner future.  In addition, according to this post, plant-based food will be served at the food court during Food Day. There will be panels about sustainability and events for children to participate in, along with environmentally friendly vendors.

Sunday, April 12 was selected for Food Day because it falls during Los Angeles Climate Week and Earth Month. Food Day is being sponsored by the city West Hollywood and the Plant Based Treaty Present.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Tuesday, April 7 that it is now accepting applications for its Youth Scholarship Program.

The city is awarding $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are making a difference in their community and planning to pursue higher education. 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 apply, applicants must:
-Be a West Hollywood resident
-Graduate high school (or receive a GED) in 2026
-Have at least 150 hours of community service
-Be accepted to a college, university, or trade/vocational school

West Hollywood’s Youth Scholarship Program is one of the first municipal government sponsored programs of its kind in the country. The program is funded entirely by donations from the community. To support the program, the city encourages donations from community members, organizations and area businesses.

For more details on West Hollywood’s Youth Scholarship program, contact the City’s Human Services Division at (323) 848-6510 or email HumanServices@weho.org.

Applications are due by May 29, 2026. To learn more details and to apply visit: www.weho.org/youthscholarship.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, April 4, the city of West Hollywood will be participating in free Picasso Pets event will provide an opportunity for pet parents to participate in pet-friendly activities and receive event souvenirs while supplies last.

The Picasso Pets event will take place at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Event activities begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m.

Pets must always remain leashed and under the control of their humans. Cats are welcome to attend. For the safety of one’s feline friend, the city encourages cats to be placed inside a carrier, pet backpack, pet stroller, or wearing a harness and leash. In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the Doheny Room located on the second floor of the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center (which is adjacent to the surface level of West Hollywood Park).

The popular caricature drawing activity has met registration capacity; there will be an on-site wait list sign-up beginning at 11 a.m. at the event information booth. Admission from the waitlist is not guaranteed and will depend on availability of caricature artists.

For more details about Picasso Pets contact Susana Salazar, West Hollywood’s Recreation Coordinator, at (323) 848-6479 or at ssalazar@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 26, the Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors met and approved the plan for the proposed project to extend the K Line, one of the light rail lines, through West Hollywood.

According to reporting by KTLA5 in Los Angeles, the extension will be close to 10 miles long.  In addition, it will go through West Hollywood and Hollywood and will also lead to the Hollywood Bowl.  This extension will also connect Mid-City and the Fairfax District with the Crenshaw/Expo line. Once completed, this project is projected to provide a rail connection to tourist sites in Los Angeles.

Over 325,000 residents will be served by the extension and that 100,000 people will ride it each day. There is resistance to the program with some homeowners worried about the tunneling required to construct the new extension.

Residents of Mid-City are concerned about the potential negative impact that this project might have on their quality of life.

Construction of the northern extension will begin in 2041, and it is expected to open to passengers by 2047.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 24, the city of West Hollywood announced that the City Hall will be closed on Monday, March 30.

According to the post made at 5:25 p.m., traffic regulations for street sweeping, towing cars during peak traffic hours, time limits for vehicles parked on the street, and parking meter limits will not be enforced.

Permit parking will be enforced while City Hall is closed. Visitor parking permits can be purchased either at the Kings Road garage or online.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

 

 

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, March 23, the city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page that it is reminding the public about WeHo Loves Locals Gift Card.

Individuals can support West Hollywood businesses and get more for your money with a 50 percent bonus gift card:
• Buy $100 → get $50 bonus
• Buy $200 → get $100 bonus
• Buy $300 → get $150 bonus

While dining out, shopping, or treating yourself, the program provides a way to enjoy more and support local.

During Eat+Drink West Hollywood, using your gift card at participating restaurants or bars automatically enters you to win the Ultimate Culinary Giveaway: 2-night hotel stay + $1,000 gift card. One per person. Available while supplies last.

Eat+Drink West Hollywood runs from March 1 thru March 31. To learn more visit: www.weholocals.com.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD/BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, March 24, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office disclosed that a Los Angeles model and social media influencer has been held to answer on charges of burglarizing the homes of victims she met online.

Adva Lavie, 28, was held to answer March 23, 2026, on two counts of unauthorized use of personal identifying information; two counts of grand theft; one count of first-degree residential burglary with person present and one count of first-degree residential burglary — all felonies — in case 25VWCF01988. She previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.

She is scheduled to be arraigned on April 6, 2026 in Department F of the Van Nuys Courthouse. She is out of custody on an ankle monitor and is ordered to stay away from the named victims.

Prosecutors allege that from 2023 to 2025, Lavie — who is also known as Mia Ventura — used dating apps and cultivated relationships to burglarize and steal from wealthy older men and younger women in Westlake Village, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

She is accused of posing as a girlfriend and travel companion to gain access to victims’ homes and then stealing cash, gold and high-end designer items. If convicted on all counts, Lavie faces up to 11 years, 8 months in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Julia Cohn of the Van Nuys Branch and was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, March 23, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that they’re upgrading traffic signal equipment along Fountain Avenue to improve safety and traffic flow.

Work will take place during normal daytime hours, and traffic signals will be restored before the evening rush hour whenever possible. Traffic signal shutdowns and upgrades are scheduled for the following intersections:

-Tuesday, March 25 — Fountain Avenue & Poinsettia Place
-Wednesday, March 26 — Fountain Avenue & Fuller Avenue
-Thursday, March 27 — Fountain Avenue & Vista Street
-Tuesday, April 1 — Fountain Avenue & Spaulding Avenue
-Wednesday, April 2 — Fountain Avenue & Laurel Avenue
-Thursday, April 3 — Fountain Avenue & Sweetzer Avenue
-Tuesday, April 8 — Fountain Avenue & Olive Drive
-Thursday, April 10 — Fountain Avenue & Olive Drive (one additional day at this location)

This work is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to modernize traffic infrastructure and improve safety and reliability for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

During construction, West Hollywood’s contractor will temporarily shut off power to the traffic signal at each specific intersection being upgraded while work is performed. This shutdown will only affect the traffic signal equipment; no surrounding homes or businesses will lose electrical power.

For more details contact Richard Garland, West Hollywood’s Principal Traffic Engineer, at rgarland@weho.org or (323) 848-6457. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, March 23, the city of West Hollywood announced that they will host a community blood drive in partnership with UCLA Health, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare and medical innovation.

The community blood drive will take place on Friday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Doheny Room at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic & Recreation Center, located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to West Hollywood Library. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Community members may reserve an appointment by visiting the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center blood donor website.

Each year, the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center collects approximately 60,000 blood and platelet donations, supplying roughly 75 percent of the transfused blood used across its hospital system. These donations play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive life-saving care without delay or cancellation, supporting a wide range of medical services.

Since opening in 1975, the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center has served as a vital part of the region’s healthcare delivery system, collecting, processing, and distributing blood products for Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, and Santa Monica UCLA Hospital.

For more details about this event contact Jennifer Del Toro, West Hollywood Community Affairs Supervisor, at jdeltoro@weho.org or at (323) 848-6549. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, March 20, the city of West Hollywood is partnering with regional agencies to improve bus speed, reliability, and rider experience ahead of the LA28 Olympics, and is asking for community feedback.

Share ideas at a Westside Bus Connections Community Workshop on Wednesday, March 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the West Hollywood Aquatics & Recreation Center and on Saturday, March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Culver City Senior Center.

Workshops will cover the same information. Spanish interpretation + light refreshments provided.

The project will explore improvements like bus lanes, signal upgrades, and safety enhancements along key corridors, including Santa Monica Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, and La Cienega/Jefferson. To learn more visit: www.weho.org/calendar.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page on March 21 that the Holloway Interim Housing Program provides safe housing and supportive services for community members experiencing homelessness, and you can help make a difference.

The drop-off event donation will take place on Friday, March 27 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at West Hollywood City Hall Community Plaza.

Items being collected brand new include:

-Hygiene products
-Clothing (socks, underwear, T-shirts, hoodies)
-Linens & bedding
-Individually packaged snacks & drinks
-Phone chargers & basic essentials

The Holloway Interim Housing Program is the result of years of planning under the city of West Hollywood’s Five-Year Plan to Address Homelessness, adopted in 2018 with input from community members, stakeholders, and the West Hollywood City Council. A top priority of the plan was to create supportive service space within city boundaries, including interim housing.

In 2022, West Hollywood received a State of California Homekey grant, which enabled the purchase and conversion of the Holloway Motel into an interim housing and supportive services site. The West Hollywood City Council approved the property purchase using the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and directed staff to begin rehabilitation of the site. Community listening sessions held that year further shaped the program’s design.

To learn more or get involved visit: weho.org/Holloway. For more information or to inquire about available services contact Ascencia at holloway@ascenciaca.org or call (310) 424-5979.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 19, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station announced it will be conducting a traffic safety operation next week.

According to the post on the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station page, the operation will occur on Monday, March 23, starting at 4 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The operation is intended to protect bicyclists and pedestrians.

Deputies conducting this operation will stop West Hollywood drivers who fail to stop or yield at stop signs or stoplights, make illegal turns, speed, or failing to stop for pedestrians or bicyclists.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, March 11, the city of West Hollywood announced that on Saturday, March 14, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., is asking community members with vehicles to participate in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Catalytic Converter Etching event at the Pacific Design Center, located at 8687 Melrose Avenue (enter from 750 N. San Vicente Boulevard).

The event is organized by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station Traffic Unit and LASD Vehicle Theft Task Force. There is no charge for etching, community members may drop-in, and the process takes only a few minutes.

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationwide, with thieves slipping under cars to steal catalytic converters in minutes. The auto part contains precious metals that can be sold to scrap recyclers for a few hundred dollars. Vehicles with higher ground clearances and hybrid vehicles are a favorite target of thieves due to relative ease of removal. Replacing a catalytic converter can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Two new catalytic converter laws went into effect in California at the beginning of 2023 defining who may sell and purchase catalytic converters to help ensure that sellers are the verifiable owners of vehicle parts, and to require a traceable payment method for transactions. The new laws include fines and penalties for those convicted of knowingly and willfully violating these requirements. Increasing guardrails and accountability for offenders is one of many strategies in addressing this crime and its underlying causes.

West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station recommend additional tips to help deter theft, including:

-Park in secure garages or in well-lit areas. If you park in your driveway, install motion sensor lights and security cameras. In public garages and lots, park near the entrance.

-Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device such as a cage or steel plates.

-Install an alarm, either for the whole car or just for the catalytic converter.

-Engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) and phone number on your catalytic converter. It could help law enforcement track and identify the stolen part. Look for free catalytic converter etching events near you.

-Spray-paint your catalytic converter with high-temperature automotive paint. It can alert scrap recyclers to look for VIN etchings.

-Report the theft to law enforcement and your insurance company. Statistics can help pass laws that make it harder for thieves to steal catalytic converters in the future.

To reserve a spot or for more information about the Free Drop-In LASD Catalytic Converter Etching Event call (310) 358-4022.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, March 11, the city of West Hollywood announced it was opening a cooling center in the Plummer Park Community Center Senior Lounge.

According to a statement published on the city’s website, the reason for the activation of the cooling center is the heat advisory issued for Southern California. The cooling center is located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The cooling center will be open on Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  In addition, the Cityline service will be providing free transportation to the cooling center.

For more information about the cooling center contact (323) 848-6530.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 4, the city of West Hollywood released a statement on its Facebook page warning residents that access codes were exposed.

According to the statement, access codes were written inside residential buildings on both the walls and the doors, and the city is informing residents of the danger.  The West Hollywood City Council advises that the codes should be changed, and, in the future, this information should not be displayed in a public space.

No additional details have been released about the type of codes that were displayed, and the buildings where they were displayed.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, February 28, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff Station announced it would increase patrols around places of worship in West Hollywood in response to the bombing of Iran by Israel and the United States.

According to the statement released on its Facebook page, there will be increased patrols around places of worship, as well as other sensitive locations and areas where members of the community gather. The patrols will be conducted by deputies with the LASD West Hollywood Station. There will also be an increased presence at the aforementioned locations.

The West Hollywood Sheriff Station reaffirmed its commitment to not only fighting antisemitism, but also hatred and protecting all of West Hollywood.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, February 24, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station arrested a burglary suspect in the region.

Per the statement released by the West Hollywood Sheriff Station on its Facebook and Instagram pages, the deputies were sent to the east side of West Hollywood after a prowler was reported to the station.

The deputies spied the suspect, who fled. Deputies gave chase, and their pursuit was aided by an air unit that searched the neighborhood from the sky. The suspect was later apprehended. There were no reported injuries during the incident. The name of the suspect has not yet been disclosed to the public.

The investigation into the burglary is ongoing with the LASD.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On January 8, a person was assaulted by a man in West Hollywood, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help to locate the suspect. The assault occurred outside Barney’s Beanery, a bar in West Hollywood.

Per the post, which was released on the Facebook page of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station on Monday, February 23, the victim was taken to a hospital after suffering severe injuries.

The suspect who attacked the victim is a Caucasian male, who is 40 years old and was wearing a blue hat along with black sweatpants and a blue hoodie.

The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station requests that anyone who is aware of the suspect’s location or identity to contact the station or Detective Gonzales by email at c2mgonza@lasd.org or by calling 310-358-4011.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On February 13, packages were stolen from the mailroom of an apartment complex in West Hollywood Heights by people who had impersonated Amazon delivery workers.

The theft was reported to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station by Elyse Eisenberg, who is the head of the West Hollywood Heights Neighborhood Association, who informed West Hollywood Online first about the incident.

The suspect who stole the packages from the complex were caught on the apartment complex’s security camera.

According to Amazon, people are posing as Amazon delivery workers to steal packages across the nation.  Amazon is asking anyone who becomes a victim of such a theft to report it by going to the following website, amazon.com/report a scam or by sending an email to: reporitascam@amazon.com.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, February 24, the city of West Hollywood indicated in an email to Canyon News that it has opened application opportunities for its 2027 Arts Grant Program. The city will host a free virtual Arts Grant Program information workshop for those interested in applying to learn more about the city’s grant-eligibility requirements and application process. The virtual workshop will remain available on the city’s arts grant page.

The Arts Grant Program Workshop will be held online via the Zoom platform on: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. First-time grant applicants and returning organizations with new development personnel are strongly encouraged to attend the Arts Grant Program information workshop to become familiar with the application process.

Virtual office hours will be offered for interested applicants to request a time on Wednesdays between March 4 and June 24 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to speak one on one with the Arts Grant Coordinator. This is an opportunity for applicants to ask specific questions and get immediate feedback.

For 28 years, West Hollywood’s Arts Grant Program has provided grant funding to individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit arts organizations for the production, performance, or presentation of art projects that take place in West Hollywood and serve the community. Applicants may only apply to one Arts Grant category per year.

Artists and organizations interested in applying may visit https://www.weho.org/community/arts-and-culture/arts-grant-program/grant-guidelines-and-applications for more details.

For information about the West Hollywood’s Arts Grant Program visit www.weho.org/arts or contact West Hollywood Grants Coordinator Eva Angeloff at (323) 848-6354 or eangeloff@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—A recent rainstorm in Los Angeles caused a large power outage in the Rainbow District of West Hollywood on Wednesday, February 18. As a result, some businesses in the region were forced to close.

Businesses located on North side Santa Monica Boulevard lost power Wednesday, February 18, while some of businesses on the South side of Santa Monica Boulevard retained power.

The full extent of the power outage has not been disclosed. Details on when the power would be restored in the Rainbow District has not been disclosed.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, February 17, the city of West Hollywood announced that it is providing sandbags to residents and businesses to prepare for heavy rains this week. West Hollywood is offering a limited supply of free sand-filled sandbags that can help direct flowing water away from structures.

Free sandbags are limited to 10 per resident or business while supplies last. They are available for pick-up by appointment at West Hollywood’s Operations Center, located at 7317 Romaine Street. Residents and business owners may call (323) 848-6591 or send an email to phertz@weho.org to schedule an appointment to pick up sandbags on Tuesday, February 17; Wednesday, February 18; and Thursday, February 19 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Sandbags are available only while supplies last.

During rains, stay prepared:

-Keep emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, water, food, a first-aid kit, portable radio, and extra batteries on-hand and easily accessible.

-Clear all drains and rain gutters on your property and dispose of all trash and yard trimmings properly to avoid blocking drains.

-Know how to turn off utilities.

-Monitor forecasts to be aware of weather that may impact the area.

-Subscribe to receive Alert LA County emergency notifications by email or text message by signing up at ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications and subscribe to Nixle public safety alerts by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.

As a reminder, driving in rain can be dangerous. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. Adjust driving style for wet roads and reduced visibility. The following tips will help ensure driving safely during rainy days: adjust travel plans; slow down; turn on headlights; use windshield wipers; maintain a safe distance; avoid heavy braking; watch for standing water and do not cross flooded roadways; let off the accelerator when hydroplaning; and ventilate your car during rain.

To report storm-related issues in West Hollywood, contact (323) 848-6375. For more details about structural damage or potential hillside slope movement contact the City’s Building and Safety Division at (323) 848-6320. Report gas leaks or damage to the Southern California Gas Company by calling (800) 427-2200. To report a power outage, call Southern California Edison at (800) 611-1911. Report downed power lines or other emergencies by calling 911.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page that there will be a community rally plus news conference for support of the San Vicente-Fairfax Route for Metro’s K Line Northern Extension.

The Metro Board is approaching a key decision on the final route for the project (or locally preferred alternative) in the coming weeks. Only the San Vicente-Fairfax route will serve all the major destinations and job centers in Central Los Angeles and West Hollywood while moving more riders and unlocking local funding.

Metro is currently studying which of the three remaining alternative routes the project should take. The La Cienega/Beverly and Santa Monica/San Vicente stations would only be included in the project if Metro selects the San Vicente-Fairfax route. The Santa Monica/Fairfax station would only be included if Metro selects the San Vicente-Fairfax or Fairfax routes. If you want Metro to include these stations email them at klinenorth@metro.net.

The route provides more stations, more riders, and more connections to West Hollywood and further. At the event there will be:

-Coffee & pastries
-Free t-shirts, pins & signs (while supplies last)
-Use code “METROWEHO” to get $10 off a Lime scooter or e-bike ride

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect West Hollywood to jobs, destinations, and the entire region. The event will be hosted at West Hollywood Park located at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. on Thursday, February 12 at 8 a.m. To learn more details, visit: www.weho.org/metro.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood shared on its Facebook page on February 5 that feedback is still wanted on the Plummer Park Comprehensive Improvement Plan through the new interactive StoryMap engagement website.

Individuals can learn what has been heard so far about open spaces, historic buildings, community amenities, and improvement ideas — then add input at the end of each section.

“Previous park master plans called for changes that are no longer feasible and new goals regarding climate resilience, sustainability, and the preservation of historic and cultural resources have emerged.

Over the course of the next few years, the City of West Hollywood will be crafting a new, community-driven plan for Plummer Park, and your input will be valuable in this process. How can we ensure that Plummer Park continues to meet the needs of its diverse community while remaining the vibrant place it is today, honoring its history, and adapting to the future needs of the community,” stated the Engage West Hollywood Plummer Park website.

The Plummer Park Comprehensive Improvement Plan is intended to be highly participatory, with the goal of developing a new community-driven park plan with broad stakeholder support. The team will utilize both physical and digital strategies to hear from a wide range of community voices, forming an iterative process with numerous opportunities for input and feedback.

The planning process will be carried out in two phases:

-Phase 1 will focus on community engagement and a thorough analysis of park programming and uses.
-Phase 2 will include further community engagement and the development of a Comprehensive Improvement Plan for the Park.

The public is asked to share thoughts by Friday, February 20. To learn more details, visit: www.go.weho.org/plummerparkplan.

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, February 6, two cars crashed into each other in West Hollywood, and as a result of this collision, an elderly man who was one of the drivers injured.

According to the West Hollywood Times, the crash involved two cars at 7:30 p.m. on the Eastbound side of Santa Monica Boulevard.  According to the same report, one of these vehicles hit a tree outside the Mother Lode bar in West Hollywood.

Emergency vehicles arrived, and first responders treated those who were wounded in the chaos after they closed off the East Bound side of the Boulevard. Minimal damage done to the second vehicle.

According to the West Hollywood Times, the first responders treated the injured elderly man and took him to the hospital.  The crash and debris left behind caused a traffic jam on the Eastbound Side of Santa Monica Boulevard.

Eastbound Lanes were closed on Friday night so the car crash could be investigated and the debris cleared. Names of the drivers have not been released.

 

By Danny Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, February 4, a man was arrested in West Hollywood on suspicion of felony animal abuse after he attacked and injured the dog owned by his roommate.

According to the reporting done by NBC 4 Los Angeles, the name of the suspect is Eduardo Byrnes, and the name of the dog is Scooter.  

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood station arrived at the apartment building on Tuesday night after they received a report of an abused animal.

The animal suffered injuries to both his eye and his rib as he was already paralyzed. Byrnes, 33, was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, and an initial court date has been scheduled for Friday, February 6. Scooter is a 7-year-old Terrier, who was taken to a veterinarian’s office for medical treatment and later taken home to recover.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On February 2, the city of West Hollywood announced that it is launching its Restaurant Grant Program to help restaurants in the region with grants of up to $12,500 per business, as outlined below.

Before developing the program, city staff conducted more than 70 individual outreach meetings with West Hollywood restaurant businesses. The efforts included one-on-one assistance and support, solicitation of feedback on potential programs and initiatives, and business retention strategy sessions. The Restaurant Grant Program directly responds to feedback regarding ongoing economic transitions and rising operating costs by providing a short-term immediate infusion of funding during a historically slower time period for foot traffic and sales volume.

To fund the program, West Hollywood allocated $250,000 in General Fund resources, approved by the West Hollywood City Council at its adjourned meeting on January 20, 2026.

The Restaurant Grant Program application opens Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 8 a.m. Grant awards will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, in the order applications are received, subject to verification of eligibility and demonstrated financial need. The online application will be available at www.weho.org/business. The application period will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 19. Applicants will be notified of their grant status in March 2026.

Eligibility criteria for the Restaurant Grant Program includes:

-The restaurant must be located within the municipal boundaries of West Hollywood, have commenced operations prior to January 1, 2025, and be in good standing with a current City Business Tax Certificate and Business License;

-The restaurant must be a brick-and-mortar business with at least one physical location within the City of West Hollywood that customers can visit in person;

-The restaurant may not be hotel-based or located within a hotel; and

-The restaurant must have been impacted by economic conditions and be able to demonstrate financial hardship related to lease obligations, operating costs, or revenue decline.

Restaurant Grant Program applicants are required to complete the online program application, submit a written statement describing the restaurant’s current financial position, and upload supporting documentation. Required documentation includes: a completed Form W-9, most recent tax returns, and a 2025 profit and loss statement. Restaurants approved for grant funding must also execute West Hollywood’s Grant Agreement prior to the disbursement of grant funds.

Grant award amounts will be based on the total square footage of the restaurant, as follows (additional details are provided in the application):

-$7,500 for restaurants under 1,250 square feet;
-$10,000 for restaurants between 1,251 and 2,000 square feet; or
-$12,500 for restaurants larger than 2,000 square feet.

For more information about West Hollywood’s Restaurant Grant Program contact Paolo Kespradit, West Hollywood’s Business Development Manager, at (323) 848-6556 or pkespradit@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, February 2, three vehicles collided in West Hollywood at Santa Monica Boulevard and Larrabee Street.

According to WEHO Online, this traffic collision occurred early on Monday morning, where a witness indicated a black SUV collided with a black sedan near Revolver Video Bear, then hit a third vehicle in front of Fiesta Cantina.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station is asking any member of the public with information regarding this collision that occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard contact the station at (310) 855-8850.

 

By Daniel Diquinzo

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Genevieve Morrill, the long-term Chief Executive Officer and the president of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is stepping down from that role after 15 years of service.

She released a message to the West Hollywood Community and the Chamber of Commerce, informing them of her decision to step down from her post.  In the message, she thanked the members for the trust and friendship they had given her and used it to endorse Len Lanzi, who succeeded her in the role. The departure marks the end of Morrill’s 25 years in West Hollywood.

She moved to West Hollywood in 1999 and worked for the ownership of the Pacific Design Center. The Board of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce named her Chief Executive Officer and President in 2010, and she led the Chamber of Commerce through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morrill helped to develop the Eat. Shop. Play West Hollywood which was intended to help promote local businesses.

During her time in her role, the Chamber of Commerce created a Small Business Task Force, which developed the West Hollywood Small Business Initiative, aimed at both making it easier for businesses to operate in West Hollywood and preserving the city’s tradition of boutique businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce launched the My WeHo: Keep WeHo Open initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of its initiatives was to pay tribute to the businesses that closed.

Morrill also helped create WeHo for the People, an advocacy group that seeks to bring together businesses and residents of West Hollywood and to promote shared community priorities.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Around 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, two men tried to rob a house on North Poinsettia Place in West Hollywood, between Santa Monica Boulevard and Fountain Avenue, but were driven off by the residents. The suspects broke through a window and then entered the building while wearing masks.

They were confronted by a resident who had come down from the upstairs level, and then the robbers fled in a vehicle described by the authorities as either a black BMW X1 or X2, with a license plate starting with 51, and they travelled north.

The attempted robbery was witnessed by neighbors from the adjacent duplex unit, who were out barbecuing in their backyard.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station arrived and secured the scene.

According to Deputy Costales of the West Hollywood Sheriff Station informed West Hollywood Online that deputies sought to gather evidence from the scene. The individual who confronted the robbers was not injured. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

Anyone with information the incident should contact the LASD West Hollywood station at West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850. Anonymous tips can be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, January 13, Glenn Bednarsh, a former Beverly Hills resident who once owned a pawnshop and was involved in an effort to sell a stolen trial Andy Warhol print, was sentenced.

Back in September 2025, he pleaded guilty in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom to making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation about his role in the effort.

Bednarsh was sentenced to 6 weeks of community service as part of a plea agreement.  As part of this agreement, Bednarash admitted that he lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation when he said that his co-conspirator, Brian Alec Light, stored the stolen Warhol print.  In addition, he admitted that the reason this transpired was financial gain, not friendship, as he claimed to the federal investigators.

The Warhol print is one that depicts Soviet Union leader Vladimir Lenin, and it was stolen back in 2021.

According to federal prosecutors, Glenn bought it in February 2021 for $6000, after which he decided to sell it and asked his co-conspirator, Brian Alec Light, to help, and according to the prosecutors, this prompted Light to reach out to the Beverly Hills office of a Dallas auction house about selling the Warhol print.

Following this, Light told Bednarsh to take the print to the Beverly Hills office so that it could be transported to Dallas where it would be inspected and then sold at auction.

A worker at the Beverly Hills office contacted the gallery in West Hollywood to get its opinion of the artwork, and the gallery recognized it as the one that had been stolen.  This prompted the gallery to notify the Dallas auction house that the Warhol print was stolen artwork and to notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the start of a federal investigation into the theft.

Brian Alec Light, 59, is also a resident of Los Angeles. In November 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods, and last month, he was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay roughly $1,915 in restitution.

One of the requirements of his sentence was that Light admit that he lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation back in 2021, when the FBI started investigating the theft of the print, by telling the FBI that he bought the Warhol print at a Culver City garage sale and paid $18,000 for it. He showed the agents a receipt that was fake.  The plea agreement also required Light to surrender the Warhol print, which the investigators later recovered.

This print was stolen several years ago from a home in Los Angeles County, but prosecutors do not believe the two men stole it from its original owner.

In addition, the print is number 44 of 46 by Andy Warhol and is worth about $170,000. No suspects in the theft of this print have been publicly identified by authorities.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, January 12, the city of West Hollywood announced that the 2026 Winter Sounds Free Indoor Concert Series will take place on select Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. between Saturday, January 24 and Saturday, February 21. They will be held live at the Sun Rose at the Sun Rose West Hollywood, located at 8430 Sunset Boulevard. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts begin at 7 p.m. Early arrival is strongly encouraged as space is limited.

On Saturday, January 24, at 7 p.m. the Winter Sounds Concert Series will kick off with Ghost-Note + Katalyst Collective. Headed by Snarky Puppy’s multi-Grammy-winning percussion duo of Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, Ghost-Note is an explosion of sound. With an expansive roster of next-level musicians whose members have performed with Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Marcus Miller, Prince, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, and Toto. The band is pushing funk music into the future. pioneering foundations laid out by the likes of James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone and infusing their fresh take with tastes of afrobeat, hip-hop, psychedelia, world folklore, and more.

Every decade or so, a new band emerges that changes the course of music. This decade is no exception, marked by the rise of one of the most talented and diverse collectives of musicians, writers, composers, and producers known as Katalyst Collective. The brainchild of world-renowned drummer, composer, and producer Greg Paul, the group’s members have worked with some of the most iconic names in music, including Roy Ayers, Beyoncé, Lupe Fiasco, Jay-Z, Solange Knowles, Usher, and more. This nine-piece ensemble delivers an eclectic mix of experimental contemporary jazz that pushes the boundaries of the genre.

On Saturday, February 7, at 7 p.m. the next concert in the series will feature Mark de Clive-Lowe and Nanna.B. Mark de Clive-Lowe is a genre-bending pianist, producer, and composer known for fusing jazz with elements of electronica and live remixing. A longtime fixture in LA’s music scene, he’s collaborated with Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Eric Harland Harvey Mason, and Moodymann and played stages from the Hollywood Bowl to Grand Performances and the legendary Blue Whale.

Nanna.B is a Danish-born singer, songwriter, and producer known for crafting genre-defying soundscapes that blend lush, atmospheric production with her golden vocals and poetic storytelling. Her eclectic sound, rooted in Pop, R&B, Soul, and electronic music, has drawn the attention of influential artists and tastemakers including the Boiler Room collective, Hodgy, Anderson .Paak, Raphael Saadiq, and Soulection. She has been featured on global platforms such as Beats 1, Vice, and Highsnobiety, with her music receiving international airplay on stations such as KCRW, Jazz FM, and BBC Radio.

On Saturday, February 21, at 7 p.m. the Winter Sounds Concert Series finale will feature Nikka Costa and the Julian Forest Trio. Nikka Costa, daughter of legendary producer and arranger Don Costa. With a string of critically acclaimed albums, beginning with her 2001 Virgin Records debut a “Everybody Got Their Something,” Nikka emerged as a luminary in the “nu-soul” landscape, known for her signature blend of American soul, funk, and rock, a captivating fusion uniquely her own.

The Julian Forest Trio blends soul, blues, and rock into powerful, groove-driven performances. With emotive vocals, dynamic guitar work, and tight rhythms, the trio channels influence such as Leon Bridges and Brittany Howard while crafting a sound that is both raw and uplifting.

West Hollywood’s 2026 Winter Sounds Concert Series is organized by the city’s Arts Division. Winter Sounds concerts are free and indoors, and guests must be 21 years of age and older to attend. RSVP is recommended. RSVP does not guarantee admittance. Seating is first-come, first-served, limited to availability.

$15 validated valet parking at the Sun Rose West Hollywood is available for the first 100 attendees and then $20 flat rate parking for any additional attendees. Street parking may also be available, read local street signage. Rideshare is suggested. For additional information about the performers and to view the series, please visit www.weho.org/wintersounds

For more details about Winter Sounds contact Joy Tribble, West Hollywood’s Arts Specialist, at (323) 848-6360 or at jtribble@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, January 6, a two-vehicle crash occurred in West Hollywood, where an alleged drunk driver was arrested. The Los Angeles Fire Department received a call about the crash at 12:13 a.m.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Fountain Avenue and Fairfax Avenue. The vehicle driven by the suspected drunk driver collided with another car.  Afterwards, the drunk driver allegedly tried to escape from the scene, causing him to then crash into a building on Fountain Avenue and Orange Grove Drive.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station responded to the scene and detained the alleged drunk driver. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, January 6, the city of West Hollywood invited the community to participate in the global Veganuary campaign that aims to get people to try plant-based eating during the month of January. (Vegan + January = Veganuary). Any effort to try eating plant-based meals in January is welcomed.

The official Veganuary campaign website has a variety of resources available including recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, as well as nutrition tips and impact reports. A 2010 United Nations report stated that a global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, energy poverty, and the worst impacts of climate change. Eating vegan provides is energy efficient and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than raising animals to consume.

In 2024, West Hollywood committed to offering vegan food as a default option at city events where food is offered to attendees and the city has joined hundreds of corporations and nonprofits by joining the #veganuaryworkplacechallenge where staff can voluntarily join the Veganuary movement. City employees, residents, visitors, and local businesses are encouraged to join millions worldwide in trying some vegan meals this January.

Veganuary in West Hollywood will include social media posts to encourage residents and businesses to come together to participate in this challenge to raise awareness about the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of plant-based diets.

To support residents and visitors interested in participating, the West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board (Visit West Hollywood) published a dedicated website page with information about vegan and vegetarian restaurant options in West Hollywood. This resource showcases West Hollywood’s diverse and vibrant plant-based dining scene and provides helpful information for those looking to try new restaurants during Veganuary. For details, visit: https://www.visitwesthollywood.com/stories/best-vegan-vegetarian-food-west-hollywood/.

For additional information about West Hollywood’s Veganuary initiative contact Andi Lovano in West Hollywood’s City Manager’s Office, at (323) 848-6333 or at alovano@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station are investigating the death of a man who was found seriously injured near the London West Hollywood Hotel, on Thursday, January 1.  The individual was later transported to a local hospital where he died.

Deputies from the West Hollywood Station were dispatched before 10 a.m. after receiving a report of a man found on the sidewalk in the 1000 block of Larrabee Street. When deputies arrived, they found him bleeding out on the sidewalk.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has not released the man’s identity.  Authorities have not released any information about the cause of the man’s death or how the man was injured. The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Division.

The LASD is asking anyone with details on the incident to contact the Homicide Bureau at (323) 526-5500.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Marlene Esquivel, 41, is a member of West Hollywood’s Social Justice Advisory Board was arrested on a domestic violence charge by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.

The West Hollywood Times first reported she was arrested on December 29. She was booked at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, and her arrest was related to “corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant,” the WeHo Times reported.

According to records, she was held on $50,000 bail before her release. Esquivel was sworn into office in May 2025. No details on the circumstances of her arrest have been disclosed to the public.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, December 29, a power outage affected power to West Hollywood’s City Hall, forcing the facility to shut down and close to the public. Crews worked to restore power to the facility.

Backup generators are now operating, but full power has not been restored to the building, and it remains closed to the public.

City services will continue to operate, with staff working either at other city facilities or remotely.  In addition, signs have been posted at West Hollywood City Hall to inform visitors that City Hall remains closed.

West Hollywood City Hall will release updates regarding the status of power being restored to the building to the public.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, December 29, the city of West Hollywood announced that they are spreading the word about end-of-year tree recycling information.

The city’s solid waste hauler, Athens Services, will have no pickup of trash on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026; services will be provided one day later than the regularly scheduled pickup day.

Holiday trees are 100 percent recyclable. Athens Services will collect holiday trees on regular pickup days through Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Tips to ensure collection of your holiday tree: remove stands, ornaments, lights and tinsel; place holiday trees at the curb; trees over six feet in length must be cut in half; trees with flocking or fire retardants will not be accepted; and please do not leave the tree in a plastic bag as the bag gets caught in the chipper blades. Trees not picked up during the recycle window must be cut up and placed in yard waste containers.

Gift boxes, wrapping paper, and other paper packaging can be recycled with regular paper and cardboard recycling.

Residents should take old electronics to a collection center such as the UCLA S.A.F.E. Drop-Off Center (call 1-800-773-2489 for more information), or may schedule an e-waste pickup with Athens Services. For details, please visit the City of West Hollywood’s website Trash and Recycling page: www.weho.org/city-government/city-departments/public-works/environmental-services/trash-and-recycling.

Bulky or large items, such as refrigerators, carpet, and wood, can be picked up at no charge to residents, limited to a maximum of two items. Contact Athens Services directly at (888) 336-6100 for details and to arrange pickup.

Residents are asked that they DO NOT place extra trash and recycling on the ground with your bins or carts. They should contact Athens Services to schedule extra services to accommodate your extra trash and recycling.

For more details, or to arrange for extra trash and recycling services, please contact Athens Services’ Customer Service Office at (888) 336-6100. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is a co-sponsor for, #BOOM!2026–An Evening in Oz, a New Year’s Eve celebration, organized by the Institute for Public Strategies (IPS). IPS leads the Safer WeHo Coalition, which is dedicated to reducing and preventing substance use-related harm within the West Hollywood community. By offering innovative alternatives to traditional nightlife activities, the Safer WeHo Coalition fosters environments that promote community engagement and healthier lifestyles.

#BOOM!2026–An Evening in Oz will take place Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 8:30 p.m. and it will run until 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The celebration will be held at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The event is free and open to attendees 18 or older. Advance registration is encouraged; to reserve your spot visit www.eventbrite.com/e/boom-tickets-1968302841785.

Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall will be transformed into a dazzling Emerald City, coming alive with decorations, light refreshments, music from a DJ, and a photobooth to capture all the memories and friends made along the Yellow Brick Road.

The PickUp will be operating from 8 p.m.-3 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. The service runs along Santa Monica Boulevard, and the closest stop to Plummer Park is at Santa Monica Boulevard and Gardner. Visit wehopickup.com for more route information.

Since 2014, West Hollywood has co-sponsored alcohol- and drug-free New Year’s Eve experiences. The city is committed to programs that support people in connecting to recovery services in the community. West Hollywood previously partnered with IPS to bring forward events such as #BOOM, #SIZZLE!, and, most recently, Novemberfest to support the sober community in West Hollywood. For more information about substance use and addiction recovery resources visit www.weho.org/services/human-services/programs-and-services.

For details about #BOOM!2026–An Evening in Oz, contact Jennifer Del Toro, West Hollywood Community Affairs Supervisor, at jdeltoro@weho.org or at (323) 848-6549. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Around 4 a.m. on Friday, December 26, heavy rain caused a tree to fall in West Hollywood and crush a vehicle that was parked near the owner’s home.

The incident occurred on West Knoll Drive near Melrose Avenue.  Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to the scene. This driver refused to reveal his identity as he wants to remain anonymous.

The resident has lived in West Hollywood for the past 3 years. It was reported the vehicle was purchased one year ago.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Southern California was besieged by torrential rain during the Christmas week holiday.  A sheriff’s deputy was killed in a crash on a road near Sacramento, and a man was killed by a falling tree in San Diego. The total amount of rainfall has broken records as the wettest in California in decades.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service, the storm brought continuous rainfall for hours.

So far this season, Downtown Los Angeles received 10.83 inches of rain.  Last session, the area received 0.16 inches, and during a regular season, the area received 3.99 inches.

During the storm, 3.56 inches of rain have fallen in Downtown Los Angeles. In addition, Beverly Hills over the last few days received 3.90 inches of rain, Bel Air has received 4.36 inches, Eagle Rock Reservoir received 5.82 and the Eaton Fire received 9.66.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—A fire that broke out at Roosterfish Bar, which is located on 8948 Santa Monica Blvd. in the city’s Rainbow District, is being investigated by arson investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station.

The fire transpired on Wednesday, December 17, where deputies were dispatched. The fire occurred on the side of the building, which is located on North Robertson Boulevard.

According to a social media post by a security guard at a nearby nightclub, the staff were alerted about the fire by a customer, allowing it to be put out before any significant structural damage was caused. No injuries were reported. All of the patrons and staff were evacuated safely.

The security guard who made the social media post also claimed that the fire was started by a homeless person. In addition, there have been reports that this individual vandalized other local businesses, but none of this has been confirmed by the authorities.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—A rainstorm is expected to hit Southern California this week, and West Hollywood is expected to be impacted on Tuesday and on Christmas Eve on December 24. There is slight chance of rain on Christmas Day.

According to the National Weather Service office based in Los Angeles and Oxnard, the rain will start on December 23 in the evening, and it will become widespread. The storm will continue for most of Wednesday.

It is estimated that 1 to 2 inches of rain will hit the coast and valleys through Wednesday, with even more rain near the valleys. In addition, there is a 30 percent chance of 4 or more inches. According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance of an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain on Thursday, Christmas Day.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, December 15, the West Hollywood City Council met and held a unanimous vote electing John Heilman as the new Mayor of West Hollywood. In addition, Council Member Danny Hang was elected as the new vice mayor of the city. They will serve from 2026 to 2030.

John Heilman has served on the city council since 1984. He has also served several terms as Mayor. In addition, he teaches law at both Southwestern Law School and the University of Southern California, and he serves on the boards of several local and international nonprofits.

In November 2024, Hang was elected to the West Hollywood City Council. His parents are Chinese-Vietnamese refugees, and he was born in Southern California. He has degrees from the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University. Beyond working in Los Angeles County helping permanently disabled veterans he also serves on various city council subcommittees and state and county advisory boards.

The new Mayor and Vice Mayor will be sworn in at the City Council Reorganization Meeting, that will be held on January 12, 2026.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, December 9, Gold Tree Studios, a Hollywood post-production company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Gold Tree Studios was founded three years ago by the entrepreneur Tim Chonacas and deceased film producer William Immerman. Its flagship location is located on the Sunset Strip. According to its bankruptcy filing with the federal California bankruptcy court, Gold Tree Studios is filing under Subchapter V of Chapter 11. This is because it has filed as a small business. In addition, it has between 1 and 49 creditors, and the company also possesses between $100,000 and $500,000 in assets, as well as $1 million and $10 million in liabilities. Gold Tree Studios is one of several subsidiary companies that comprised of the studios parent company, Gold Tree. The studios bankruptcy filing does not indicate the cause of the studios financial situation.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 29, around 9 p.m., two men broke into a home in West Hollywood. After failing to break open the patio door, the burglars shattered the kitchen window and entered the home. The burglary was captured on both surveillance video cameras and on the resident’s cat camera. The burglars ransacked the house, stealing a box containing rings that belonged to the resident’s mother, who died last year, along with holiday gifts, shoes, and handbags. The stolen jewelry included family heirlooms, tied to generations of family memories. Details about the female victim have not been disclosed to the public. She hopes to recover the ring her mother wore every day. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station is asking anyone with information that can lead to the capture of the burglars or who can recognize the burglars to contact them at 310-855-8850.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, December 1, the West Hollywood City Council met and voted 4 to 1 to allow the use of delivery robots, also known as personal delivery devices (PDD), in the city. The decision formalizes operating agreements between West Hollywood and the companies Serve and Coco, which will start on January 1, 2026. It creates a permanent program that will raise the compliance threshold for the use of such robots under the Americans with Disabilities Act. These agreements will require the companies that make the robots to conduct regular accessibility audits of their robots and will subject them to more substantial penalties for robots that block the right of way and control the number of robots that can be deployed in West Hollywood. All the money that will be raised from advertising fees, operating fees, and penalties for violation of the agreement will be used to upgrades to make West Hollywood more accessible for disabled individuals. Under this agreement, the personal delivery machines will only be allowed to operate between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Also, the machines will need to linked to the West Hollywood’s City Service system so that reports of stalled robots or ones that are blocking sidewalks can be reported. The Disabilities Advisory Board voted against the use of robots due to concerns that the sidewalks and intersections are to narrow for the robots and wheelchairs to safely pass through.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On December 3, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that the West Hollywood City Council of announced its selection of Jackie Rocco to serve as the City’s next City Manager. The announcement was made during the regular meeting of the City Council on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Rocco, who currently serves as Assistant City Manager for West Hollywood, will take over for David Wilson, who announced that he will be retiring from the position of City Manager in January 2026.

The City Council will consider approval of an employment agreement at the Monday, December 15, 2025, regular meeting of the City Council. Rocco was selected following an extensive recruitment process conducted by the City Council.

“The selection of Jackie Rocco as our next City Manager is especially meaningful for all of us in West Hollywood who have had the joy of knowing her and working with her,” said West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers. “Over the past several months, the city conducted a comprehensive national search and screened more than 70 talented candidates. In the end, it was clear that Jackie brings not only exceptional expertise, but also an unmatched commitment to the West Hollywood community. We are confident that we’ve chosen the very best person to help guide our city forward.”

Rocco has over 27 years of executive and management experience in both the private and public sectors, and nearly 18 years of local government service to the West Hollywood community and currently serves as the City’s Assistant City Manager, a role in which she provides leadership, executive direction, and oversight of City operations and services; ensures that City government responds to the needs of the community in a timely and effective manner; and enables City management and staff to work collaboratively and creatively in addressing the issues and concerns of West Hollywood’s constituency.

Before becoming Assistant City Manager, Rocco was the City’s Deputy City Manager focused on development impacts and the oversight and coordination of the efforts of the Departments related to private and public infrastructure and development in the city. The development impacts team is comprised of the departments of Economic Development, Public Works, Community Development, and related to this, the Property Development Division and Urban Design & Architecture Studio Division.

Rocco served as the City’s Director of Public Works and was responsible for leading the Department’s three Divisions at that time: 1) Engineering; 2) Neighborhood & Business Safety (Code Enforcement); and 3) Parking Services.

Her tenure in West Hollywood in 2008 as the City’s Parking Operations Manager overseeing parking enforcement, on-street and off-street parking, permit parking, and taxi operations. She transitioned to the Economic Development Department as its Business Development Manager responsible for managing programs and services to support the West Hollywood business community, before joining the Department of Public Works.

Rocco holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Urban Planning from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

For more details contact Andi Lovano, West Hollywood Assistant to the City Manager, at alovano@weho.org or at (323) 848-6333. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 10, Commissioner George Nickle, a member of the West Hollywood Public Safety Commission, announced his resignation as he and his husband are moving from West Hollywood. His resignation leaves an open seat on the commission. Anyone who lives in West Hollywood and has a ties to the community are eligible to serve as a commissioner. The individual cannot be a City Officer or a City Employee. In addition, if a commission member is absent for more than three regular meetings in a year, the commission may declare the seat vacant. The term will start on March 1st. The West Hollywood Public Safety Commission was established in 1989. It meets once a month. The commission is comprised of 7 members: 2 are chosen by the West Hollywood City Council, and councilmembers appoint the other 5 members. Each term lasts for 2 years.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 26, the flagship SKIMS STORE, owned by Kim Kardashian, known for the show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and her relationship with Kanye West, was vandalized. A man was arrested later that morning for felony vandalism. The flagship SKIMS store is located west of La Cienega Boulevard. It carries Kim Kardashian’s clothing line, which includes shapewear, underwear, and loungewear. Deputies of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene around 5 a.m. after receiving a report of a man spray-painting the store, which opened in April 2025. The walls were covered in words, including the phrases “we need that” and “Kimmy Bread,” but, according to the authorities, these and the other words did not refer to the Kardashian family. The cost of damage to the SKIMS store is estimated at roughly $400, and the words were removed later on Wednesday morning by a third-party contractor. The identity of the man who was arrested is unknown at this time.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 20, a car crash occurred near City Hall in West Hollywood. A suspect has been arrested by deputies from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department, who has been identified as Malik Jackson of Los Angeles. He was booked on a felony attempted vehicle burglary charge. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, around 12 p.m. on November 20, deputies received a call reporting two men looking through the windows of cars in a parking lot near Sweetzer Avenue, north of Santa Monica Boulevard. A witness to these actions confronted them. The men fled in a white sedan. When they tried to turn onto Sweetzer Avenue, their vehicle hit another vehicle, and then the fleeing men drove onto the sidewalk and stopped in front of an apartment building. A man and a woman fled from the vehicle. The search continues for the other two suspects. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the other suspects to contact the West Hollywood Sheriff Station at (310)855-8850.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, November 28, the city of West Hollywood announced that in partnership with Visit West Hollywood, a second round of availability of a West Hollywood digital gift card program called WeHo Loves Locals Gift Card, supporting participating local West Hollywood businesses. The program, originally launched in September 2025 with a first round of gift cards, encourages locals and visitors alike to stretch their spending power with a 50 percent bonus card to spend at participating West Hollywood businesses.

As the post-Thankgiving winter gift-giving season kicks-off with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, individuals can give themsvles or a loved one the gift of West Hollywood. Beginning on Friday, November 28, 2025, consumers can purchase one digital gift card in a choice of set denominations — and for a limited time while supplies last, West Hollywood will sweeten the deal with a 50 percent bonus digital gift card.

The program is limited to one gift card purchase per person. Those who purchased a gift card in the first round of the program are eligible to purchase again during this second round. The WeHo Loves Locals Gift Card can be used at a range of participating businesses including trendsetting shops, eateries, and experiences that make West Hollywood unforgettable. West Hollywood businesses not yet part of the program are encouraged to opt in at www.weholocals.com/start.

Here’s how the limited-time bonus card denominations work:

-Buy a $50 gift card, receive a $25 bonus card
-Buy a $100 gift card, receive a $50 bonus card
-Buy a $200 gift card, receive a $100 bonus card
-Buy a $300 gift card, receive a $150 bonus card

Starting November 28, www.weholocals.com will be updated with details about the new gift card round, so check the site out on Friday to see the full list of participating businesses and terms of use, snag that gift card while supplies last.

West Hollywood is excited to showcase an incredible mix of participating businesses — from a delicious meal or ice cream cone to happy hour drinks, new hardware or an indulgent spa experience, this promotion celebrates the vibrant range of experiences within the 1.9 square miles of West Hollywood’s city limits, where locals and visitors alike enjoy everything from casual bites to unique retail shopping and unforgettable pampering in one world-class destination.

WeHo Loves Locals Gift Cards are digital and redeemable at eligible West Hollywood businesses participating in the program, including restaurants, retailers, salons, fitness studios, and cultural spots. A full list of locations, along with terms of use, are available at www.weholocals.com.

The WeHo Loves Locals Gift Card program is open to all — locals, visitors, and gift-givers alike — and aims to generate meaningful economic impact for neighborhood businesses. New businesses will be added regularly throughout the program’s run, and the bonus-value offer will continue while City-funded supplies last; one gift card/bonus gift card per person; individuals who purchased a gift card during the previous activation may purchase during this activation as well.

For more details about the WeHo Loves Locals Gift Card program and to see additional offers, visit www.weholocals.com. West Hollywood businesses are encouraged to opt in at www.weholocals.com/start.

For additional information about the WeHo Loves Locals Gift Card program contact Laura Biery, West Hollywood’s Economic Development Director, at (323) 848-6828 or at lbiery@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday, November 21, a multi-vehicle traffic collision occurred near noon next to West Hollywood City Hall, which is located on the 1000 block of North Sweetzer Avenue. When West Hollywood Deputies responded, they arrested one person, but four other people fled the scene. One of these vehicles struck a garbage truck and also hit the bushes outside an apartment building. According to one of the witnesses, the events leading to this collision began on Santa Monica Boulevard in the parking lot of Joey’s Restaurant, where a man was alleged to have been peering into the windows of parked cars and trying to break open the window. After being yelled at, he jumped into a car and drove off. The driver turned left onto Santa Monica Boulevard, then right onto North Sweetzer Avenue, where he hit another vehicle and forced it into the garbage truck. The first vehicle went over the curb and into the bushes in front of the apartment building. According to a witness to the collision, two calls were made to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to report the crash and attempted theft that occurred at Joey’s restaurant. The authorities are working to determine if the people who fled from the crash site are connected to the person who committed the attempted theft at the restaurant. The investigation is ongoing.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced that they will host a Mobility Pop-Up on Tuesday, November 25, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Santa Monica Boulevard, known as Operation Firefly.

Bicycle lights will be given to people who have their bikes with them, on a first-come, first-served basis; supplies are limited. A water station and other complimentary giveaways will be available to everyone, along with information about mobility projects underway in West Hollywood. City staff will be available to speak with community members in English and Spanish about the importance of riding with lights.

When riding a bike at night on a highway, sidewalk, or bikeway, California Vehicle Code § 21201(d) requires that your bicycle be equipped with a white light that is visible from a distance of 300 feet from the front and side of your bicycle. Alternatively, the white lamp can be attached to the bicycle rider, such as to a helmet, so long as it is still visible from 300 feet.

Bicycles must be equipped with the following lights: a red reflector or solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear of the bike that is visible from a distance of 500 feet when in front of headlights on a motor vehicle; a white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle that is visible from both the front and rear of the bicycle at a distance of 200 feet; a white or yellow reflector on each side of the bicycle on the forward portion of the bicycle and a white or red reflector on each side of the bicycle on the rear portion of the bicycle.

Cyclists can pick up free bike lights (while supplies last), learn about mobility projects, and chat with city staff about safe riding, and tips for night cycling safety.

For additional details about mobility projects in West Hollywood visit www.weho.org/mobility.

For information about the Safer Cycling Mobility Pop-up contact Chris Corrao, West Hollywood Senior Transportation Planner, at (323) 848-3170 or at ccorrao@weho.gov. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—In observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday, West Hollywood City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28.

The following parking regulations will not be enforced on Thursday, November 27.

-Parking meters and associated time limits.
-Peak hour towing restrictions.
-Street sweeping.

Permit parking and all other parking regulations will be enforced. The enforcement of all parking regulations will resume on Friday, November 28. Visitor parking permits may be obtained at the Kings Road Parking garage.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced that the annual Toy and Food Drive will begin on Monday, November 17. The 36th Annual Toy & Food Drive is in collaboration with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station to support families in need.

Donate online at weho.org/toydrive or drop off new unwrapped toys or $30 gift cards at city facilities and participating hotels starting November 17.

The 36th Annual West Hollywood Toy and Food Drive will be accepting monetary donations online via ActiveNet until Friday, December 19, with the goal of providing as many families as possible with toys and holiday gift cards. Donations may be made online at www.weho.org/toydrive. Click on the Donate Now tab to contribute any amount; existing West Hollywood ActiveNet users may simply log in to start the donation process; new users will be prompted to create an account.

The cost to help one family is $100; up to 10 families can be helped with $1,000. New unwrapped toys are also needed and gift cards in $30 denominations to retailers such as Pavilions, Ralphs, Trader Joe’s, or Target will help families through the holiday season. Toy collection bins will be available beginning Monday, November 17 at the following City facilities: West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center (2nd floor lobby), located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to West Hollywood Library; Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard; West Hollywood City Hall, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard; as well as at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, located at 780 N. San Vicente Boulevard; and West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, located at 8272 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The following West Hollywood hotels will also have collection bins: 1 Hotel, located at 8490 Sunset Boulevard; Andaz West Hollywood, located at 8401 Sunset Boulevard; Le Parc at Melrose, located at 733 North West Knoll Drive; The London West Hollywood, located at 1020 N. San Vicente Boulevard; as well as at the Chateau Marmont located in the city of Los Angeles at 8221 Sunset Boulevard just outside of the City of West Hollywood’s municipal boundary.

For more details contact Natalie Mignon, West Hollywood’s Recreation Services Division at nmignon@weho.org or at (323) 848-6321 or Maggie Giovannetti at mgiovannetti@weho.org or at (323) 848-6534. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On October, shortly before 1 p.m., an attempted robbery occurred in the 900 Block of North Sweetzer Avenue, where a masked man tried to use a gun to rob a man of his Rolex watch. The robber tried to take the Rolex by force, but the attempt failed because the victim was a retired wrestler. A struggle ensued between the two men.  The robber soon found himself on the ground, being held in place by the former wrestler, but the struggle continued, where another individual ran over to assist the wrestler. As the wrestler held the robber down on the ground, his girlfriend pried the gun out of the robber’s hand and threw the weapon away.  Afterwards, the couple was joined by a utility worker who had been working on a nearby house.  He helped them by holding down the suspect’s legs, and authorities were called. Deputies with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene. The wrestler informed authorities that he and his girlfriend had been walking when a sedan pulled over, after which the robber emerged from the vehicle. The former wrestler and his girlfriend did not release their names as they desired to remain anonymous. A second man emerged from the sedan, but instead of joining the robbery attempt, he climbed back into the sedan and fled the scene.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, November 10, during the West Hollywood Public Safety Commission meeting, the Los Angeles Sheriff Department reported that during West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnaval on October 31, one arrest was made. This report was made by Sergeant Jason Duron, who is assigned to the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. In response, Catherine Eng, a member of the West Hollywood Public Safety Commission, pressed for further details about the arrest. Sergeant Duron revealed that the person had been arrested for trespassing. He did not provide any additional information beyond those details.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, November 4, a man was caught on surveillance camera breaking into the mailboxes of an apartment complex on Kings Road near Fountain Avenue in West Hollywood. Around 4 a.m., the suspect used a sharp object to pry open the mailboxes. Afterwards, he sat down on the front steps and began sorting through the envelopes. Out of concern, the residents of this complex contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. Several deputies were dispatched to take statements from residents. The investigation into the identity of the mail thief is ongoing. Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or the incident should contact the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—In response to sightings of coyotes in West Hollywood parks and on residential streets and in yards, the West Hollywood City Council is seeking to address residents’ concerns about the animals. As part of this effort, on November 7, the city made available on WeHoTV, a recording of the Coyote Management and Coexistence Virtual Meeting it hosted last year, in partnership with the City’s Neighborhood and Business Safety Division and the Los Angeles County Department of Agriculture. In addition, according to city officials, the coyotes are venturing into human neighborhoods in search of food. The West Hollywood City Council has encouraged residents to report any coyote sightings by contacting the Neighborhood and Business Safety Division. Also, last year’s Coyote Management and Coexistence Virtual Meeting can be viewed on YouTube at the following link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPwCM9dyKSg&t=1s.   By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—In the first week of November, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood Station released its report on crimes in West Hollywood for October 2025 noting a 10 percent overall drop in reported crime, but a rise in burglaries and robberies. In October, 13 robberies were reported, compared to a total of 5 in September. The number of burglaries in West Hollywood also increased to 36, including 12 garage burglaries and 10 mailroom thefts. In addition, there were 22 reports of shoplifting, and the number of car thefts increased to 33. In October 2025, the number of violent crimes in West Hollywood decreased as the number of aggravated assaults dropped to three incidents, and there were no homicides that occurred, but there were two reported rapes. According to the latest crime report from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood Station, much of the crime occurred in the West District. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood will present its full crime report at the meeting of the West Hollywood Public Safety Commission which will occur on November 10.   By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, November 10, the city of West Hollywood informed Canyon News via email that they are offering a free active shooter preparedness workshop for community members on Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. at West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

Limited validated parking is available at the adjacent West Hollywood Park 5-Story parking structure. The workshop is free; no RSVP is required.

The Active Shooter Preparedness Workshop will teach:

· Best practices for responding to active threats;

· Increasing situational awareness and employing See Something/Say Something strategies;

· What to expect when first responders arrive on the scene;

· An overview of Run/Hide/Fight/Treat responses; and

· Basic education about how to treat people who are injured and how to Stop the Bleed to save a life.

The workshop will be led by Erik Franco of High-Speed Tac Med, one of the nation’s most sought-after active shooter preparedness trainers for first responders. He is a trained Search and Rescue Technician/Emergency Medical Technician and has experience as a Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement instructor.

The workshop is aimed at providing readiness skills to residents in the West Hollywood community in general, as well as to people who work in local businesses and nighttime establishments. There will be discussions regarding recent active shooter incidents across the country and specific lessons learned as a result. There will also be information about best practices in dealing with an incident, evaluating locations for quick and effective evacuation, and basic gunshot first aid.

For more details contact West Hollywood’s Public Safety Division at (323) 848-6414 or safety@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood will be hosting a Community Provider Open House and Volunteer Fair on Thursday, November 13.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Plummer Park Community Center, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The event will showcase the wide range of social services programs available to the West Hollywood community. Service providers will be on-site to share resources, highlight available programs, and engage community members through interactive activities and informational opportunities.

Service providers will include:

1) WeHo Cares Team – Health & Mental Health
2) Planned Parenthood – Health & Mental Health
3) Men’s Health Foundation – Health & Mental Health
4) Maple Counseling Center – Health & Mental Health
5) LA LGBT Center – Sexual Health – Health & Mental Health
6) JFS – Comprehensive Services Center – Health & Mental Health*
7) JFS – Nutrition – Food & Nutrition
8) JFS – SOVA – Food & Nutrition
9) Project Angel Food – Food & Nutrition
10) Seeds of Hope – Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles – Food & Nutrition
11) World Harvest – Food & Nutrition
12) Bet Tzedek – WeHo Project & Eviction Defense – Legal, Advocacy & Rights
13) CES – Legal, Advocacy & Rights
14) LA LGBT Center – Legal Services – Legal, Advocacy & Rights
15) APLA Health – Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction
16) Awakening Recovery Inc. – Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction
17) Being Alive – Substance Use Recovery*
18) Defense Diagnostic – Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction
19) LA LGBT Center – WeHo Life – Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction
20) Health Care in Action – Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction
21) LA CADA – Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction
22) Rainbow Hill Enterprise LLC – Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction
23) National Council of Jewish Women – Financial Assistance
24) APLA Health – Financial – Financial Assistance
25) Disability Community Resource Center – Disability & Older Adult Services
26) LA LGBT Center – Senior Services – Disability & Older Adult Services
27) LA LGBT Center – Youth Services – Housing & Shelter / Workforce Development & Education
28) Housing Works + CoC – Housing & Shelter
29) Community Bridge Housing – Housing & Shelter
30) Ascencia – Housing & Shelter
31) JVS SoCal – WeHo Works – Workforce Development & Education
32) Pathways – Workforce Development & Education
33) TransLatin@ Coalition – Workforce Development & Education
34) Van Ness Recovery – Workforce Development & Education
35) Ambiance – Transportation Services
36) Transportation Programs – Transportation Services

As part of the event, a Volunteer Fair will be hosted to connect community members with opportunities to volunteer directly with participating service providers. This event is free and open to the public; no RSVP is required.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Community Provider Open House & Volunteer Fair, contact West Hollywood’s Human Services Division at (323) 848-6510 or WeHoCares@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, October 31, deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station were summoned to respond to a pair of robberies of luxury jewelry and watches. According to the LASD, the first robbery transpired around 2 p.m. in the 8100 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. A vehicle stopped near the victim, with several armed suspects exit the car and demand the victim’s watch. They also took the jewelry that he was wearing around his neck. The second robbery occurred around 3:30 p.m. near Melrose Avenue and Westmount Drive. The victim was approached by four armed suspects who stole the victim’s gold Rolex watch. They fled the scene in a gray sedan. Neither of the victims were injured during the incident. The LASD has not announced if the two robberies are connected. No arrests have been made in the case.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Those who live in West Hollywood are worried because multiple sightings of coyotes have been reported in the region. On October 24, a man spotted two adult coyotes on Harper Avenue, while walking his two dogs. The next morning, another coyote was reported moving on the same street moving toward Santa Monica Boulevard.  On October 25, a coyote was seen walking on the 1200 block of North Ogden Drive during the night. The city of West Hollywood added a new page to its website, providing residents with information about coyote management.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood indicated on its Facebook page on October 28 that the Winter Ice Rink is returning to the area on December 1.

The ice rink will be at Great Lawn at West Hollywood Park located at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. Tickets are on sale now From December 1 thru December 21, book a 90-minute skate session, strike one’s best arabesque (or just focus on “ice, ice, baby steps”), and glide into the season with DJ jams, theme nights, and festive fun.

Fees:

$15 (Ages 3-14 yrs)

$20 (Ages 15+)
-Recommended for ages 3+
-All skate rentals included in ticket price
-90-minute skate sessions

Public parking is available in the West Hollywood 5-Story Parking Structure at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. There is a bridge that connects the parking structure to the park on Level 3. Validations for up to 2 hours provided inside the Aquatic & Recreation Center. For more information, check the City of West Hollywood parking directory.

The ice rink is accessible for non-motorized wheelchairs; motorized wheelchairs cannot be used on the ice rink. There will be snacks, hot chocolate, and non-alcoholic beverages for sale in our general store.

Rental skates are available and is part of your ticket. There are toddler size 8 through men’s size 15 available, in addition to skating aids available to rent for $10 per 90-minute session. There are socks or gloves for sale for $5 at our office onsite.

Dogs are NOT permitted in the rink area. Skates are dangerous for little dog paws. Dogs are welcome in the Winter Village area or the adjacent WeHo dog parks (service dogs OK). To learn more about private events and large group sales, email wehoicerink@jj-la.com.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, October 13, the city of West Hollywood announced that it is alerting the public that the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (“CERT”) is presenting CERT Training.

West Hollywood CERT Training is free and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 4, 6, 13, 18, 20, and November 25, at Plummer Park’s Great Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

Space is limited and expected to fill quickly. Participants must register in advance and attend all sessions to receive a certificate of completion. To register for CERT Training, visit the LA County Fire Department CERT training website.

Following a disaster, police, fire, and medical professionals may not be able to meet the immediate demand for emergency medical attention. Residents and neighbors may need to rely upon one another to help with immediate life-saving needs. CERT Training was developed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide basic fire safety and life-saving skills.

CERT Training participants will learn valuable survival skills, including disaster preparedness, terrorism, disaster fire suppression, disaster psychology, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, and drill simulation, which can be vital in the immediate aftermath of a major disaster.

For more details contact the city’s Public Safety Division at (323) 848-6414 or at safety@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, October 13 the city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page that according to the National Weather Service, a moderate to strong winter-like storm system will bring rain to the region on Monday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 14, and is expected to yield 1.5 to 3 inches of rain by Wednesday morning.

The city is offering a limited supply of free sand-filled sandbags to West Hollywood residents and businesses as heavy rains are forecast throughout Southern California in the coming days. Sandbags can help direct flowing water away from structures.

Free sandbags are limited to 10 per resident or business while supplies last. They are available for pick-up by appointment at the City of West Hollywood’s Operations Center, located at 7317 Romaine Street. Residents and business owners may call (323) 848-6591 or send an email to phertz@weho.org – to schedule an appointment to pick up sandbags on Tuesday, October 14, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note, there are no weekend pick-ups scheduled at this time and sandbags are available only while supplies last. Sandbag pick-up may be extended into early next week if weather requires and supplies are available.

During heavy rains and cold temperatures, stay prepared:

-Keep emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, water, food, a first-aid kit, portable radio, and extra batteries on-hand and easily accessible.

-Clear all drains and rain gutters on your property and dispose of all trash and yard trimmings properly to avoid blocking drains.

-Know how to turn off utilities.

-Monitor forecasts to be aware of weather that may impact the area.

-Subscribe to receive Alert LA County emergency notifications by email or text message by signing up at ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications and subscribe to Nixle public safety alerts by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.

As a reminder, driving in rain, whether a drizzle or a heavy downpour, can be dangerous. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. Adjust driving style for wet roads and reduced visibility. The following tips will help ensure driving safely during rainy days: slow down; turn on headlights; use windshield wipers; maintain a safe distance; avoid heavy braking; watch for standing water; let off the accelerator when hydroplaning; and ventilate your car during rain.

To report storm-related issues in West Hollywood, call (323) 848-6375. For more information about structural damage or potential hillside slope movement, please contact the City’s Building and Safety Division at (323) 848-6320. Report gas leaks or damage to the Southern California Gas Company by calling (800) 427-2200. To report a power outage, call Southern California Edison at (800) 611-1911. Report downed power lines or other emergencies by calling 911.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood’s Recreation Services Division announced it will be hosting its annual Youth Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 18, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Admission to the event is free.

This year’s Youth Halloween Carnival is bigger, featuring carnival games that will lift spirits, a pumpkin patch, a trackless train for little “ghoul-aboard” rides, spooky attractions, arts and crafts for the kids and a special Tiny Tot Zone for the youngest trick-or-treaters.

West Hollywood’s very own Drag Laureate, Pickle, returns for the third year to haunt the stage and perform. Kids in attendance are asked to strut their spookiest, silliest cosutumes.

Attendees are encouraged to carpool, broomstick-pool, or walk, as parking is limited at Plummer Park and will be first-come, first-served.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Youth Halloween Carnival contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at (323) 848-6530 or at recreation@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, October 7, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that The PickUp, the city’s free weekend ride, will return to service starting on Thursday, October 9.

The PickUp is a service that connects residents and visitors to nightlife, dining, and entertainment destinations in and around West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, Center City, and Eastside. In July, West Hollywood announced a temporary service interruption for The PickUp to facilitate a transition to a new vendor.

With the return to service, the city is unveiling an updated design for its yellow PickUp vehicles. The new look transforms the fleet with vibrant rainbow hues that evoke the energy of roadways and movement.

“The PickUp has become a staple of weekend nightlife and community life in West Hollywood,” said West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers. “We’re thrilled to welcome its return and we invite everyone to enjoy this unique free service that’s as fun as it is practical. With its refreshed design, our bright yellow vehicles now shine with more rainbow flair. The fresh look for The PickUp is bold, modern, and unmistakably West Hollywood, and we can’t wait for people to see it rolling down Santa Monica Boulevard.”

Since its launch in 2013, The PickUp has provided over 50,000 annual passenger trips, reducing DUI (Driving Under the Influence), easing traffic congestion, and supporting a safe, vibrant nightlife experience. The service runs along Santa Monica Boulevard in a loop with stops in each direction between N. Robertson Boulevard and N. La Brea Avenue. Riders can hop on and off at key locations to explore bars, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout the region.

The PickUp will continue to run on its regular weekend schedule, providing safe and convenient transportation for residents and visitors alike. The PickUp will also debut a pilot program of Thursday night rides from March through October. For complete updates, route details, and schedules visit wehopickup.com or follow @wehopickup on Instagram, Facebook, and X. Additional details about transit options in West Hollywood can be found at www.weho.org/transit.

In connection with the temporary closure of Santa Monica Boulevard for AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Sunday, October 12, The PickUp’s service will start one hour later than usual; service will operate from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. instead of the regular 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. schedule.

The PickUp will run on Friday, October 31, as part of the WeHo Halloween Ride special service route. WeHo Halloween Ride vehicles will travel through West Hollywood from N. La Brea Avenue to N. Kings Road along Santa Monica Boulevard from 6 p.m. to 3.a.m.

Select vehicles will also run to and from the Hollywood/Highland Metro Station from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Details about the WeHo Halloween Ride route and schedule will be posted at wehopickup.com.

For more details contact Christian Vasquez, West Hollywood Transportation Program Administrator, at (323) 848-6570 or at thepickup@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that it is asking for feedback from the public for its zoning improvement program. The city is evaluating future zoning updates to reduce barriers to creating affordable and diverse housing.

Zoning regulations impact what gets built in West Hollywood, with the potential to either hinder or encourage housing development. Recommendations will prioritize affordability and how new housing development aligns with community demographics.

The updates will consider the proximity of housing to important community amenities, including significant transit investments (such as future stations for the proposed Metro K-line extension and existing major transit stops), employment centers, public facilities, and recreational open space. The impacts of zoning changes will be incremental to balance contextual design and equitable housing access for all.

To inform recommendations, West Hollywood is analyzing the impacts of zoning at multiple scales. Mapping and data analysis will demonstrate the implications of zoning on land use in neighborhoods throughout the city. Lot-level studies will be developed to assess the potential for different forms of housing development given lot dimensions, zoning requirements, and financial considerations.

Throughout the process, input from community members, developers, and other stakeholders engaged in housing and community development work will be vital in guiding priorities for zoning changes.

Project Goals

Thoughts and recommendations on a few different topics include:

-Production. Increase housing supply through a targeted equity-driven strategy that aligns with local housing needs.

-Affordability & Accessibility. Encourage the delivery of affordable and diverse housing choices, meeting residents’ needs based on the fair distribution of housing types at every affordability level.

-Equity. Expand access to diverse housing types in all neighborhoods and mitigate displacement risk for those most vulnerable, relying on equity measures to inform the approach.

-Environmental Stewardship. Adopt land use approaches that minimize environmental impacts by leveraging the City’s transit and pedestrian infrastructure and concentrating housing near neighborhood and regional amenities.

-Strengthening Neighborhoods. Preserve naturally occurring affordable housing and encourage contextual approaches to development that integrate with existing historical sites and neighborhood identity.

There will be an in-person meeting on Wednesday, October 8 at 6 p.m. at Plummer Park. There will be an online meeting on Thursday, October 16 at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom (the public can register online).

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—   On September 28th, Jackie Harrington was arrested by officers assigned to the West Hollywood station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department because he is suspected of engaging in an act of indecent exposure that occurred on September 19th, in which he exposed his reproductive organ in front of a women’s room in an apartment building.   The deputies suspect Jackie Harrington may have targeted other people. He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 235 pounds. The deputies acted in response to complaints from residents of the mid-city neighborhood of West Hollywood, who were concerned about a man in their neighborhood who they suspected of being a sexual predator. This man was caught on video, which was shared through an app called Nextdoor, and in this video, he enters an apartment building around 10:40 p.m., and then he lowers his pants and touches his private parts.  A resident also claimed that the footage captured by their Ring camera allowed them to see this man open the screen door of their neighbor’s house and then stare inside.  Another resident has claimed that this man was seen looking into the windows of women’s residences and following them into alleys.   By Daniel Diquinzio   The West Hollywood Station Detectives urge anyone who possess knowledge about Jackie Harrington to contact the station at 310-855-8850 or to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477)  

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Members of the mid-city neighborhood of West Hollywood are concerned about a man in their neighborhood who they suspect is a sexual predator.

This man was caught on video, which was shared through an app called Nextdoor, and in this video, he enters an apartment building around 10:40 p.m., and then he lowers his pants and touches his private parts.  A resident also claimed that the footage captured by their Ring camera allowed them to see this man open the screen door of their neighbor’s house and then stare inside.  Another resident has claimed that this man was seen looking into the windows of women’s residences and following them in alleys.

The footage has been given to the West Hollywood Sheriff.

Residents of the Mid City neighborhood are advised to be alert.

They are also advised to contact local law enforcement if they encounter him.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, September 26, the city of West Hollywood announced that additional steps are being taken to improve traffic safety as part of our WeHo Target Vision Zero Action Plan.

On Fountain Avenue, the speed limit has been reduced from 35 to 30 mph, adding to measures like left-turn restrictions and upgraded pedestrian crossings in busy areas.

Near-term improvements will include Leading Pedestrian Intervals, which will give walkers a head start before cars get a green light, and certain signals placed in recall mode to help calm nighttime speeding.

The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station will also continue targeted enforcement to keep roadway users safe. A larger streetscape project is underway to make Fountain Avenue safer for all.

Data shows that 64 percent of the traffic on Fountain does not have an origin or destination in West Hollywood, which means that most drivers are just passing through. This presents an opportunity to develop a future Fountain Avenue that is more local-serving and safer for everyone, with wider sidewalks and improved access for those walking, biking, and in wheelchairs.

A feasibility study was completed in 2022 to envision a future for Fountain Avenue. Over 1,400 people responded to the community survey – 60 percent of respondents chose a protected bike lane and widened sidewalks as their preferred vision.

The project will be implemented in two phases, allowing the city of West Hollywood to implement safety improvements quickly while seeking funding for the long-term vision. Phase One will implement a protected bike lane. Phase Two will implement the sidewalk widening and landscape improvements. Design for Phase One started in Fall 2023.

Residents are asked to stay engaged and share feedback at www.go.weho.org/fountain.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is alerting the public that it is offering a free American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification training on Saturday, October 11. Those who are interested in the training can choose one of the two training sessions that will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center’s Fairfax/La Brea Room, located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to the West Hollywood Library.

Limited parking is available at the West Hollywood Park Five-Story parking structure located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

The American Red Cross certification training will cover adult and pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED topics and participants will learn how to respond to medical emergencies. Prior to meeting in-person, participants will be enrolled in an online learning session that takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.

There will be in-person section reviews and tests that will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per section for participants to receive certification. The online learning session link will be sent out seven days prior to the in-person training session. All online coursework must be completed before the in-person training session.

Space is limited and is anticipated to reach capacity quickly. Enroll using West Hollywood’s “ActiveNet” online reservations portal. RSVPs require ActiveNet registration, which takes just a minute to complete.

Once capacity reaches limits, community members who are interested should join a waitlist. West Hollywood will host additional American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification trainings. To join this waitlist email wehoaquatics@weho.org or call (323) 848-6538

For additional information about the city’s free American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification training email wehoaquatics@weho.org or call (323) 848-6538. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Located in West Hollywood is the Rainbow District, and a new bakery has recently opened in that district, marking a new location for the bakery company Drip & Dolce. The address for this new establishment is 8807 Santa Monica Blvd, and it is situated in the former location of Hollywood Burger.

On Thursday, September 4, the new Drip & Dolce bakery opened, but only to a limited number of customers. These allowed them to sample the menu, which included coffee, homemade lemonade, and 12 different types of flavored croissants. However, that is not all this new establishment serves. It also features a children’s menu, in addition to breakfast and lunch options, and the company is currently in the process of obtaining its liquor license, which will enable it to offer alcoholic beverages.

Currently, it is open each day from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and its full menu can be viewed at its website, dripanddolce.com/menu.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Tuesday, September 2 that the city’s Recreation Services Division is turning up the fun with a weekend at West Hollywood Park, from Friday, September 12, through Sunday, September 14, the basketball courts will transform into a high-energy skate party.

Pre-registration is encouraged, by visiting: www.go.weho.org/skateparty to sign up. Registration is $15 per adult and $12 for children under 12, which includes skate rental, helmet, and knee pads. Sessions kick off at the top of each hour on:

-Friday, September 12 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.;

-Saturday, September 13, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and

-Sunday, September 14, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The party takes place at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Enjoy photos of last year’s Skate Party 2024 on West Hollywood’s official Flickr account. Photos are courtesy of Jon Viscott, courtesy of the city of West Hollywood.

For more details contact West Hollywood’s Recreation Services Division at (323) 848-6534 or recreation@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, August 30, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced they need information from the public to locate a sexual assault suspect.

On August 13, at approximately 12:06 a.m., deputies with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station responded to the 1200 block of North Sweetzer Avenue regarding a sexual assault call for service. The victim advised deputies she was walking on North Sweetzer Avenue when the suspect sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 18-30 years old, standing 5 feet and 6 inches to 5 feet and 7 inches tall, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a dark colored long-sleeved sweater, dark-colored shorts with a light-colored stripe and a dark colored driving cap.

Anyone with details about the incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Special Victims Bureau toll free tip line at (877) 710-5273 or by email at specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Special Victims Bureau is tasked with investigating the sexual and physical abuse of children and felonious sexual assaults involving adult victims.

To provide information anonymously, call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, August 26, the city of West Hollywood announced that its annual tree pruning will start on Tuesday, September 2. Trees make cities greener, cleaner, and healthier, and they require regular maintenance and care the city of West Hollywood notes.

The annual tree pruning program will start on Tuesday and continue through February 2026. Crews will start along Sunset Boulevard and move through Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Boulevard, and residential streets.

West Hollywood’s contractor, West Coast Arborists, is beginning pruning work along Sunset Boulevard, taking care not to disrupt westbound lanes until after 10 a.m. to minimize the impact on morning commute traffic.

During the coming weeks, crews will move to other commercial areas on Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Boulevard, and other arterial streets. Following commercial area trimming, work will commence on residential arterial streets. Each day, trimming will start at 8 a.m. and work will be finished by 3 p.m.

The city will communicate to residents, businesses, and motorists in advance of pruning work, using several methods:

• “No parking” signs will be placed a minimum of 24 hours in advance of work. The signs will reflect scheduled trimming activities for each day, and they will be broken down into two-time segments: before 12 p.m. and after 12 p.m. Parking spaces will be reopened as soon as possible after work is completed;
• Door hangers or postings on trees will be placed a minimum of 72 hours in advance of residential tree-trimming activities;
• Electronic message boards may be placed at strategic locations several days before trimming, as well as during trimming activities, to provide commuters with advance notice so they can plan route changes; and
• Notification of trimming activity will be posted on the City’s website and on the City’s social media pages @WeHoCity.

For more details contact Sam Estrada, West Hollywood’s Urban Forest and Landscape Maintenance Supervisor, at (323) 848-6867 or at sestrada@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Tuesday, August 19 that new speed limits are coming to 28 street segments as part of the city’s WeHo Target Vision Zero Action Plan, which aims to eliminate severe and fatal crashes.

New limits will reduce speeds on major corridors to 30 mph, on some commercial streets to 25 mph, and on narrow residential streets to 20 mph. Signage is being updated now, and enforcement will begin once signs are posted.

The reductions were enabled by Assembly Bill (AB) 43, a new state law allowing cities to set more context-appropriate speed limits. Speed limits in California are governed by the California Vehicle Code (CVC), which states that an Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) must justify the speed limit on all streets other than local streets if enforcement of the speed limit involves using radar or any other electronic device.

With the provisions of AB 43, West Hollywood recently retained a traffic engineering consulting firm to reanalyze the data from the city’s 2023 E&TS and make recommendations to designate certain roadways as Safety Corridors, High Pedestrian and Bicycle Activity Corridors, or Business Activity Districts to enable modest further reductions in accordance with the updates to state law.

The resulting Speed Limit Reduction Recommendation Report was presented to the West Hollywood City Council at its meeting on January 21, 2025. The West Hollywood City Council approved the recommended reductions and related municipal code changes and roadway designations to enable the changes under state law. Additional speed limit reductions on narrow residential streets were approved at the West Hollywood City Council meeting on July 7, 2025.

For more details contact Richard Garland, West Hollywood Principal Traffic Engineer, at (323) 848-6457 or at rgarland@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

To learn more information visit: https://go.weho.org/4175X3K.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that the deadline for applications for its Business Task Force has been extended till Thursday, August 21 a 5 p.m.

The new Business Task Force is a volunteer advisory group dedicated to strengthening the vitality of the diverse business community.

The Business Task Force will consist of nine individuals from the community who represent business owners in a variety of industries, including but not limited to restaurants and bars, hotel and tourism, retail, design, artists /arts organizations, and personal care industries.

The Task Force is an opportunity for members of the community and experts in business and economic diversification and/or development to engage in conversations regarding business recovery and economic development. Meetings are tentatively scheduled to be held in-person/virtually on the second Wednesday of every odd month at 2 p.m. on:

-Wednesday, September 10, 2025
-Wednesday, November 12, 2025
-Wednesday, January 14, 2026
-Wednesday, March 11, 2026
-Wednesday, May 13, 2026
-Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Staff Members:

-Laura Biery – Director of Economic Development
-Paolo Kespradit – Business Development Manager
-Laura D’Ambrosia – Business Development Analyst

For questions contact the City’s Business Development Division at business@weho.org.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page starting Sunday, August 17, as well as Sunday, August 24, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be reduced lanes of traffic on Sunset Boulevard in both directions.

The lane reductions will be between N. Wetherly Drive and Hilldale Avenue to accommodate crane operations.

Drivers are asked to plan ahead and use alternate routes during this time.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Sunday, August 17, the grand finale of the West Hollywood Summer Sounds Free Outdoor Concert Series will take place at Plummer Park at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.

The event will take place at 4 p.m. and will honor 40 years of West Hollywood cityhood with an unforgettable afternoon of music featuring:

-Brainstory – A psychedelic soul trio blending jazz, soul, and modern groove
-Motown On Mondays LA DJs – Spinning classic Motown hits and dancefloor favorites

Attendees should:
-Bring your blankets & low chairs
-Grab bites from on-site food vendors
-Enjoy fun activities & free giveaways (while supplies last)

The event is free to attend. For more details about Summer Sounds contact Joy Tribble, West Hollywood’s Arts Specialist, at (323) 848-6360 or at jtribble@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood’s annual Historic Preservation Celebration will take place on Wednesday, August 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Whisky a Go Go, located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard.

For 2025, the event – Sunset Strip After Dark plans to celebrate stories, events and memories that have occurred in the past decades via the historic Sunset Strip.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public; refreshments will be provided. No RSVP is required.

The evening will feature Alison Martino who will lead a specially curated presentation exploring the Strip’s fascinating history. She is a longtime West Hollywood resident. She is the founder of Vintage Los Angeles and a respected documentarian, writer, and on-air host/producer for Spectrum News 1.

The city was incorporated in 1984 and recognizes and values the importance of preserving its cultural resources. The City’s Current and Historic Preservation Planning Division works with the City’s Historic Preservation Commission to identify and protect historic resources in West Hollywood.

West Hollywood adopted its Historic Preservation Ordinance in 1989, and it has designated more than 100 structures as cultural resources. For more details about West Hollywood’s historic preservation efforts, visit the City’s Historic Preservation website at www.wehopreservation.org.

For more information about the Historic Preservation Celebration or about historic preservation efforts in the City of West Hollywood contact Antonio Castillo, West Hollywood Senior Planner, at (323) 848-6854 or acastillo@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday, August 5 about spreading the word about Clear the Shelters, NBCUniversal and Telemundo’s nationwide adoption campaign in partnership with LA County Animal Care & Control (DACC).

During the month of August, adoption fees are waived at all seven DACC animal care centers, plus spay/neuter and microchip fees are covered. The Clear the Shelters event is nationwide.

Since its inception in 2015, Clear the Shelters pet adoption campaign resulted in more than 1.2 million pet adoptions. In 2024, the campaign achieved a remarkable milestone, with more than 168,000 pets finding new homes – the highest adoption total in the event’s history, surpassing the previous year by nearly 7,000 pets.

For more details about Clear the Shelters, contact Christopher Valles at the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control’s (DACC) at accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov.

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is asking for feedback as it pertains to the Fountain Avenue Streetscape. There will be a Project Community Meeting on Tuesday, August 19 at the Plummer Park Community Center (Rooms 5 & 6).

During the meeting discussions will be held pertaining to the Fountain Avenue Streetscape Project, a transformative effort to improve safety, walkability, and livability along one of WeHo’s key corridors. Improvements include widening sidewalks and installing protected bike lanes.

Fountain Avenue was originally designed to be a local street. In the 1960s, this was a pedestrian-oriented, tree-lined street that was as narrow as 40 feet in some segments.

A feasibility study was completed in 2022 to envision a future for Fountain Avenue. Over 1,400 people responded to the community survey – 60 percent of respondents chose a protected bike lane and widened sidewalks as their preferred vision.

The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The project will be supported by the “California Climate Investments” program.

The project will be implemented in two phases, allowing West Hollywood to implement safety improvements quickly while seeking funding for the long-term vision. Phase one will implement a protected bike lane. Phase two will implement the sidewalk widening and landscape improvements.

For more information visit: go.weho.org/fountain.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood will be participating in the National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 5.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

National Night Out was introduced in August 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

Those participating in the event include:

-West Hollywood West Resident Association — 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The cul-de-sac at Sherbourne Dr. and Ashcroft Ave.

-West Hollywood Heights Neighborhood Association — 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Horn Plaza- 1230 Horn Ave.

-Cynthia-Sunset Neighborhood Watch — 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hammond St. between Vista Grande St. and Cynthia St.

-WeHo East Neighborhood Watch — 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gardner St. between Lexington Ave. and Hampton Ave.

-Tri-West Neighborhood Watch — 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sherwood Drive between Westbourne Drive and Westmount Drive

-Owls Neighborhood Watch — 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
1128-1133 N Ogden Dr. between Santa Monica Blvd. and Fountain Ave.

-Gelson Heights Neighborhood Watch — 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
1210-1226 North Flores Street

-West Hollywood Gateway — 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
7100 Santa Monica Blvd.

-West Hollywood Recreation Services Division — 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Movie in the Park at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.

-West Hollywood Russian-Speaking Advisory Board — 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Block Party at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.

The celebration will take place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include free events, live entertainment and fun for all.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The Los Angeles County West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station noted on July 11 that traffic investigators are investigating the circumstances of a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision involving a white older model BMW sedan and a bicyclist.

The incident transpired at the intersection of Fountain Avenue and Gardner Street in West Hollywood.

Preliminary information indicates the bicyclist was traveling westbound on Fountain Avenue when the white sedan traveling westbound on Fountain Avenue crashed into the bicyclist. The white sedan fled the scene westbound on Fountain Avenue.

The bicyclist was transported to Cedars Sinai Hospital where he died from injuries sustained. The name and age of the victim has not been disclosed to the public. The white BMW sedan is expected to have a shattered windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The cause of the collision is under investigation. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs played a role. Anyone with details about the incident should contact the Traffic Investigators at West Hollywood Sheriff’s station at 310-855-8850.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The West Hollywood City Council Hart Park Ad-Hoc Subcommittee is hosting a meeting on Monday, June 30 to receive feedback on improvements at William S. Hart Park & Off-Leash Dog Area.

Such possible improvements include options for the surfacing of the Off-Leash Dog Area, including wood chips, decomposed granite, and alternatives to synthetic turf.

The meeting will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the West Hollywood City Hall 1st Floor Community Meeting Room, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard.

Community members who want to provide public comment are asked to attend. E-mail comments on matters before the Hart Park Ad-Hoc Subcommittee may be sent to West Hollywood Project Architect Michael Barker at mbarker@weho.org before 2 p.m. on June 30.

Back in February 2025, the City’s Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure Commission; Older Adults Advisory Board; and Disabilities Advisory Board all received updates on the progress of the Hart Park Improvements Project.

The consultant team incorporated the West Hollywood City Council direction along with input and feedback from selected City Board and Commissions into a final schematic design. Key planned improvements at Hart Park in the current phase include:

-Upgrades to all pedestrian path-of-travel routes and site accessibility barrier-removal improvements in locations as identified in a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Report;

-Redesign of the parking area to be fully accessible and multi-functional; and

-Reconfiguration of the off-leash dog area into one small and one large play area.

For more information about the Hart Park Improvements Project visit www.weho.org/city-government/city-manager/capital-projects.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood noted on June 10 that the Recreation Pool at the West Hollywood Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) will be temporarily closed for essential repairs.

It was reported on June 6 that the closure was necessary to repair a tear in the pool membrane, which may pose a risk if it is not immediately addressed and repaired to ensure user safety. Repairs will take place during the week of June 16. The pool is expected to reopen on Monday, June 23.

The adjacent Competition Pool remains open to the public as usual.

The closure impacts:
– Open Swims
– Swim Lessons
– Recreation Swims
– Water Fitness Classes

For more details contact the West Hollywood Aquatic Center office by phone at (323) 848-6538 or by email at WeHoAquatics@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance. For updates, visit www.weho.org/pool.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is asking for feedback from the public as it plans to make improvements to Plummer Park.

West Hollywood launched a new Plummer Park Comprehensive Improvement Plan. The community-driven process will explore ways to enhance the park while honoring its history and character.

Upcoming Events:
-Wed, June 11 at 5 p.m. – West Hollywood City Council Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Meeting
-Sat, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Community Brainstorm Workshop

Both events will be held at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.

The Plummer Park Comprehensive Improvement Plan is intended to be highly participatory, with the goal of developing a new community-driven park plan with broad stakeholder support. The team will utilize both physical and digital strategies to hear from a wide range of community voices, forming an iterative process with numerous opportunities for input and feedback.

The planning process will be carried out in two phases:

-Phase 1 will focus on community engagement and a thorough analysis of park programming and uses.

-Phase 2 will include further community engagement and the development of a Comprehensive Improvement Plan for the Park.

During Phase 1, multiple steps will take place to ensure that many community members are part of the process.

Opportunities to participate include a community brainstorming workshop, community pop-up events, online activities, and discussions and workshops focused on specific park topics. The final step of Phase 1 is to bring recommendations forward to the West Hollywood City Council.

To learn more and sign up for updates at www.go.weho.org/plummerparkplan.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, May 19, West Hollywood City Manager David Wilson announced his retirement during the regular meeting of the City Council. He will retire in early 2026 with more than 26 years of dedicated service to the West Hollywood community.

According to a news release from the city’s website, Wilson started his tenure as City Manager in West Hollywood in July 2021. During his time in the role, he helped guide the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery, ensuring continuity of services while prioritizing public health and safety. He led efforts helping the city’s financial position, putting West Hollywood in a solid fiscal position for future investments.

Before becoming City Manager, Wilson served as Assistant City Manager from 2018 to 2021. He served as West Hollywood’s City’s Director of Finance and Technology Services, overseeing General Accounting, Revenue Management, and Information Technology, as well as acting as the City Treasurer and Risk Manager. He also served in various other roles for West Hollywood including Budget and Compensation Manager, Senior Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Department, and Project Development Administrator for the City’s redevelopment and housing functions.

Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Economy of Industrial Societies from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in Planning from the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at the University of Southern California.

He holds management certificates from Harvard University’s Leadership Decision Making Program, the International City/County Management Association’s Leadership ICMA Program, and the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute.

West Hollywood’s City Attorney’s Office and Human Resources Division will lead the recruitment process for the next City Manager, that will be chosen by the West Hollywood City Council.

For more details contact Christine Safriet, West Hollywood Assistant to the City Manager, at (323) 848-6467 or at csafriet@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Dann Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On May 10, the city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page that on May 7 they officially launched “GoWeHo TMO” program, a new city initiative designed to allow residents, employees, and visitors to choose sustainable travel options and decrease reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.

A Transportation Management Organization (TMO) is a program adopted by cities that helps individuals discover other ways to get around – which include walking, biking, taking transit, carpooling, or vanpooling to protect the environment. The GoWeHo TMO program will be managed by city staff and consultants as part of West Hollywood’s commitment to a healthier, more accessible, and environmentally friendly community.

With the GoWeHo TMO program, West Hollywood will offer resources and support to developers, businesses, and the public to help everyone connect with a wide range of transportation options in the area.

According to the city of West Hollywood website, the GoWeHo TMO program will support the city’s General Plan goal to work with developers and businesses on Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies that reduce automobile travel. The program will help ensure compliance with West Hollywood’s TDM Ordinance and the state of California’s Congestion Management Program requirements, both aimed at decreasing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable mobility.

A virtual open house for developers will be held on Wednesday, June 4 at 12 p.m. It will provide information about West Hollywood’s TDM Ordinance and how the GoWeHo TMO program can support compliance and improve transportation options for everyone in West Hollywood.

For more information about the GoWeHo TMO program and to register for the open house visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iJuyD9c3T7iyC7unFYSPSQ.

GoWeHo TMO program staff will attend the City’s Bike to Work Week event on Tuesday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the northeast corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Hancock Avenue (nearest address: 8743 Santa Monica Boulevard). Community members are invited to stop by for complimentary refreshments, learn more about the TMO program, explore different ways to get around West Hollywood, and receive updates about other City mobility projects.

For more details about West Hollywood’s GoWeHo TMO program contact Jenny Hong, West Hollywood TMO Consultant, at jhong@weho.gov.

For assistance regarding the virtual open house and registration, contact Paige Portwood, West Hollywood Associate Planner, at pportwood@weho.gov. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, May 17, the city of West Hollywood in collaboration with the Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s 8th annual World Dog Day event in the area, brings together hundreds of individuals and their four-legged friends to celebrate dogs.

The 2025 World Dog Day event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Admission is free and open to the public; canine companions must be on a leash to attend the event.

According to a news release from the city of West Hollywood, the 2025 event will have vendors, live music, raffles, and other activities for people and their pets. West Hollywood Park and the dog parks will continue to be open to the public during the event. The event organizers will provide waste bags and waste stations as needed to accommodate demand.

World Dog Day is a day that focuses on the celebration of dogs and aims to draw attention to raise awareness about global dog abuse, and specifically the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. The Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, begins on June 21 each year. More than 10,000 dogs are reported to be captured, transported in cages, and killed for human consumption every year for this annual event.

In addition, more than 10 million dogs are killed annually in China for the dog meat trade. Many of the dogs are stolen from their owners and die during transport to the slaughterhouse after days or weeks without food or water, and others suffer illness and injury during transport, such as broken bones.

In 2016, West Hollywood passed a Resolution condemning the Dog Meat Festival in Yulin. In April 2003, the city became the first municipality in the nation to prohibit cat declawing. In February 2010, West Hollywood passed an Ordinance to address the inhumane conditions endured by “puppy mill” animals by prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats in companion animal stores. In September 2013, the city’s fur Ordinance went into effect, which prohibits retail establishments from selling, trading, distributing, importing, or exporting any fur product.

The Vanderpump Dog Foundation was built on a platform of education, legislation, and activism. Through the organization’s legislative campaigns, domestic and international awareness, and rescue and rehabilitation efforts, it hopes to end the cruelty of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival.

A small dog park and large dog park are located on each side of the park’s basketball courts and each area features expanses of open space with shade trees, small mounds and turf terraces, and water stations. In addition, West Hollywood operates the William S. Hart Park and Off-Leash Dog Park located at 8341 De Longpre Avenue.

For more details about upcoming dog events call (323) 848-6460. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help to locate missing person, Leonid Olegovich. Olegovich, 30, was last seen on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 7 p.m., on the 7000 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

Olegovich is described as a white male, standing 5 feet and 11 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds. He has short brown hair, green eyes, and a full beard. He has tattoos on his right shoulder of a lion, left forearm “EST-1994”, and on his left tricep of a rose.

He was last seen wearing black and white track suit pants, a green button-down shirt, and sleeveless dark blue denim jacket.

His possible destination is MacArthur Park, 2230 West 6th Street, Los Angeles. His family is concerned for his well-being and is asking for the public’s help in locating him.

Anyone with details about the location of Leonid Olegovich is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Missing Person Detail at 323-890-5500.

To provide information anonymously call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On May 2, the city of West Hollywood announced the introduction of Pay for Parking with a Text for parking meters — making parking faster, easier, and touch-free.

Here’s how it works:

-Text PAY to 77447
-Enter your meter number
-Get a secure payment link
-Complete your payment

The Text to Pay system will automatically send a text message when a parking session is 10 minutes from expiration and will offer a link for users to add paid parking time.

Individuals should look for the orange Text-to-Pay sticker on teal meters marked “West Hollywood.”

There are parking scams that everyone should be aware of when using new technologies. West Hollywood’s Text to Pay option does not use QR codes. All Text to Pay parking operates via Text/SMS platforms by initiating a text message to the short code 77447 and payments are fulfilled using the URL: ips-text2pay.com.

For additional information about parking in West Hollywood visit www.weho.org/parking.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced that it will be hosting several Community Clean-Ups events to focus on the start of Earth Month.

Individuals will be able to connect with neighbors, local businesses, and city leaders as they work to clean up the region.

Clean-Up Dates & Locations

-Eastside: Sat, April 12 – Plummer Park

-Westside: Sat, April 26 – West Hollywood Park

-Mid-City: Sat, May 10 – City Hall

There will be supplies and snacks available and all ages are welcome to attend. Thos under 18 must be with a guardian.

To register for the event and to learn more visit: https://go.weho.org/3QPjqrm.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its website that along with the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (WHCC) they’re introducing in April 2025, WeHappy Wednesdays free parking initiative. It’s designed to help local venues and businesses thrive and foster community by making it easier and affordable for residents and visitors to shop, dine, and explore the region.

The city will offer free parking at all parking meters, city-owned surface lots, and city parking structures every Wednesday evening in April 2025 from 4 p.m. to midnight.

WeHappy Wednesdays is an effort to raise visibility and drive individuals to support West Hollywood venues and establishments. By eliminating parking fees for one evening each week in April, the initiative makes springtime outings more convenient and promote the city’s ongoing success.

For more details about WeHappy Wednesdays and the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce visit www.wehochamber.com, call (323) 650-2688.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, April 7, the city of West Hollywood is inviting the community to attend Food Day in WeHo from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

Food Day in WeHo, produced by the Plant Based Treaty initiative, will involve a full day of networking, expert panels, and plant-based meals focused on how food can drive climate action.  The event is free to attend, registration is requested via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/food-day-la-climate-week-tickets-1257379268239.

According to a news release from the city’s website, the Plant Based Treaty is a global initiative encouraging individuals, businesses, and cities to support plant-based diets and to understand how the current food system is exacerbating climate change. It promotes a shift to more healthy, sustainable plant-based diets to actively reverse damage done to ecosystems and biodiversity loss.

Plant Based Treaty is grounded in the three principles – Redirect, which focuses on shifting food production toward more sustainable, plant-based systems that generate lower emissions; Relinquish, which calls for halting the expansion of animal agriculture to protect ecosystems: and Restore, which promotes rewilding the land and addressing the climate crisis in a fair and equitable manner.

Food Day in WeHo is organized by Plant Based Treaty Los Angeles and will feature a variety of plant-based foods, educational panels, raffles, and guest speakers. Event organizers are asking attendees to walk and/or bicycle to transit hubs and utilize transit to promote sustainability and environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

For more details about Food Day in WeHo contact Jasmine Duckworth, West Hollywood’s Community Affairs Coordinator, at (323) 848-6559 or at jduckworth@weho.org. For more information about Plant Based Treaty Los Angeles contact Samantha Lau, Campaigner for Plant Based Treaty Los Angeles at samantha@plantbasedtreaty.org or visit plantbasedtreaty.org.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is encouraging community members to partake in the American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Training. The city is offering free American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification training on Saturday, April 12.

Individuals can choose one of the two training sessions that will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center, located at 8750 El Tovar Place in the Fairfax/La Brea Room. Limited parking is available at the adjacent West Hollywood Park Five-Story parking structure located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

The American Red Cross certification training will cover adult and pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED topics and participants will learn how to respond to medical emergencies. Before meeting in-person, participants will be enrolled in an online learning session that takes approximately two and a half hours to complete. There will be in-person section reviews and tests that last for approximately one and a half to two hours per section for participants to receive certification.

The online learning session link will be sent out seven days prior to the in-person training session. All online coursework must be completed before the in-person training session.

Space is limited and is anticipated to reach capacity quickly. Enroll using West Hollywood’s “ActiveNet” online reservations portal. RSVPs require ActiveNet registration, which takes just a minute to complete.

Once capacity reaches limits, community members who are interested are asked to join a waitlist. West Hollywood will host additional American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification trainings. To join this waitlist email wehoaquatics@weho.org or call (323) 848-6538.

For additional details about West Hollywood’s free American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification training email wehoaquatics@weho.org or call (323) 848-6538. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 18, the city of West Hollywood announced that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) water connection project is taking place on Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Croft Avenue and N. La Cienega Boulevard starting Wednesday, March 19 to Friday, March 21 between the hours 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

LADWP crews will conduct a water connection project impacting westbound lanes of Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Croft and N. La Cienega. Drivers may experience partial lane closures during work hours. City staff and Parking Enforcement personnel will monitor the situation, and Parking Enforcement will assist with traffic control, if needed.

For up-to-date information or for news updates visit: www.weho.org/email, and visit the city’s calendar of meetings and events at www.weho.org/calendar. West Hollywood City Hall is open for walk-in services at public counters or by appointment by visiting www.weho.org/appointments. City Hall services are accessible by phone at (323) 848-6400 and via website at www.weho.org. Receive text updates by texting “WeHo” to (323) 848-5000.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, March 14, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that applications for our 2025 Spring Civic Leadership Academy are now open.

“The Civic Leadership Academy is a unique multi-session program that empowers participants to advance community priorities and shape the future of local governance,” the city of WeHo stated on its Facebook page.

Community members can expect to gain an in-depth understanding of West Hollywood’s civic processes and day-to-day operations.

The WeHo Civic Leadership Academy is a unique multi-session program that provides community members with an in-depth understanding of how their municipal government operates and delivers services while empowering them to advance community priorities and shape the future of local governance.

Each week, attendees will interact with leaders within the WeHo government and our community service partners, while working closely with and learning from like-minded peers. There will be 11 sessions held on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with an additional Saturday morning trip. Participants may be residents, employees, appointed officials, city staff, or other community members.

Each cohort will host approximately 25 participants. Attendees who participate in at least eight of the sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion, acknowledging their dedication to civic involvement in West Hollywood.

To apply and more, go to www.engage.weho.org/leadershipacademy.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced that Eat + Drink West Hollywood is returning. Eat + Drink West Hollywood, features restaurants, lounges, and clubs throughout the region this March. It celebrates culinary artistry, innovation, and the diverse flavors that have long defined West Hollywood as a premier food and beverage destination and those newly emerging to make their impact.

In 2025, Eat + Drink West Hollywood has been extended from one week to more than three weeks. It kicked off on March 7 and will run through Monday, March 31. Participants can expect creative cuisines and innovative craft cocktails to delight foodie tastebuds. All participating restaurants and bars are within the municipal boundaries of West Hollywood.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to dine in West Hollywood through March to support hospitality workers hard hit by the LA wildfires. Visit West Hollywood will donate $1 to Restaurants Care for any dine-in reservation made in the city during the celebration in March (up to $10,000) to provide aid for food and beverage workers affected by recent wildfires.

From the Sunset Strip to Santa Monica Boulevard to the Design District, West Hollywood is home to Michelin-rated hot spots, bars offering world-class mixology, and various other hidden gems.

During Eat + Drink West Hollywood businesses will provide unique culinary creations and libations.

Due to the popularity of Eat + Drink West Hollywood, reservations are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome but are not guaranteed. Find out more and make reservations by visiting eatdrinkweho.com.

For more details contact West Hollywood’s Business Development Division at (323) 848-6429 or at business@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is reminding the public that runners in the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon Presented by ASICS will be making their way through West Hollywood on Sunday, March 16 as part of a 26.2-mile Stadium to the Stars course.

Celebrating its 40th running, the Los Angeles Marathon course will begin at Dodger Stadium and it will conclude at Century Park in Century City. The portion of the route that runs through West Hollywood remains unchanged.

The Los Angeles Marathon route for 2025 will guide runners westbound into the region 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 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 West Hollywood on Sunday, March 16, 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 West Hollywood:

-Sunset Boulevard between Marmont Lane and Clark Street/N. San Vicente Boulevard (the route enters West Hollywood from 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 asked to visit 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 details regarding the 2025 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 in seeking media credentials for the event should apply directly with the McCourt Foundation.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood indicated on its website it is reminding local shoppers and businesses that a sales tax rate change will go into effect on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The sales tax rate in the West Hollywood will change from 10.25 percent to 10.50 percent due to a Los Angeles County increase.

The city of WeHo indicated in a news release that Measure A, the Los Angeles County Homelessness Services and Affordable Housing Ordinance, was approved by LA County voters in the General Election in November 2024. It imposes a countywide one-half percent (0.50 percent) sales tax on every $1 of goods sold in LA County to support home ownership, provide rental assistance, increase mental health and addiction treatment, reduce and prevent homelessness, and provide services for children, families, veterans, domestic violence survivors, seniors, and people who are disabled and experiencing homelessness.

It repeals the Measure H countywide sales tax; the net effect of the new measure is to increase the sales and use tax rate by one-quarter percent (0.25 percent) on all taxable sales in Los Angeles County.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has posted a Special Notice regarding new Sales and Use Tax rates effective April 1, 2025. The Special Notice can be accessed on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website at https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/formspubs/L974.pdf. This Special Notice is being mailed and emailed to California taxpayers.

The sales tax rate change is unrelated to Measure WH, which was approved by West Hollywood voters in the General Election in November 2024. Measure WH has not enacted a new sales tax. If, in the future, Los Angeles County or a regional government agency imposes a sales tax that impacts West Hollywood, Measure WH will automatically redirect one-quarter percent (0.25 percent) of those sales tax funds collected in West Hollywood to the city, to be used to maintain the services residents have indicated are important.

For additional details about the Los Angeles County sales tax rate change that will go into effect on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website at www.cdfta.ca.gov or email the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative at homelessinitiative@lacounty.gov.

For more details contact Annie Ruiz, West Hollywood’s Revenue Manager, at (323) 848-6499 or at aruiz@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 1, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page it is evaluating future zoning updates to reduce barriers to creating affordable and diverse housing.

Recommendations will prioritize affordability and how new housing development aligns with community demographics and the city’s diverse housing needs. Community members are invited to learn more and provide feedback, thoughts, and recommendations regarding housing production, affordability and accessibility, equity, environmental stewardship, and strengthening neighborhoods at one of two upcoming Zoning Improvement Program for Housing meetings during the month of March:

Plummer Park In-Person Community Meeting on Wednesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at the Plummer Park Community Center, Rooms 5 and 6, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. No RSVP is required.

Online Community Meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at 12 p.m. online via the Zoom platform.  For registration, please visit https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7sl2SkGsTG6v3mYevCLERQ.

The Zoning Improvement Program for Housing (ZIP) supports the implementation of West Hollywood’s 6th-Cycle Housing Element by reducing zoning-related hurdles to new housing development. It will help better align West Hollywood’s zoning code with housing affordability and neighborhood equity goals while responding to new opportunities for transit-oriented development and mixed-use communities.

Severe housing insecurity across Los Angeles County has been decades in the making due to the lack of housing growth compared to population growth in the region. The impacts of the housing crisis, such as overcrowding, cost burden, and homeownership rates, disproportionally burden those most vulnerable. As a result, the State of California responded with legislative changes to facilitate housing construction, and additional pressure has been placed on jurisdictions statewide to respond to this crisis at the local level.

To inform recommendations, the city is analyzing the impacts of zoning at multiple scales. Mapping and data analysis will demonstrate the implications of zoning on land use in neighborhoods throughout West Hollywood. Lot-level studies will be developed to assess the potential for different forms of housing development given lot dimensions, zoning requirements, and financial considerations. The updates will consider the proximity of housing to important community amenities, including significant transit investments (such as future stations for the proposed Metro K-line extension and existing major transit stops), employment centers, public facilities, and recreational open space. The impacts of zoning changes will be incremental to balance contextual design and equitable housing access for all.

Robert Vecchio posted on Facebook, “Zoning laughable! This only allows builders to build apartments building with 10% low income. This city council has ruined West Hollywood. Business are closing left and right.”

For additional details about West Hollywood’s Zoning Improvement Program, visit the ‘Engage WeHo’ webpage: engage.weho.org/zip.

For more information, contact Michelle Montenegro, West Hollywood Associate Planner, at (323) 848-6813 or at mmontenegro@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On February 21, the city of West Hollywood disclosed that it is spreading the word out about virtual neighborhood meetings to be held by the Melrose Triangle project team to update community members and interested parties of upcoming construction activity related to the project site.

Three meetings will be conducted virtually via the Zoom platform on Wednesday, February 26, at 10 a.m., at 3 p.m.; and at 6:30 p.m. Community members may join the meetings via the Zoom platform at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81037584606 or dial in at (669) 444-9171 with meeting ID 810 3758 4606.

Entitlements for the previously approved Melrose Triangle project expired and no new proposals have been submitted by the property owner. The city is now requiring the applicant to secure the necessary permits to backfill the excavated area, which is located at 9060 Santa Monica Boulevard, and to restore the site in a timely manner.

According to the Melrose Triangle project team, work will begin to secure the site for neighbors and pedestrians in the region by filling in the existing large hole that is present on the site as a result of excavations.

It is anticipated that it will take between 6-9 months to fill the hole depending on weather conditions and the availability of fill materials. Neighborhood meetings provide residents, businesses, community members, and interested parties with ongoing up-to-date information about the project and to respond with any concerns about construction activity.

For more details from the Melrose Triangle project team contact Jack Kurchian, the Melrose Triangle Project Manager, at (424) 527-4758 or melrosetriangle@gmail.com or visit www.melrose-triangle.com.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On February 6, the city of West Hollywood announced in a news release that it will be holding public meetings regarding the Phase 1 Improvements Project for William S. Hart Park & Off-Leash Dog Park (Hart Park), which will include upgrades throughout the park to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design and the California Building Code, Chapter 11B, and improvements to the off-leash dog area, parking lot, and park lighting and security.

Community members are invited to learn more and provide public comment at one of three upcoming meetings during the month of February:

-Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure Commission Meeting on Wednesday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Hollywood City Hall Community Meeting Room, 1st Floor, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard.

-Older Adults Advisory Board Meeting on Wednesday, February 26, at 2 p.m. at the West Hollywood City Hall Community Meeting Room, 1st Floor, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard.

-Disabilities Advisory Board Meeting on Wednesday, February 26, at 6 p.m. at the Plummer Park Community Center, Rooms 5 and 6, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure Commission, the Older Adults Advisory Board, and the Disabilities Advisory Board will each receive updates on the progress of the Hart Park Phase 1 Improvements Project design, hear thoughts from the community, and get the opportunity to provide feedback to staff and the consultant team. The team will then incorporate Board and Commission recommendations into a final schematic design followed by an update to and review by the West Hollywood City Council.

At its meeting on Monday, April 3, 2023, the City Council reviewed the results of initial community outreach, Board and Commission recommendations, and a conceptual improvement plan for Hart Park. At its meeting on Monday, September 16, 2024, the City Council approved a professional services contract for the design and engineering of the planned improvements and directed staff to explore either the continued use of wood chips in a newly reconfigured and redesigned off-leash play area or other better performing natural surfacing options.

Key planned improvements at Hart Park in Phase 1 include:

-Upgrades to all pedestrian path-of-travel routes and site accessibility barrier-removal improvements in locations as identified in a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Report;

-Redesign of the parking area to be fully accessible and multi-functional; and

-Reconfiguration of the off-leash dog area into one small and one large play area in accordance with the results of the initial community outreach process and previous recommendations from the Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure Commission; Older Adults Advisory Board; and Disabilities Advisory Board.

For additional details about the Hart Park Improvements Project visit www.weho.org/city-government/city-manager/capital-projects.

For more information about Hart Park Improvements Project design and construction contact Michael Barker, West Hollywood Project Architect, at (323) 848-6483 or at mbarker@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, January 28, the city of West Hollywood announced that as a result of recent wildfires, it the City Council unanimously approved an Urgent Ordinance during a Special Meeting on January 21. This measure is designed to assist those displaced by the fires by providing them with necessary housing support.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

• A temporary suspension of the one-year lease requirement for dwelling units, allowing evacuees to secure leases shorter than one year but longer than 30 days.
• Hotels and other lodging facilities are authorized to accommodate evacuees for more than 30 days without establishing a tenancy.
• Waiving business license fees and expediting the processing of home-share license applications to facilitate quicker housing solutions.

There is a declared state of emergency for Los Angeles County due to the fires and California State Code Section 396 prohibits price gouging (defined as increasing the price of a good or service by more than 10 percent, including rent) during a state of emergency. If you have been the victim of price gouging, reach out to the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 or file an online complaint.

The city of West Hollywood has a decades-long history of working to ensure the rights of renters with strong protections.

“Any instances of price gouging are unacceptable. We stand with the evacuees and are working diligently to ensure their right to safe and affordable housing,” the city of WeHo said in a statement on Facebook.

For more details about visit: www.go.weho.org/4jqPZZD. For resources and ways to help, go to weho.org/wehoresponds.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, January 24, the city of West Hollywood announced the return of Dine La which will run through February 7.

The public can visit cafes and fine-dining eaters while donating to a cause. For each reservation made, LA Tourism will donate $5 to the American Red Cross (matched by Banc of California up to $100,000).

Restaurants in the city participating in the event include:

• Amour WeHo, 8715 Beverly Boulevard
• Arden, 8289 Santa Monica Boulevard
• Ardor at The West Hollywood Edition, 9040 Sunset Boulevard
• BOA Steakhouse, 9200 Sunset Boulevard
• Boxwood Café at The London West Hollywood, 1020 N. San Vicente Boulevard
• Connie and Ted’s, 8171 Santa Monica Boulevard
• Crazy Rock’n Sushi, 7100 Santa Monica Boulevard
• Dtown Pizzeria, 8424 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite D
• Gracias Madre, 8905 Melrose Avenue
• Granville West Hollywood, 8701 Beverly Boulevard
• Izakaya Tora, 8908 Santa Monica Boulevard
• Jinpachi, 8711 Santa Monica Boulevard
• Katana, 8439 Sunset Boulevard
• La Bohème, 8400 Santa Monica Boulevard
• Ladyhawk at Kimpton La Peer Hotel, 627 N. La Peer Drive
• LAVO Los Angeles, 9201 Sunset Boulevard
• Merois at Pendry West Hollywood, 8430 Sunset Boulevard
• Puzzle, 8947 Sunset Boulevard
• Rosaline, 8479 Melrose Avenue
• SUR Restaurant & Lounge, 606 N. Robertson Boulevard
• The Roof at The West Hollywood Edition, 9040 Sunset Boulevard
• Toku Unagi & Sushi, 1106 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 201
• Uchi, 9001 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 101
• Zinc Café & Bar, 8607 Melrose Avenue
• Zinqué, 8684 Melrose Avenue

Participating restaurants for Dine LA will offer specially priced prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch and/or dinner; no tickets or passes are required. Prices and meal periods will vary by restaurant and exclude beverages, tax, and gratuity.

For more details, contact West Hollywood’s Business Development Division, at (323) 848-6856 or at business@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance. To view the full list of participating restaurants and their specially priced menus at www.discoverlosangeles.com/dineLA.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, January 13, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that as a result of ongoing regional fires, it is postponing the 2025 Mayoral Reorganization & Installation Ceremony and City Council meeting, which had been scheduled for Monday, January 13. During the event, Chelsea Lee Byers was expected to be installed as the new Mayor, with John Heilman as the Vice Mayor.

The Mayoral Reorganization & Installation Ceremony will be rescheduled to the upcoming West Hollywood City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 21.

In addition, the city of West Hollywood is postponing the public opening of the Ice Rink at West Hollywood Park to a forthcoming day. Additional updated information will be provided at weho.org/calendar and weho.org/news.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, January 8, the city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page that they are closely monitoring hazardous high winds and nearby fires. These conditions will continue to pose a serious threat to safety through Friday, January 10.

Wind & Fire Risk: Winds remain strong, increasing the risk of fire spread. While there are no reports of major fires or other incidents in West Hollywood, nearby communities are impacted. The Sunset Fire in Runyon Canyon has been contained, but smoke and air quality remain a concern.

Air Quality: Due to smoke, please limit outdoor activity and wear a mask if you must go outside.

Service & Facility Adjustments: In response to ongoing emergencies, some City programs may be impacted. Recreation services at parks will be closed on Thursday, January 9.

Parking Adjustments: Street sweeping enforcement is lifted for Thursday, January 9. Residential permit parking enforcement is suspended until Monday, January 13.

Transit Update: Cityline Commuter and Local services will operate as usual.

Evacuation Transportation: If you need evacuation assistance, the City is offering free rides within LA County through Ambiance Transportation. Call (310) 981-9303 for details.

Stay Informed: To sign up for emergency alerts go to: www.ready.lacounty.gov or text your Zip Code to 888-777. For detailed information, visit go.weho.org/fireupdates.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, January 8, at 5:34, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced an evacuation order for the area a fire that began in a building at 2350 Sunset Boulevard spread to some brush adjacent to the building in Hollywood Hills.

The following information on the fire came directly from the alerts listed on the LAFD webpage.

“Hollywood Hills West; Approximately 10 acres burning between Runyon Canyon and Wattles Park. A Mandatory Evacuation Order is now in place for Laurel Canyon Blvd (on the west) to Mulholland Dr (on the north) to 101 Freeway (on the east) down to Hollywood Blvd (on the south.”

Pacific Palisades and Topanga Canyon have been burning for days. More than 1,500 acres and 1,000 structures have been consumed by fire in Los Angeles County while Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass travels abroad to the City of Ghana in West Africa.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to secure federal funding due to wildfires that have repeatedly plagued the state since Newsom became Governor in 2019.

During his first term as President, Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from the state of California if Newsom did not begin fire prevention measures to protect the state of California.

Over 250 California firefighters are battling the flames, with help coming in from neighboring states including Oregon, while the fire hydrants they attempt to use are running dry.

On January 8, California Fire Statistics reported 55 fires in 2025. There have been five reported fatalities caused by these fires with over 80,000 people displaced from their homes.

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, January 7, the city of West Hollywood indicated in a news release that it opened its newest parking lot – Municipal Lot #9 to be known as the Crescent Heights Lot – on the southwest corner of Santa Monica Boulevard at N. Crescent Heights Boulevard. The lot will feature 66 parking spaces including two for people with Disabled Person placards or plates, and four electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

The Crescent Heights Lot will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. at a parking rate of $2 per hour. Permanent lighting and landscaping will be completed in the coming weeks. West Hollywood will hold a small, informal dedication with members of the West Hollywood City Council on Saturday, January 11 at 10 a.m. Interested members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Crescent Heights Lot joins multiple city parking facilities throughout the 1.9-square-mile footprint of the city including the parking garages at City Hall, Kings Road, and West Hollywood Park and Library, Hart Park and Plummer Park North and South lots, and the Bonner, La Jolla, Melrose, Orange Grove, Robertson, and Sunset lots. West Hollywood parking facilities offer more than 1,179 parking spaces. Rates and hours of operation vary. For more details visit the Parking Facilities Directory on the city’s website.

For additional information about the Crescent Heights Lot contact Vince Guarino, West Hollywood Parking Services Manager, at (323) 848-6426 or at vguarino@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced that the Ice Rink at West Hollywood Park on the Great Lawn, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard opens on Friday, January 10.

It will be open daily through January 26. There will be family fun, pop-up theme nights, and a Winter Wonderland event on January 25. There will also be the Polar Plunge Pool Party on January 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

All pool activities will take place in the heated recreational pool. If you would like to get into the pool, individuals should bring a swimsuit and towel. Children not yet potty-trained must wear a swim diaper. Children under the age of 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult in the pool. Activities outside of the pool will include games, giveaways, arts-and-crafts, hot cocoa, and apple cider.

Ice skaters are invited to break out their best figure-skating arabesque/camel spin/Biellmann spin/spiral (or just work on staying on their feet!) and book a 90-minute ice-skating session:

• Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Fridays from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

The cost per session is $15 for ages 3-14 and $20 for ages 15 and older. The price per session includes skate rental. Come for the skating, and stay for Winter Village in the park, featuring skate viewing areas, photo opportunities, and a charming general store. For more information, visit go.weho.org/icerink.

For additional information about West Hollywood’s Ice Rink, Winter Wonderland, and Polar Plunge Pool Party contact Clavon Jubrey, West Hollywood Recreation Supervisor, at (323) 848-6535 or at cjubrey@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday, January 2, the city of West Hollywood announced that it is asking the community to participate in the global Veganuary campaign which asks people to try plant-based eating during the month of January. Any effort to try eating plant-based meals in January is welcomed.

According to a press release from the city’s website, the official Veganuary campaign website has various resources available including recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, as well as nutrition tips and impact reports. A 2010 United Nations report stated that a global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, energy poverty, and the worst impacts of climate change. Eating vegan food is more energy efficient and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than raising animals to consume.

In 2024, West Hollywood committed to offering vegan food as a default option at city events where food is offered to attendees and the city joined hundreds of corporations and nonprofits by joining the #veganuaryworkplacechallenge where staff can voluntarily join the Veganuary movement. City employees, residents, visitors, and local businesses are encouraged to join millions worldwide in trying some vegan meals this January.

For additional details about West Hollywood’s Veganuary initiative should contact Andi Lovano, Community and Legislative Affairs Manager, at (323) 848-6333 or at alovano@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Starting January 1, 2025, parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or 15 feet of a curb extension in West Hollywood will result in a citation under California’s new Daylighting Law (AB 413). The new law aims to improve pedestrian visibility and reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, especially for vulnerable groups like children.

According to a press release from the city of West Hollywood website, AB 413, also known as the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill or “Daylighting Law,” was signed into state law in October 2023 and went into effect on January 1, 2024, with a one-year grace period. The law aims to increase visibility for both pedestrians and oncoming vehicular traffic, with the goal of decreasing pedestrian injuries and deaths by adding more time for drivers and people walking to see one another better.

Due to their height, children are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to be invisible behind a parked car. The term “daylighting” refers to the practice of keeping a clear zone of a specified distance on the vehicle approach side of a crosswalk. Daylighting is considered a best practice and is a frequently used tool in cities across the nation.

Drivers in communities across the state of California, including West Hollywood, will be subject to citations for stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension (commonly referred to as a bulb-out), including T-intersections. All intersections on all approaches in California are considered to have a legal unmarked or marked crosswalk, unless marked with signage for no pedestrian crossings.

West Hollywood’s Department of Public Works is working to get the word out about AB 413 to residents, businesses, and community members with city information. The city’s Engineering division is in the process of evaluating intersections throughout West Hollywood to identify locations that warrant modifications to be consistent with the new law and some curbs will be painted red to provide clear indication for no parking zones. Drivers are advised that parking in a “daylighted” curb area in close proximity to a crosswalk or curb-crossings, whether painted red or not, is a violation subject to citation.

According to the Federal Highway Administration of the US Department of Transportation, approximately half of all traffic-related injuries occur near intersections. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25 percent above the national average.

For more details about West Hollywood’s engineering efforts to improve pedestrian safety, including AB 413, call John Gilmour, West Hollywood City Engineer, at (323) 848-6383 or at jgilmour@weho.org. For more information about parking enforcement, call Vince Guarino, West Hollywood Parking Services Manager, at (323) 848-6426 or at vguarino@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station announced on the city of West Hollywood Facebook page about ways to file an online crime report.

There is a now a link on West Hollywood’s website to the Sheriff’s Online Report Tracking System. The Sheriff’s Online Report Tracking System (SORTS) is available 24/7 for reporting specific crimes online at your convenience.

Once the individual accepts, they will receive a free copy of the approved report, emailed to them for their records.

Crimes include lost or stolen property valued at less than $950, lost or stolen cell phones valued at $950 or less, Vandalism, excluding graffiti, where damage is valued under $400, and theft from an unlocked vehicle valued at $950 or less.

For more details visit the link in our bio or visit www.weho.org and search “Sheriff.”

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page on December 23 the public should be alert rather they are shopping, dining, or celebrating with loved ones, it’s important to remember these safety tips:

-Lock your car, hide valuables.
-Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in parking areas.
-Watch your packages—consider cameras or lockers.
-Stay aware of your drinks and avoid over-imbibing.
-Plan ahead for a safe ride—don’t drink and drive.

For safety concerns, call the Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850 or the Block by Block Security Ambassadors at (833) WEHO-BBB.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page on December 18 that Athens Services will not pick up trash on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024 or New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025. Services will continue the following day.

Christmas trees are recyclable starting December 26, 2024, through January 11, 2025, Athens Services will pick them up. Residents should be sure to strip your tree of all its accessories (no ornaments, lights, or tinsel), cut it in half if it’s over six feet, and skip the flocking or plastic bags.

All boxes, wrapping paper, and packaging can go right into your recycling bin. Residents getting rid of old electronics can book a free e-waste pickup or visit the UCLA S.A.F.E. Drop-Off Center to give them a second life.

To learn more visit: https://go.weho.org/3BpWvia.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, December 17, the city of West Hollywood announced that Chelsea Lee Byers will become the next mayor for the city.

During the regular meeting of the West Hollywood City Council on Monday, December 16, John M. Erickson and Danny Hang were sworn-in to new terms on the West Hollywood City Council. Erickson’s oath of office was administered by Brian Sonia-Wallace and Hang’s oath of office was administered by former Mayor and Councilmember John D’Amico.

City Councilmembers serve for a term of four years and are elected at large. Erickson, who serves as the city’s current Mayor, was first elected to the West Hollywood City Council on November 3, 2020.

Hang was elected to the West Hollywood City Council on November 5, 2024. His legislative priorities include getting unhoused neighbors off the streets and into housing with supportive services; building more affordable housing while protecting and expanding renters’ rights; protecting workers and marginalized groups; uplifting local businesses; and creating a safer and healthier West Hollywood community.

The West Hollywood City Council nominated and elected Chelsea Lee Byers to serve as the city’s next Mayor and John Heilman to serve as Vice Mayor. The WeHo City Council selects Councilmembers each year to serve as Mayor and Vice Mayor; these positions rotate annually among the Councilmembers.

Incoming Mayor Byers and Incoming Vice Mayor Heilman will be sworn-in to their new roles at the upcoming annual City Council Reorganization and Installation meeting and oath of office ceremony, which will take place on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the City’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

A reception will immediately follow at the adjacent West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center Respite Deck. The meeting, ceremony, and reception are free and open to the public. Limited validated parking will be available at the West Hollywood Park five-story structure.

Byers was elected to the City Council in November 2022. Her priorities include social service delivery, climate-change mitigation strategies, and emergency resiliency efforts; creating more affordable housing and resources for renters; enhancing the streetscape for improved pedestrian and cycling experiences while reducing vehicle-dependency; and community building and policy implementation to ensure an inclusive community for all.

Heilman was active in the incorporation of West Hollywood. He was elected to the City’s first City Council in November 1984 and he was chosen as the City’s second Mayor in 1985. After having served several terms, he was re-elected to the City Council in November 2022.

For additional information about West Hollywood’s City Councilmembers visit www.weho.org/city-government/city-council

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood will be holding a coyote management and coexistence virtual meeting on Wednesday, December 18. The city indicated on its website that coyotes tend to roam in urban and suburban environments. Coyotes may visit yards and public areas even when people are present and may cause conflicts.

In 2018, West Hollywood adopted a Coyote Management and Coexistence Plan. The plan includes an approach to decrease the potential for harm and provides tips for coexistence. There has been an increase in sightings of coyotes in the area. The meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. via Zoom. The aim of the meeting is to educate community members about coyotes and to provide information about how to respond to coyote sightings. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The meeting will include participation from representatives from the Los Angeles County Department of Agriculture, which is the County-level agency to report coyote sightings and encounters, and from staff from West Hollywood’s Neighborhood and Business Safety Division, which oversees animal care and control services in the region. The meeting is free to join and open to everyone. Join directly using the Zoom platform with this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85688384380?pwd=cn4tpdqZbczEb2E0DiVfkavOBwLe6a.1.

For additional details about the City’s Coyote Management and Coexistence Plan and for details about why individuals may encounter a coyote and what to do if you encounter a coyote, visit the city’s website coyote information page at www.go.weho.org/coyotes.

For more information contact Vyto Adomaitis, West Hollywood’s Neighborhood and Business Safety Manager, at (323) 848-6531 or at vadomaitis@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, December 9, the city of West Hollywood disclosed that on Sunday, December 15 there will be a special celebration of our 40th Anniversary with a free Winter Sounds outdoor concert.

Corbin Jones Big Band will present a 90-minute “Holiday Extravaganza,” featuring renditions holiday classics.

“With a 22-piece ensemble of Grammy winners and rising stars, it will be an amazing afternoon filled with holiday spirit,” the city of West Hollywood stated on its Facebook page.

The event is free and open to all ages Seating is limited—early arrival is recommended. To RSVP and learn more visit: go.weho.org/4ijbgE4.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, December 9, the city of West Hollywood indicated in a news release that they are spreading the word about end-of-year trash and recycling information.

The city’s solid waste hauler, Athens Services, will have no pickup of trash on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, or on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Services will be provided one day later than the regularly scheduled pickup day.

Holiday trees are 100 percent recyclable. Athens Services will collect holiday trees on regular pickup days beginning Thursday, December 26, 2024 through Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Tips to ensure collection of your holiday tree: remove stands, ornaments, lights and tinsel; place holiday trees at the curb; trees over six feet in length must be cut in half; trees with flocking or fire retardants will not be accepted; and please do not leave the tree in a plastic bag as the bag gets caught in the chipper blades. Trees not picked up during the recycle window must be cut up and placed in yard waste containers.

Remember that gift boxes, wrapping paper, and other paper packaging can be recycled with regular paper and cardboard recycling.

During the holidays, people will be replacing old electronics. Residents should take old electronics to a collection center such as the UCLA S.A.F.E. Drop-Off Center (call 1-800-773-2489 for more information) or may schedule an e-waste pickup with Athens Services. For details, visit West Hollywood’s website Trash and Recycling page: www.weho.org/city-government/city-departments/public-works/environmental-services/trash-and-recycling.

Bulky or large items, such as refrigerators, carpet, and wood, can be picked up at no charge to residents, limited to a maximum of two items. Call Athens Services directly at (888) 336-6100 for details and to arrange pickup.

Anyon generating a larger amount of trash than usual and your trash and recycling bins are full or cannot accommodate the additional trash – please DO NOT place extra trash and recycling on the ground with bins or carts. Please contact Athens Services to schedule extra services to accommodate your extra trash and recycling.

For more details, or to arrange for extra trash and recycling services, please contact Athens Services’ Customer Service Office at (888) 336-6100. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood will begin work for a slurry seal asphalt project at the North Parking Lot of Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard on Tuesday, December 10. The parking lot is anticipated to re-open by Sunday, December 15.

The North Parking Lot will be closed throughout this period. Visitors to Plummer Park and event/meeting attendees are advised to plan accordingly. The Helen Albert Certified Farmers’ Market will not be impacted by construction activities.

City staff placed a digital message board on December 2, in the parking lot area to alert regular visitors of the closure in advance. Temporary No Parking signs will also be placed. The city is aware that the construction work may cause inconveniences and has worked to schedule the project during a less impacted time period for this location.

“The City appreciates the patience and understanding of park users. The South Parking Lot, accessible from Santa Monica Boulevard, will remain open and available for park visitors,” said the city of West Hollywood in a statement on its website.

For more details contact Brian Jackson, West Hollywood’s Street Maintenance Supervisor, at (323) 848-6879 or at bjackson@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are partnering to help give back to those in need this holiday season to celebrate the 35th Annual West Hollywood Toy and Food Drive. The drive will be accepting monetary donations online via ActiveNet until Sunday, December 15, with the goal of providing as many families as possible with toys and holiday gift cards.

Donations may be made online at www.weho.org/holidaydrive. New users must create an account and click on the Donations tab to contribute; existing users may simply log in via ActiveNet to start the donation process.

The cost to help one family is $100; up to 10 families can be helped with $1,000. New unwrapped toys are also needed and gift cards in $25 denominations to retailers such as Pavilions, Ralphs, Trader Joe’s, or Target will help families through the holiday season.

Toy collection bins are now available at the following city facilities: West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center (2nd floor lobby and 5th floor Pool), located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to West Hollywood Library; Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard; West Hollywood City Hall, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard; as well as at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, located at 780 N. San Vicente Boulevard; West Hollywood Library, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard, and West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, located at 8272 Santa Monica Boulevard.

These West Hollywood hotels will also have collection bins: 1 Hotel, located at 8490 Sunset Boulevard; and the West Hollywood Edition Hotel, located at 9040 Sunset Boulevard, as well as at the Chateau Marmont located in the City of Los Angeles at 8221 Sunset Boulevard just outside of West Hollywood’s municipal border.

For more details contact West Hollywood Recreation Services Division staff Ariel Sharaf at asharaf@weho.org or (323) 848-6440 or Andrea Lujan at alujan@weho.org or (323) 848-6526. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood will be holding a free Active Shooter Preparedness Workshop on Saturday, December 7.  The purpose of the event is to teach the public life-saving skills and strategies to respond effectively in an emergency.

This is an important opportunity to gain practical knowledge on situational awareness, first aid, and how to protect yourself and others in a crisis.

The event will take place at 10 a.m. at West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Limited validated parking is available at the adjacent West Hollywood Park 5-Story parking structure. The workshop is free; no RSVP is required.

The Active Shooter Preparedness Workshop will teach:

• Best practices for responding to active threats;
• Increasing situational awareness and employing See Something/Say Something strategies;
• What to expect when first responders arrive on the scene;
• An overview of Run/Hide/Fight/Treat responses; and
• Basic education about how to treat people who are injured and how to Stop The Bleed to save a life.

The workshop will be led by Erik Franco of High-Speed Tac Med, one of the nation’s most sought-after active shooter preparedness trainers for first responders. Franco is a trained Search and Rescue Technician/Emergency Medical Technician and has years of experience as a Department of Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Instructor.

The workshop is aimed at providing readiness skills to residents in the West Hollywood community in general, as well as to people who work in local businesses and nighttime establishments. There will be discussions regarding recent active shooter incidents across the nation and specific lessons learned from them. There will also be information about best practices in dealing with an incident, evaluating locations for quick and effective evacuation, and basic gunshot first aid.

For more information, contact West Hollywood’s Community Safety Department by phone at (323) 848-6414 or by email at safety@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 18, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that the Community Gardens waitlist for planter beds has opened both online and in-person. In-person waitlist sign-up is available at the Plummer Park Community Center, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard and at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center, located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to West Hollywood Library.

Community participation is limited to West Hollywood residents only. Applicants must provide two forms of proof of residency under the waitlist participant’s name, such as a valid California Identification Card or Driver License and a current residential utility bill. Priority on the waitlist will be given to low-income residents aged 55 and older, based on guidelines determined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Proof of income will be required.

The gardens have a limited number of available spots, and the waitlist will be maintained to fill vacancies as they arise throughout the year. Community members who do not meet the priority guidelines are welcome to join the waitlist, as well.

For those opting in to a community garden space once notified that a space has become available, there is a $120 annual license cost as well as a $20 key deposit. The Community Gardens are gated and locked and they are only accessible to Community Garden participants.

For additional information call (323) 848-6534 or email recreation@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, November 12, the city of West Hollywood announced that its Community Safety Department, in collaboration with community safety partners, has begun implementing Safer WeHo, a year-long pilot program that uses equipment and technology to support public safety efforts.

The Safer WeHo program is being launched in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, West Hollywood Station.

According to a news release, public safety technology refers to the various tools and systems that are used to enhance safety and security. Safer WeHo initiatives coming to West Hollywood include:

· Drone as First Responder (DFR) – The intent of the DFR program is to enhance public safety by providing a real-time view of an incident. The DFR will respond to various types of calls for service and will potentially de-escalate high risk situations. The DFR will not be used for surveillance on our community.

· Fixed Real-Time Cameras – The installation of more than 50 cameras will be strategically placed in locations throughout West Hollywood. Cameras will be used to assist in resolving crimes that have occurred and providing real-time information to first responders on calls for service.

· Real-Time Watch Center – The real-time watch center will be established at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. It will serve as the hub in monitoring of live video feeds from drones and fixed real-time cameras.

West Hollywood is distributing mailed information to residents and business owners and placing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in digital transit shelters and digital pedestrian kiosks. The city is getting out the word in media relations, e-mail notifications and social media posts, and scheduling in-person meetings to invite community members to learn more about the program and its initiatives. Information about the Safer WeHo program is provided at www.go.weho.org/saferweho.

West Hollywood’s Community Safety Department provides oversight of law enforcement and coordinates community programs to reduce crime and increase public safety and the quality of life for citizens, businesses, and visitors to West Hollywood.

To learn more about community safety agencies, programs, and initiatives West Hollywood, download “Community Safety in the City of West Hollywood” at www.weho.org/home/showdocument?id=42465.

For more details contact West Hollywood’s Community Safety Department at safety@weho.org or at (323) 848-6414. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood indicated in a news release on Tuesday, November 12 that it will start an elevator modernization project at the West Hollywood Park 5-Story Parking Structure, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Construction will begin on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-January 2025.

The elevator at the 5-Story Parking Structure will be closed and offline for repairs throughout this period. Park visitors and event/meeting attendees are advised to plan accordingly.

The 5-Story Parking Structure will remain open and available. In the coming weeks, staff will place elevator closure signs and other way-finding notifications in advance at affected locations. West Hollywood is providing the following recommendations for those visiting West Hollywood Park, the Aquatic and Recreation Center, and West Hollywood Library:

-To access the rooftop tennis courts, parking on the 5th floor of the 5-Story Parking Structure is recommended.

-For ADA Parking Access: ADA parking will be reserved on levels 1 and 2.

-For ADA Elevator Access: Patrons are advised to use the Auto Court elevator adjacent to the Friends of the West Hollywood Library Bookstore for ADA access to West Hollywood Library and West Hollywood Park.

-Other ADA special accommodations can be made; call City Recreation Services Division staff in advance to discuss at (323) 848-6534.

For more details, contact Dapo Akinsiku, West Hollywood’s Building & Aquatic Center Maintenance Supervisor, at (323) 848-6515 or at dakinsiku@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 7, the city of West Hollywood announced that it will be holding a 40th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, November 21.

The public is invited to a special evening celebrating 40 years of cityhood at the Pacific Design Center’s Silver Screen Theater. The celebration will be hosted by comedian Bruce Vilanch and the event will include live entertainment, inspiring speakers, light refreshments, and a formal program.

The city of West Hollywood was established in 1984. It is bordered by the city of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills. Melrose Avenue is known for its luxury retail establishments throughout the city.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Individuals will be able to learn about West Hollywood’s rich culture, history and passion for progress. The free event is open to all—RSVP now and be part of the celebration. To RSVP and learn more at www.weho.org/wehoday.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, November 8, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that a new 738 area code has been added as an overlay to the existing 213/323 regions in West Hollywood and surrounding areas. Anyone who requests a new phone number or an additional line may be assigned a 738 area code.

What individuals should know:

-Current phone numbers won’t change.

-Dialing requirements remain the same: 10-digit dialing for local and long-distance calls.

-The price of calls and services won’t change.

-Continue using your full 10-digit number (area code + phone number) when sharing contact info.

For more details visit: https://go.weho.org/4fbQapf.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood revealed on November 6 that Semi-final election results have been posted by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. According to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, after Election Day there are still outstanding ballots to be processed and counted in the Official Election Canvass.

During the Official Election Canvass, all Vote-by-Mail, Conditional, and Provisional ballots received on Election Day are processed and verified. Once verified, they will be counted. Details about upcoming ballot counting updates are available on the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Schedule. After counts are final, the election must be certified.

Semi-final election results indicate that candidates John M. Erickson and Danny Hang have secured the top number of votes by West Hollywood voters for two seats on the West Hollywood City Council. Results updated on Wednesday, November 6 at 3:46 a.m. indicate that John M. Erickson secured 6,440 votes and Danny Hang secured 4,829 votes.

Election results details are available on the LA County Election Results website. West Hollywood General Municipal Election details are additionally available by visiting www.weho.org/elections.

Semi-final election results also indicate that West Hollywood Measure WH – West Hollywood Local Control, Public Safety Measure passed. With this Measure enacted, if Los Angeles County or a regional government agency imposes a future sales tax that impacts West Hollywood, Measure WH will automatically redirect ¼-cent of those sales tax funds collected in West Hollywood back to the city to maintain the services residents have indicated are important.

There are 26,036 registered voters in West Hollywood. The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office must still count same-day registration ballots, provisional ballots, and Vote-by-Mail ballots. Election results are tentatively scheduled to be certified by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. West Hollywood will receive LA County certification documentation, and it is anticipated that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will declare the Election concluded on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

The two newly elected Councilmembers will be sworn-in at the regular meeting of the West Hollywood City Council on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 6 p.m. The City Council annually elects the City’s Mayor and Vice Mayor in a rotation of Councilmembers and the City Council will elect Councilmembers to serve as Mayor and Vice Mayor at its regular meeting on Monday, December 16, 2024, as well. There will be a WeHo City Council Reorganization and Installation meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025. West Hollywood City Council meeting agendas are posted in advance on West Hollywood’s website at www.weho.org/councilagendas.

For additional information call West Hollywood’s City Clerk’s Office at (323) 848-6800. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, October 30, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is anticipated to replace 1,300 feet of water main on N. La Cienega Boulevard between Fountain Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, starting the week of November 4.

Work will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and temporary parking restrictions will be in effect. Individuals should look for updates on electronic message boards

Parking will be restricted while work is in progress; LADWP will post temporary No Parking signs with notification of the date and time of construction. Vehicles parked on the street during work hours may be subject to tow.

Work will be done on the following: westbound Santa Monica Boulevard, west of N. Hayworth Avenue; eastbound Santa Monica Boulevard, west of N. Robertson Boulevard; northbound N. La Cienega Boulevard, south of Melrose Avenue; westbound Fountain Avenue, east of N. Hayworth Avenue; eastbound Sunset Boulevard, east of Hilldale Avenue; westbound Sunset Boulevard, west of Roxbury Road.

For more details contact the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) at www.ladwp.com/support or 1-800-342-5397 (1-800-DIAL-DWP) or TDD 1-800-432-7397 (1-800-HEAR-DWP).

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, October 28, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office disclosed that Dorian Michael Gray, 28, was charged with attempting to murder Efrain Zarazua. Zarazua is a West Hollywood Barney’s Beanery valet attendant, who was physically assaulted as he was working outside of the restaurant on September 14. Gray also allegedly physically assaulted six other victims that same day in the region.

He is charged in case 24ARCF01556 with one count of attempted murder-willful, deliberate, and premeditated; one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon; two felony counts of aggravated mayhem; two misdemeanor counts of battery; one felony count of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury; and two felony counts of battery with serious bodily injury.

It is further alleged that in the commission of the crime, Gray personally inflicted great bodily injury, great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, and callousness. It also is alleged that he was armed with and used a weapon during the commission of the crime.

On September 14, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Gray allegedly physically attacked seven victims at random during a 10-minute period on Santa Monica Boulevard. He also attempted to murder Efrain Zarazua as he worked as a valet outside of Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood.

On October 18, at approximately 6 p.m., deputies from the West Hollywood Station, Entertainment Policing Team (EPT) located the suspect in the vicinity of Santa Monica Boulevard and Sweetzer Avenue. The deputies placed him under arrest and booked him at West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.

The company posted the following message on its Instagram page:

“This past Saturday night, our long-time valet Frankie Zarazua was viciously beaten in the Barney’s parking lot in a random attack by an unknown assailant. Frank is currently still in critical condition in the ICU, having sustained multiple injuries to his head, neck and body.

Frankie has been part of Barney’s team for over 30 years. He is kind, funny, and welcoming to everyone he encounters. His family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for his medical bills and recovery support. If you are able to help Frankie, please look for the link in our bio. Thank you for taking the time to help, and please re-post this on Frank’s behalf.”

Gray was arraigned on October 24 and entered a plea of not guilty. The preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for November 13 in Dept. 31 of the Airport Courthouse. Bail was set at $3,255,000.

If convicted as charged, Gray faces life in state prison. The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Friday, October 25 that a series of Permitting Enhancement Initiatives to streamline our Community Development Department (CDD) functions.

The CDD manages West Hollywood’s urban environment and creates a livable community that balances the needs of residents, businesses, property owners, and visitors.

These initiatives include:
-Permit Navigator Program
-Over-the-Counter Plan Review
-Guaranteed Second Opinion for Issue Resolution
-Administrative Permit Process Improvements
-Permitting Process Workshop

The efforts aim to reduce complexity, improve service delivery, and speed up timelines for development and land use activities.

To learn more visit: https://go.weho.org/48nG9CQ

For additional details about West Hollywood’s Community Development Department and about permitting enhancement initiatives, please visit www.weho.org/cdd.

For more information about the city’s permitting enhancement initiatives or Community Development Department contact Nick Maricich, West Hollywood Director of Community Development, at (323) 848-6393 or at nmaricich@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, October 22, the LASD West Hollywood Station disclosed that a male suspect responsible for a series of assaults and the attempted murder of a parking valet in West Hollywood has been arrested.

On September 14 at 10:27 p.m. in the city of West Hollywood, a parking valet attendant was punched to the ground, lost consciousness and was kicked by the suspect several times on the head and upper body before fleeing the scene. The incident transpired at Barney’s Beanery.

The company posted the following message on its Instagram page:

“This past Saturday night, our long-time valet Frankie Zarazua was viciously beaten in the Barney’s parking lot in a random attack by an unknown assailant. Frank is currently still in critical condition in the ICU, having sustained multiple injuries to his head, neck and body.

Frankie has been part of Barney’s team for over 30 years. He is kind, funny, and welcoming to everyone he encounters. His family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for his medical bills and recovery support. If you are able to help Frankie, please look for the link in our bio. Thank you for taking the time to help, and please re-post this on Frank’s behalf.”

A GoFundMe page was established for Zarazua that has amounted over $21,000 of a $30,000 goal to help the valet with mounting medical bills since his attack.

The suspect has been linked to several additional assaults that occurred that same evening in West Hollywood. He has been identified as Dorian Gray, 28.

Detectives will be filing the case on October 22 with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office for filing consideration.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its social media platform that it will participate in the Great California Shakeout Earthquake Drill on Thursday, October 17. The drill will take place at 10:17 a.m.

The Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is part of International ShakeOut Day, which is recognized globally each year on the third Thursday of October.

Practice critical earthquake safety by learning to Drop, Cover, and Hold On
-Drop to your hands and knees to avoid being knocked down
-Cover your head and neck

To prepared individuals should hold on to a sturdy shelter until the shaking stops.

To learn more visit: https://go.weho.org/3BGS42n. Other cities participating in the drill include Beverly Hills, Malibu and Santa Monica.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, October 17, the city of Santa Monica will participate in the Great Shakeout Drill.

At 10:17 a.m. (local time) on Thursday, individuals can join millions of people across California practicing earthquake safety. Individuals can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of their choice. That includes people in multiple locations through video conferencing.

Earthquakes can strike without warning throughout the Southern California region. Santa Monica encourages everyone to be prepared for emergencies for up to seven days. People should be prepared for emergencies in their home, workplace and car.

There are many faults in and near Los Angeles, and the city of Santa Monica encourages everyone to learn where the Santa Monica fault is located. To learn more about local faults and their potential impacts on Santa Monica, watch Santa Monica’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan community presentation video.

Remember when shaking starts Drop, Cover and Hold On or, if you utilize a device for mobility, Lock, Cover and Hold On. For more details regarding actions to take during an earthquake, visit www.earthquakecountry.org.

Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On during the annual Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill every October. To find out more visit: www.shakeout.org/california/

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood revealed that its Recreation Services Division will host its annual free Youth Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 19, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Plummer Park located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The 2024 Halloween Carnival has expanded and will include more carnival games, a pumpkin patch, a trackless train, spooky attractions, arts and crafts, and a tiny tot zone. Entertainment includes festive music, a magic show, costume showcase, dancing, a spooky story time, and a performance by kid favorite Pickle, the West Hollywood’s Drag Laureate, who will once again guest host the event.

Children are invited to dress up in costume to participate in the Costume Showcase. The event will also include food and dessert vendors with plant-based options. Attendees are asked to carpool or walk, as parking at Plummer Park is limited.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Youth Halloween Carnival contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at (323) 848-6530 or at recreation@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood will be hosting the Mobility Expo on Saturday, October 5 at Plummer Park on Vista Lawn at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The event will allow individuals to discover all the transportation options to get them moving, while enjoying a community bike ride, demos, and fun giveaways.

The event is free and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are invited to explore and engage with various mobility vendors, including free to low-cost transit services such as The Cityline, The WeHo Pickup, LA Metro, and available transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities. Vendors will also share emerging transportation technology, such as autonomous vehicles and electric vehicle options. The event will also include a community bike ride and demos on bicycle safety.

Individuals looking to attend can RSVP at: https://forms.office.com/r/aCeZBNg7LE.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, September 20, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that it is inviting the community to a series of free workshops as part of the forthcoming Art in Odd Places citywide public art festival.

Artists, curators, creatives, local businesses, and community members are invited to attend free workshops with Ed Woodham to learn about Art in Odd Places and how to participate in a citywide public art festival taking place in 2025. The workshops are taking place Tuesday, September 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to the West Hollywood Library, and Friday, September 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Plummer Park Community Center, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

According to a news release from the city of WeHo website, Art in Odd Places presents visual and performance art in unexpected public spaces and aims to imagine public spaces for diverse social interaction and the unfettered exchange of ideas.

Woodam’s career in community-based art, education, and civic interventions spans over 45 years. A visual and performance artist, curator, and educator, he utilizes humor and irony to encourage close consideration of the urban environment. He created Art in Odd Places to present visual and performance art to reclaim public spaces in New York City and beyond.

The Art on the Outside Program is West Hollywood’s temporary art program that installs rotating artworks throughout the city. The artworks can include sculpture, murals, digital art, and other outdoor works. Most exhibitions remain on display between six months and three years. All projects are subject to the Art on the Outside Program Review and Approval Process. The program is funded through the Public Beautification & Art Fund.

For more details about participating in the Art in Odd Places workshops can contact Marcus Mitchell, West Hollywood’s Public Art Administrator, at mmitchell@weho.org or at (323) 848-3122. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, September 10, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that it is offering free American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification training on Saturday, October 5, in the Fairfax/La Brea Room at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center, located at 8750 El Tovar Place adjacent to West Hollywood Library.

Participants can choose one of two training sessions that will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; the afternoon session will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited and is anticipated to reach capacity quickly. Enroll using West Hollywood’s “ActiveNet” online reservations system. Enrollment requires ActiveNet registration, which takes just one minute to complete. Limited parking will be available for participants at the West Hollywood Park Five-Story parking structure, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

The American Red Cross certification training will cover adult and pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED topics and participants will learn how to respond to medical emergencies. Prior to meeting in-person, participants will be enrolled in an online learning session that takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. There will be in-person section reviews and tests that will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per section for participants to receive certification. The online learning session link will be sent out 7 days prior to the in-person training session. All online coursework must be completed before the in-person training session.

Once capacity is reached, members are encouraged to join the waitlist. To join email wehoaquatics@weho.org or call (323) 848-6538. West Hollywood will host additional American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification trainings in the future.

For additional information about West Hollywood’s free American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certification training, email wehoaquatics@weho.org or call (323) 848-6538. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its website that its annual program of tree pruning will start on Tuesday, September 3 and work is expected to continue through February 2025.

The city’s contractor, West Coast Arborists started pruning work along Sunset Boulevard, taking care not to disrupt westbound lanes until after 10 a.m. to minimize the impact on morning commute traffic. During the coming weeks, crews will move to other commercial areas on Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Boulevard, and other arterial streets. Following commercial area trimming, work will commence on residential arterial streets. Each day, trimming will start at 8 a.m. and work will be finished by 3 p.m.

West Hollywood will communicate to residents, businesses, and motorists in advance of pruning work, using several methods:

-“No parking” signs will be placed a minimum of 24 hours in advance of work. The signs will reflect scheduled trimming activities for each day and they will be broken down into two time segments: before 12 p.m. and after 12 p.m. Parking spaces will be reopened as soon as possible after work is completed;
-Door hangers or postings on trees will be placed a minimum of 72 hours in advance of residential tree-trimming activities;
-Electronic message boards may be placed at strategic locations several days before trimming, as well as during trimming activities, to provide commuters with advance notice so they can plan route changes; and
-Notification of trimming activity will be posted on the City’s website and on the City’s social media pages @WeHoCity.

For more details contact Sam Estrada, West Hollywood’s Urban Forest and Landscape Maintenance Supervisor, at (323) 848-6867 or at sestrada@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, August 21, the city of West Hollywood posted on its website that it is encouraging community members to prioritize preparedness and is getting out the word that the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (“CERT”) is presenting CERT Training in September 2024.

West Hollywood CERT Training is free and will take place on Friday, September 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 28; and Sunday, September 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center’s Fairfax/La Brea Room, located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to West Hollywood Library.

Space is limited and expected to fill quickly. Participants must register in advance and attend all three sessions to receive a certificate of completion. To register for CERT Training visit the LA County Fire Department CERT training website.

The city of West Hollywood is alerting the public that following a disaster, police, fire, and medical professionals may not be able to meet the immediate demand for emergency medical attention. Residents and neighbors may need to rely upon one another to help with immediate life-saving needs. CERT Training was developed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide basic fire safety and life-saving skills.

CERT Training participants will learn valuable survival skills, including disaster preparedness, terrorism, disaster fire suppression, disaster psychology, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, and drill simulation, which can be vital in the immediate aftermath of a major disaster.

For more details contact Jessica Anukam, West Hollywood’s Public Safety Specialist, at (323) 848-6436 or at janukam@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its website that the city’s Free Theatre in the Parks will present a mashup opera of Jules Massenet and Gioacchino Rossini’s story of Cinderella, playing at Kings Road Park for six-performances-only starting Saturday, September 7, at 4 p.m. and running Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, September 22.

Kings Road Park is located at 1000 N. Kings Road. Attendance is free and seating is first-come, first-served. An RSVP is requested at https://cinderella-weho2024.eventbrite.com.

According to a news release from the city’s website, the free theatre experience is courtesy of Pacific Opera Project (POP) and West Hollywood’s Arts Division. POP’s Cinderella Story tells a young girl’s whirlwind love story from housemaid to princess. POP’s family-friendly 90-minute production of Cinderella Story is directed by Jack Zager and will feature cast members Lydia Brown, Jessica Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Byron Mayes, Christina Pezzarossi, Dominic Salvati, Emily Scott, and Christopher Walters, and will be sung in English with a live piano.

Founded in 2011, Los Angeles’s Pacific Opera Project (POP) provides quality opera that is accessible, and affordable. POP hosts hundreds of new opera-goers each season, producing close to 50 operas in more than 11 seasons.

For more information about Free Theatre in the Parks contact Joy Tribble, West Hollywood’s Arts Specialist, at (323) 848-6360 or at jtribble@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, August 9, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that charges were filed against Ramon Casas, 49, has been charged with murder for allegedly fatally assaulting a man in a 7-Eleven parking lot in the city of West Hollywood.

Casas is charged in case 24ARCF01155 with one count of murder. He pleaded not guilty to the charge at arraignment on August 8. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for September 19 in Dept. 31 of the Airport Courthouse.

On August 6, at approximately 12:43 p.m., Casas allegedly fatally assaulted the victim, Armando Cerqueda Gabriel, following an apparent road rage incident in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven on Santa Monica Boulevard.

The defendant remains in custody on $2,000,000 bail. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison. The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, August 9, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that the nomination period for City Council candidates that started on Monday, July 15 has been extended until Wednesday, August 14 at 5 p.m.

It was previously announced that the Candidacy Nomination Period would end on Friday, August 9; pursuant to the State Elections Code, a five-day extension may take place if an eligible incumbent does not file Nomination Papers by the deadline.

According to a news release, residents of West Hollywood who want to run for West Hollywood City Council should contact the City Clerk’s office to schedule an appointment to receive nomination papers and to review the requirements and deadlines for becoming an official candidate.

The WeHo City Council candidate nomination process requires a potential candidate to gather between 20 and 30 signatures by voters registered in the city. Potential candidates must be at least 18 years old, residents of West Hollywood, and registered voters within the City.

Two City Council seats will be decided in the upcoming General Municipal Election, which will be held on Tuesday, November 5. City of West Hollywood Councilmembers each serve for a term of four years and are elected at large. Each year, councilmembers select one of their members to serve as Mayor for a year, with the term beginning after the West Hollywood City Council reorganization, which occurs once every year.

The West Hollywood’s elections page, www.weho.org/elections provides detailed election information and links to the California Secretary of State’s Voter Registration page, the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder’s website, and specific links for polling places and sample ballots.

For more details, to schedule an appointment to receive nomination papers, and to review the requirements and deadlines for becoming an official candidate contact West Hollywood’s City Clerk’s Office at (323) 848-6409 or send an e-mail message to Alyssa Poblador at apoblador@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, August 7, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that as part of its Art on the Outside program, has installed Everything and Everybody by artist Sarah Foelske at the West Hollywood City Hall Community Plaza, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard at N. Sweetzer Avenue. Members of the community can view the artwork during City Hall open hours (Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

According to a press release from the city of West Hollywood, Everything and Everybody is an original digital artwork by Sarah Foelske printed on three vinyl banners and installed along the north-facing façade of the automated garage adjacent to WeHo City Hall. The triptych is anticipated to remain on view at City Hall through 2026.

The Art on the Outside Program is West Hollywood’s temporary art program that installs rotating artworks throughout the region. The artworks can include sculpture, murals, digital art, and other outdoor works. Most exhibitions remain on display between six months and three years. All projects are subject to the Art on the Outside Program Review and Approval Process. The program is funded through the Public Beautification & Art Fund.

For more details about Everything and Everybody should contact Marcus Mitchell, West Hollywood’s Public Art Administrator, at mmitchell@weho.org or at (323) 848-3122. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday, August 1, the city of West Hollywood disclosed it is launching a new, comprehensive enterprise permitting and licensing management system in August 2024. This advanced software will transform the city’s permitting, planning, regulatory licensing, and code enforcement processes, making these more user-friendly.

The new permitting system will replace multiple software platforms that have been previously used in isolation, which will streamline operations and improve service delivery for residents, businesses, vendors, and stakeholders who interact with the City’s permitting processes.

The following areas and functions will be improved: Building & Safety Permitting, Plan Check Review and Inspection Services, Current Planning and Historic Preservation, Long-Range Planning, Engineering, Neighborhood and Business Safety Code Enforcement and Business Licensing/Permitting, Revenue, Film Permitting, Special Event permitting, and more.

From Wednesday, August 14, to Monday, August 19, to accommodate the upgrade, certain services will be taken offline and there will be a temporary pause in application acceptance and permit issuance, impacting:

-Planning and Building & Safety – At West Hollywood City Hall, Planning and Building & Safety counters will remain operational during the upgrade to provide limited services, but staff will not be able to accept new applications or issue permits. In addition, applications submitted by email on or after Friday, August 9, 2024 may be delayed until after the new system is launched on Monday, August 19, 2024.

-Neighborhood and Business Safety, Code Enforcement, Business Licensing/Permitting – At West Hollywood City Hall, Neighborhood & Business Safety/Code Enforcement counters will remain operational during the upgrade, but staff will not be able to process applications or issue permits, such as Regulatory Business Licenses, Extended Hours Permits, Special Events Permits, and Encroachment Permits.

All applications and permitting services are anticipated to resume on Monday, August 19, at 10 a.m., once the new system is launched.

City staff members will be available to discuss questions and concerns from community members before, during, and after the upgrade; call West Hollywood City Hall at (323) 848-6400.

The City’s new permitting system, developed in partnership with Tyler Technologies, results from an extensive proposal evaluation process. The platform will consolidate multiple systems, enabling City Divisions to share information more efficiently. The system will feature an online portal as a central communication hub between the public and City staff.

From initial application submissions to permit/license issuance, it will provide a robust workflow, outlining each step of the process allowing applicants and City staff to track progress in real-time.

Highlights of the new permitting system include:

-Customer portals to track application and project submittals;

-Fully electronic plan submittals and reviews;

-Guided assistance for applicants through the application process;

-Integration with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office for updated parcel information;

-Mobile responsive interface to support City staff in the field; and

-Seamless payment options offered within the platform.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Permitting and Technology Upgrade call Eugene Tsipis, West Hollywood Information Technology Manager, at (323) 848-6399 or at etsipis@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood reported in a news release that the city is getting the word out that Metro is beginning its formal public comment period for the Northern Extension of the Metro K line (K Line North), the project that will bring Metro rail service to West Hollywood. Metro is studying underground rail options through WeHo, Mid City, and Hollywood and it will choose between three routes this fall.

According to the news release, Metro is accepting public comments on its Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) until Thursday, September 5, to help inform that final decision. West Hollywood supports the San Vicente-Fairfax route, which would include three stations in West Hollywood and would serve more workers, residents, and destinations than the other route alternatives.

Residents of West Hollywood and stakeholders are asked to attend one of Metro’s three upcoming in-person and virtual hearings to let Metro know what issues and design considerations matter to them and which route they prefer. Residents and stakeholders who cannot attend a hearing can submit comments, email messages, and formal comment letters, as well. All forms of engagement are impactful and links are provided at www.weho.org/metro to assist community members in providing feedback to Metro.

For those who want to attend a hearing, the schedule is as follows:

-Saturday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dorsey High School, located at 3537 Farmdale Avenue (served by the Metro Farmdale E Line Station);

-Tuesday, August 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center, located at 7600 Beverly Boulevard (served by Metro Bus 14 and 217); and

-Thursday, August 15, at 12 p.m., virtual meeting via Zoom.

All Metro meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities. Spanish translation will be provided at all three meetings. Russian translation will be available at the Pan Pacific Park and virtual meetings only.

West Hollywood has been working with West Hollywood Advocates for Metro Rail (WHAM), the All on Board Coalition, and the City of Los Angeles to build support for the K Line North project for years. The city and its coalition partners have built momentum on a proposal to accelerate the completion of K Line North by up to 20 years.

The K Line North will provide transit and connect individuals to the Los Angeles International Airport to Central Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley. If the San Vicente-Fairfax route is selected, the project will provide better mobility options to and from West Hollywood and more convenient access to key healthcare and employment centers such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Pacific Design Center, as well as cultural and entertainment destinations such as the Grove and the Hollywood Bowl. K Line North will create more equitable and convenient regional access and improve the overall efficiency of the transit system, which will benefit transit-dependent residents throughout the metropolitan area.

A short video titled “Finish The Line: A Route to Connect More People to More Places,” is posted on the City of West Hollywood’s WeHoTV YouTube channel. It outlines the reasoning behind the city’s preference for the San Vicente-Fairfax route.  Note: the K Line is referred to by the project’s previous name (Crenshaw/LAX Line) in the video.

For more details about the future Northern Extension of the Metro K Line, contact David Fenn, West Hollywood Senior Planner, at (323) 848-6336 or at dfenn@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, July 9, the city of West Hollywood noted on its website it will host a free document shredding, electronic and hazardous household waste collection event for residents and businesses. Community members are invited to bring confidential files and unwanted electronics, including hard drives, and household hazardous waste for shredding and recycling. The hazardous household waste collection is for residents only.

The free event will take place on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center employee parking lot, located at 355 N. San Vicente Boulevard. This is a drive-through event.

All e-waste, hazardous household waste and documents must be in the trunk prior to arrival. Paperclips, paper clamps, spiral bound notebooks, ringed notebooks must not be included in documents to be shredded.

E-waste will be handled by certified electronics recycler, Homeboy Recycling, that protects the planet and keeps data safe while creating jobs for individuals in the region. All electronics are accepted, with the exception of large appliances, thermostats, light bulbs, and batteries.

For more details call (323) 222-3322. Household hazardous waste collection will be handled by Clean Earth, Inc. For more information about Clean Earth, Inc., contact Luis Cortez-Mortero at (909) 634-4217, or Juan Sanchez at (213) 304-0141.

For details about the event contact Matt Magener, West Hollywood’s Environmental Programs Coordinator, at (323) 848-6894 or at mmagener@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Restaurants throughout West Hollywood will be highlighted during Dine LA that begins on Friday, July 12 and runs through Friday, July 26.

Diners can discover new culinary delights or enjoy restaurants in the region that include:

-Amour Weho, 8715 Beverly Boulevard
-Ardor at The West Hollywood Edition, 9040 Sunset Boulevard
-BOA Steakhouse, 9200 Sunset Boulevard
-Connie and Ted’s, 8171 Santa Monica Boulevard
-Crazy Rock’n Sushi, 7100 Santa Monica Boulevard
-Gracias Madre, 8905 Melrose Avenue
-Granville West Hollywood, 8701 Beverly Boulevard
-Izakaya Tora, 8908 Santa Monica Boulevard
-Katana, 8439 Sunset Boulevard
-La Bohème, 8400 Santa Monica Boulevard
-Ladyhawk at Kimpton La Peer Hotel, 623 N. La Peer Drive
-LAVO Ristorante, 9201 Sunset Boulevard
-Norma, 631 N. La Cienega Boulevard
-Pink Taco – Sunset, 8225 Sunset Boulevard
-Soulmate., 631 N. Robertson Boulevard
-Tesse, 8500 Sunset Boulevard
-The Roof at The West Hollywood Edition, 9040 Sunset Boulevard
-Toku Unagi & Sushi, 1106 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 201
-Zinque, 8684 Melrose Avenue

Participating restaurants for Dine LA will offer specially priced prix fixed menus for brunch, lunch and/or dinner; no tickets or passes are required.

A complete list of participating restaurants and their Dine LA menus are viewable online at www.discoverlosangeles.com/dineLA. Prices and meal periods will vary by restaurant and exclude beverages, tax, and gratuity.

For more details, contact West Hollywood’s Business Development Division, at (323) 848-6856 or at business@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood posted on its website that construction contractors will start concrete repairs at various locations on Monday, July 22.

The project is estimated to be completed within forty-five (45) working days. Working hours for construction are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The sidewalks and driveways will remain open and available to the public. Concrete repairs will take place at the following locations:

-Wetherly Dr
-La Peer Dr
-Swall Dr
-Rangely Ave
-Dorrington Ave
-Ashcroft Ave
-Bonner Dr
-Norwich Dr
-Huntley Dr
-Westbourne Dr
-Wesmount Dr
-West Knoll Dr

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On July 3, the city of West Hollywood posted on its website that it opened applications for its 40th Anniversary Cultural History Grant program. The deadline for applications is Thursday, August 29.

According to a news release from the city of West Hollywood website, through its Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, the city managed its Arts Grant Program for 26 years. West Hollywood’s Arts Grant Program provides grant funding to individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit arts organizations for the production, performance, or presentation of art projects that take place in West Hollywood, and those that serve the West Hollywood community.

The 40th Anniversary Cultural History Grant is a category specifically dedicated to highlighting the history of West Hollywood concurrent with West Hollywood’s recognition of 40 years of Cityhood, and exploring stories of the people, policies, and cultures that make West Hollywood unique. Eligible projects include the presentation of a cultural history exhibition or activity, film screening, panel discussion, or walking tour.

Proposed projects must occur in 2025, in West Hollywood or the immediate West Hollywood adjacent area (within five blocks of the municipal boundary of West Hollywood) and must be free and accessible to the public. The maximum award per grantee is $10,000 with a total of $40,000 of available funding for the program.

Artists and organizations interested in applying may visit www.weho.org/arts for more information and a link to the application.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Arts Grant Program, visit www.weho.org/arts or contact Eva Angeloff, West Hollywood Grants Coordinator, at (323) 848-6354 or at eangeloff@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its website that in observance of Independence Day, West Hollywood City Hall will be closed on Thursday, July 4.

Visitor parking permits may be obtained at the Kings Road Parking garage. The following parking regulations will not be enforced on Thursday, July 4:

-Parking Meters and associated time limits
-Peak Hour Towing Restrictions
-Street Sweeping

Permit Parking and all other parking regulations will be enforced. The enforcement of all parking regulations will resume on Friday, July 5.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—West Hollywood’s Summer Sounds Free Outdoor Concert Series returns starting Sunday, July 7 where concerts will take place on select Sunday evenings at 4 p.m. and will run thru Sunday, August 18, at Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The city of West Hollywood’s 2024 Summer Sounds Free Outdoor Concert Series is organized by the city’s Arts Division. Summer Sounds concerts are free to attend; RSVPs are not required but are requested. Reserved seating is not available. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, park blankets, and low chairs. Food will also be available for purchase.

For additional details about Summer Sounds performers and to find out details about the series visit www.weho.org/summersounds.

For more information about Summer Sounds contact Joy Tribble, West Hollywood’s Arts Specialist, at (323) 848-6360 or at jtribble@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday, May 23, the city of West Hollywood announced in a news release that it received a Prohousing Designation from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for its efforts to increase development of housing at all income levels. The designation was announced by the Governor of California in April 2024. Prohousing Designation comes with funding incentives and additional resources that can help to speed housing production. West Hollywood is one of only 47 jurisdictions in the State of California to earn the designation.

With the Governor’s announcement, the Department of Housing and Community Development noted the following regarding West Hollywood’s Prohousing Designation: “The City of West Hollywood’s Prohousing application shows a solid commitment to developing housing, supporting affordable units, and increasing its housing supply. Within the R-1 zone, which is the most prevalent throughout the city, West Hollywood permits duplexes and triplexes by right in transit-priority, high-resource, and highest-resource areas. The city also has an Affordable Housing Trust Fund used to support nonprofit development projects, with a requirement that at least 60% of units be affordable to low- and moderate-income households and at least 20% dedicated to low-income households. Similarly, the city now waives fees for housing projects in high-resource areas when more than 25% of units are affordable, and for development projects owned or occupied by nonprofit organizations.”

According to a news release from the city of West Hollywood, it administers $2.9 million in FY 2023 General Fund monies to assist with the rent stabilization housing program of 17,175 units throughout the region.

By earning the HCD Prohousing Designation, West Hollywood joins California communities designated as Prohousing in being able to exclusively access Prohousing grants and additional points in the scoring of competitive housing, community development, and infrastructure funding programs administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

To meet the housing needs of all Californians, the State of California needs to plan for 2.5 million new homes over the next 8 years, with at least one million serving the needs of lower-income residents.

West Hollywood’s Long Range Planning Division works to advance housing as part of its efforts to manage policy development and strategic planning activities for Sustainability, Mobility, Housing, Land Use, and special strategic planning projects. For additional details about West Hollywood’s Long Range Planning efforts, visit www.weho.org/lrp.

For more details contact Francisco Contreras, West Hollywood Long Range Planning Manager, at (323) 848-6874 or at fcontreras@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—To celebrate Older Adults Month, West Hollywood will host its 19th Annual West Hollywood Older Adults Health Fair on Tuesday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Community Center, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Admission is free; no RSVP is required.

The Older Adults Health Fair is a no-cost event co-sponsored by Cedars-Sinai and Jewish Family Service LA and will have health screenings, information from more than 25 health and social services community partners, vaccinations, a Human Library activity, complimentary lunch while supplies last, giveaways, and more. Local organizations will provide health and social services information, Cedars-Sinai will conduct health screenings, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will administer COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.

There will be limited free parking at the Plummer Park parking lots, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard and Fountain Avenue/N. Vista Street at the north end of the park. Paid parking meters are available in the surrounding area.

West Hollywood provides free transportation to Plummer Park through its Cityline service. Cityline is an accessible alternative to the larger bus system and all shuttles are ADA-accessible. It operates Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and shuttles arrive approximately every 30 minutes. For additional details and a detailed route map, visit www.weho.org/cityline — route maps are available on Cityline shuttles and at West Hollywood City Hall, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard.

For information on the event contact Becca Lubin, West Hollywood Strategic Initiatives Program Administrator, at (323) 848-6518 or at rlubin@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, May 13, the city of West Hollywood noted on its website that the city’s asphalt and concrete repair contractor will begin to grind and overlay depressed and damaged areas within the roadway at various locations.

The work will take place each day beginning at 8 a.m. and could continue until 4 p.m. They will maintain at least one lane of traffic through work areas at all times. Work is expected to last until Friday, May 17.

Roadway Grinding and Overlay – Various locations include:

-Harper Avenue
-Crescent Heights
-Kings Road
-La Jolla
-1034 La Jolla
-1206 Clark
-Fuller Avenue
-Melrose Avenue Temporary Parkway Paving Installation

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, May 7, the city of West Hollywood indicated in a press release that community members are welcome to attend an upcoming Informational Open House to learn more about the Willoughby, Vista/Gardner, and Kings Street Design Concept Plan. The focus of the in-person open house is to provide community members with detailed information regarding the Street Design Concept Plan and share an overview of the project’s steps taken to-date and next steps, moving forward.

The Informational Open House will take place on Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m. at the Plummer Park Community Center in Rooms 1 and 2, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Drop-in; no advance RSVP is needed. Light refreshments will be served.

West Hollywood’s mobility projects are guided by the adopted Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility Plan, which advocates for comfortable, safe, healthy, and convenient places to walk and bicycle in the context of a balanced, multimodal transportation network serving pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities.

The Street Design Concept Plan was identified as a priority project in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility Plan, and it launched in 2019. The project’s primary objective is to enhance the neighborhood and protect the safety of both pedestrians and cyclists through strategic street improvements across the corridor. This comprehensive streetscape initiative aims to create safer, more accessible routes for walking and biking while effectively reducing cut-through traffic.

By transforming Kings Road and Vista/Gardner Streets into key connecting corridors, the Street Design Concept Plan facilitates a seamless link between residential and commercial areas and east-west routes like Santa Monica Boulevard and Fountain Avenue. This connectivity not only supports a healthier, more active community, but promotes environmental sustainability and enriches local quality of life.

The Street Design Concept Plan is the first project stage in the development of the Willoughby, Vista/Gardner, and Kings Street Design Capital Improvement Project.

As a result of recent approval of the Street Design Concept Plan by the West Hollywood City Council, the Plan now moves forward to the Design & Engineering Phase, where concepts will be developed in much more detail. This includes the development and incorporation of detailed engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates that will serve as the blueprint for project construction. The next stage of the project will determine the feasibility of the conceptual project elements from the Street Design Concept Plan and allow for additional insight into any refinements that may need to be incorporated into the project’s final design.

The Community Engagement and Plan Development Process to date has included:

-The Willoughby, Vista/Gardner, and Kings project was identified in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility Plan adopted in 2017, and outreach on the Concept Plan for these streets began with a visioning workshop in Summer 2019.

-The project was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, but in August 2022 the City hosted two community virtual workshops. Feedback and survey responses guided recommendations.

-In 2022, demonstration projects were installed along Willoughby as an alternative way to share ideas and provide community input.

-In addition to the community workshops, staff also met with residents to share information about the project. City staff attended multiple update meetings with the City of Los Angeles, including Council District 5 and the Mid-City West Neighborhood Council.

-As part of the demonstration project and community workshops in 2022, Here LA and the City’s WeHoTV collaborated to put together an engagement video to help community members envision potential street changes and improvements.

-In April 2023, based on feedback from the community, City staff finalized the report and recommendations to include protected bike lanes along Vista/Gardner, except for the two blocks between Fountain and Lexington, which were excluded due to the potential loss of parking along this segment.

-Staff presented these recommendations to the Transportation & Mobility Commission in June 2023, and the Commission expressed its support.

-In November 2023, the West Hollywood City Council directed staff to develop a policy to include protected bike lanes on all roadway projects. Following this directive, staff developed a protected bike lane option for Gardner between Fountain and Lexington.

-In March 2024, staff presented the Street Design Concept Plan to the West Hollywood City Council with two options for Gardner between Fountain and Lexington, including one with the addition of protected bike lanes.

The city will provide additional community outreach opportunities, moving forward, to refine concepts as part of the upcoming Design & Engineering Phase. West Hollywood will be looking for ways to address issues of concern, including decreasing impacts to on-street parking.

For additional details about the Street Design Concept Plan visit the Engage WeHo information and feedback page, which is located at https://engage.weho.org/willoughby.

For more information contact Bob Cheung, West Hollywood Senior Transportation Planner, at (323) 848-6346 or at bcheung@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city is inviting the community to a Public Safety Meet and Greet event on Wednesday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Community Center, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. No RSVP is needed.

The city of West Hollywood reported on its website that attendees will have an opportunity to meet city staff members from its Community Safety Department, as well as members of the City’s Public Safety Commission and representatives from the West Hollywood Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 7 and Station 8, and Block by Block Security Ambassador program. Pizza, salad, vegan options, and other refreshments will be available at the event.

West Hollywood’s Community Safety Department works to ensure public safety and improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors in West Hollywood. The Community Safety Department fosters a community policing approach and works with a variety of organizations, agencies, and partners to provide targeted community programs to reduce crime and increase neighborhood livability; to facilitate emergency management and disaster preparedness; and to coordinate law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services personnel for all major special events utilizing a unified command approach.

Community Safety programs and services are provided though the Public Safety Administration Division and Neighborhood and Business Safety Division in collaboration with the West Hollywood Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Block by Block Security Ambassadors program. The Community Safety Department serves as the direct liaison to the City’s Public Safety Commission and Business License Commission.

For more details contact Anita Shandi, West Hollywood’s Public Safety Manager, at ashandi@weho.org or at (323) 848-6446. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, April 23, the city of West Hollywood announced that the month of May is Building Safety Month and will host a Building and Safety Division Open House event on Tuesday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the West Hollywood City Hall Courtyard, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard at Sweetzer Avenue.

The community is invited to meet city staff and learn about the work of the Building and Safety Division. There will be light refreshments at the event.

According to a press release from the city’s website, Building Safety Month is an international campaign that is aimed to raise awareness about building safety. It reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

West Hollywood’s Building and Safety Division is responsible for the enforcement of the building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes as adopted by the West Hollywood City Council. They are responsible for enforcement of the California State accessibility regulations and energy conservation regulations. The Division reviews and processes building permit applications, performs plan check reviews of construction documents and performs building inspections for construction projects in the region. Services are provided directly to the community using a variety of methods including a public counter, website, phones, mail, e-mail, and extensive field site visits.

Each May, the International Code Council, its members, and “a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design, and safety communities come together with corporations, government agencies, professional associations and nonprofits to promote building safety through proclamations, informational events, legislative briefings, and more,” the city stated on its website.

All communities need building codes to ensure the safety of their citizens from disasters like fires, earthquakes, weather-related events, and structural collapse. Building codes are the best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores, and entertainment venues. Code officials work consistently to keep the public safe.

For more details about West Hollywood’s building and safety division visit the Building and Safety area on the city’s website or contact Cynthia Zabala, Senior Plan Check Engineer, at czabala@weho.org or at (323) 848-6892. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On April 15, Brett Foreman started a ‘Justice for Albert’ page on Instagram along with a Gofundme on behalf of Gloria Jimenez. As of April 17, family and friends have raised $61,142 to benefit the long road of recovery ahead for Alberto Vasquez, 53, who was brutally assaulted on the night of April 4 or in the wee hours of April 5 and left bleeding and unconscious on the sidewalk.

The family is asking for public assistance in identifying the suspect and gathering facts in the case. Vasques was last seen leaving Heart Bar and was in route to Gym Bar.

On Saturday, April 5, Vasquez was transported by ambulance to an area hospital and was listed in critical condition. The following information came directly from a post by Michelle Hansen:

“He is thankfully out of the ICU now, but he will need multiple surgeries and has a long road ahead to recovery, and possible permanent damage.

While we await further details about his recovery timetable from medical staff, we are beginning to raise money through Go Fund Me that will be used to cover medical and living expenses as he will be unable to work for the foreseeable future. His family will be administering this fund.

We need to find out who did this to our wonderful friend, brother, and uncle, and are asking anyone who saw or heard anything to get in touch at 951-440-4353 or @je_cree_ma_vie with any info. Thank you so much. #justiceforalberto @ktla5news @heartweho @gymbarweho @vasquez.lecoiffer”

The family posted the following message on Instagram:

“We posted a statement from Heart earlier, but it was misunderstood by some as letting them off the hook.

It took eleven days for them to tell police they would share footage. We do not know if it was complete or comprehensive.

They did not call the police, nor did they report this incident to the police.

It took eight days for a police report to get filed, and it took eleven days for an investigator to be assigned to the case.

They are complicit in this situation. Albert was assaulted in front of their business and left unconscious until a bike patrol person attended to him. This is unacceptable. We look forward to seeing the analysis of the footage.”

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, April 3, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website they completed the installation of Rainbow Neon Dog as part of its Urban Art Program at the northwest pedestrian entrance to William S. Hart Park, located at 8431 De Longpre Avenue.

The city reported on its website that the Rainbow Neon Dog has reconditioned, electrically rotating neon sign in the shape of a barking dog set atop a supporting pole that raises it above street level on Sunset Boulevard in either direction. The sign measures 10 feet high, by 10 feet wide, by 3 feet deep. It was designed in 1990 by Wilson Ong for the Collar & Leash pet store formerly located at 8555 Santa Monica Boulevard.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, April 20, the city of West Hollywood will host an annual Tree Planting at 9 a.m. in the public parkway at 1146/1148 Formosa Avenue.

Four paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) trees, which are widely planted throughout Southern California and are native to Australia, will be planted on April 20.

The paperbark is a rounded, evergreen tree with a maximum height of 40 feet. It has a low water use rating and features exfoliating bark and oblong leaves with seasonal flower displays in the summer and fall that will attract pollinators and birds. Sun exposure ranges from partial shade to full sun.

Members of the West Hollywood community are invited and asked to participate in this year’s annual tree planting event. Individuals can drop by without an RSVP.

Supervision, instruction, tools, and gloves will be provided. The event will begin with a short ‘how-to’ planting session, followed by a discussion on the benefits trees provide to the urban environment.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, March 27, the city of West Hollywood’s Picasso Pets event will kick off with the swearing-in of the city’s honorary Pet Mayor, Winnie Erickson, on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

The free event will provide an opportunity for pet parents to meet Winnie, participate in pet-friendly activities, and receive event souvenirs while supplies last. The pet caricature portrait activity has reached capacity for the event, but pet parents are encouraged to partake in other activities at the event.

Pets must always remain leashed and under the control of their human. If it rains, the event will be moved indoors to the Doheny Room located on the second floor of the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center (which is adjacent to the surface level of West Hollywood Park).

The City’s Pet Mayor is a program approved by the West Hollywood City Council in 2022. As part of the program, the City’s Mayor may choose to have their pet (dog, cat, or another animal companion) serve as the Pet Mayor during their mayoral term. The City’s Pet Mayor Program intends to enhance support for the West Hollywood community’s animals and animal guardians and help bring awareness to the City’s ongoing efforts and initiatives focused on animal welfare.

The Pet Mayor will be tasked with attending appropriate meetings and events, which may include attending fundraisers in support of animal rescue organizations, visiting dog-friendly establishments in West Hollywood, and other forms of community engagement.

Winnie, the beloved four-legged incoming Pet Mayor found her home with Mayor John M. Erickson when she was adopted from Wags and Walks. Winnie is 9 years old.

West Hollywood has been focused on animal rights and protections for decades and the city’s commitment to animal rights is one of its legacies. The city has consistently worked to enact leading-edge animal welfare legislation.

In 1989, the West Hollywood City Council passed Resolution 558 making West Hollywood a “Cruelty-Free Zone” for animals. This action was then followed by West Hollywood’s move to secure animal care service policies that included a no-kill policy for stray and abandoned animals. West Hollywood focused its efforts on raising awareness about the availability of thousands of abandoned animals at shelters waiting to be adopted, even sponsoring local adoption fairs at City parks — a tradition that continues to this day.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Pet Mayor contact Jennifer Del Toro, the City of West Hollywood’s Community and Legislative Affairs Supervisor, at (323) 848-6549 or at jdeltoro@weho.org. For information about Picasso Pets, call (323) 848-6534 or email recreation@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday, March 21, the Los Angeles Police Department disclosed they are searching for a suspect who has been exposing himself to individuals. The LAPD West Bureau’s Special Assault Section (SAS) noted the incidents have occurred in Mid-City and the West Los Angeles areas.

The LAPD reported on January 28, shortly after midnight, the suspect started harassing residents in the 800 block of North Croft Avenue. He exposed himself and made crude comments to a woman who was headed home. The suspect returned several more times to stare in her windows. On March 2, he repeated this conduct in the 5700 block of West 6th Street in the early morning hours, then again in the 1200 block of Armacost Avenue shortly afterward.

Witnesses describe the suspect as a male, White or Hispanic, around 40-50 years old, dark, graying hair, dark mustache, brown eyes, standing approximately 5-feet-10-inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds.

“When you’re at home, you should be thinking about comfort and relaxation, not this lewd conduct,” said Detective Brent Hopkins, a supervisor with SAS, “There’s no place for this in our neighborhoods.”

The LAPD has responded with increased patrols in the areas and detectives have been in communication with their counterparts at surrounding agencies. Via social media and word-of-mouth, they are also sharing information and photos of the suspect in the hopes of identifying him and preventing additional crimes.

“The community is our most valuable ally and source of information,” Detective Hopkins said. “Someone out there knows who this guy is and can help us put an end to this disturbing behavior.”

Detectives are requesting that anyone with information that could lead to the identification of additional victims or witnesses to contact the lead investigator, Detective Brent Hopkins of the LAPD’s Operations-West Bureau, Special Assault Section, at 213-473-0447or via email at 39343@lapd.online. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, March 19, the city of West Hollywood announced in a press release it is moving forward with the next steps in the renovation of the historic Log Cabin building, that houses the West Hollywood Recovery Center (WHRC) on N. Robertson Boulevard.

During its meeting on Monday, March 18, the City Council received a design update for the Log Cabin renovation project that included direction to move forward with the design concept. High-resolution design renderings and photos are available on the city’s official Flickr site. For more information about the project including a preliminary project schedule and FAQ visit: https://go.weho.org/logcabin.

The Log Cabin renovation plan provides received over $7.5 million in funding that has been provided to date to support renovations of this historic space, which is important to safeguarding recovery services in the community.

The design upgrades will include:

-Expanded meeting rooms, food preparation areas, and storage capacity to support local recovery services;

-New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, which help to contribute to an enhanced onsite experience;

-ADA-compliant bathrooms;

-Improved streetscape and landscaping; and

-New electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and solar panels.

The WHRC hosts more than 90 separate addiction recovery meetings a week, more than 4,500 meetings a year. For details about the WHRC visit https://thewhrc.org/home.

The Log Cabin building has history spanning nearly a century. The building was built on property purchased in 1928 by the city Beverly Hills. The north portion of the property was leased to the Lions Club in 1936, which constructed the Log Cabin in its style as a Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”) clubhouse.

In the early 1970s, the Lions Club subleased the building to the West Hollywood Recovery Center for use for addiction recovery group meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. In 2019, Beverly Hills indicated its wish to sell the property and West Hollywood entered into a lease with the city of Beverly Hills with the option to purchase the property. In 2022, West Hollywood exercised its option to purchase the property and the city started a feasibility analysis with the West Hollywood Recovery Center to determine a renovation plan.

With the design concept approved, West Hollywood will take the next steps to move toward construction, which is slated to begin in October 2024. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025. For detailed information visit https://go.weho.org/logcabin.

For additional details contact Alicen Bartle, West Hollywood Project Development Administrator, at (323) 848-6323 or at abartle@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, March 11, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that applications are being accepted for the 2024 Youth Scholarship Program. The program awards $2,000 to graduating high school students who are residents of West Hollywood and who are pursuing a post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational school.

Students must complete 150 verified hours of community service to be considered. The Youth Scholarship Program application period is open through Friday, May 10. 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.

Additional details regarding the process can be found at www.weho.org/youthscholarship.

Additional details regarding the process can be found at www.weho.org/youthscholarship.

The Youth Scholarship Program is organized by West Hollywood. Funds are donated by individuals and the community, and the city has awarded more than 40 youth scholarships since the program started in 2007. To support the program, the city asks for donations from community members, organizations, and area businesses. Community members that want to donate may do so at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/youthsco.

The Youth Scholarship Program is a municipal government sponsored program that highlights education in the community and helps local students wanting to continue their education after high school.

For more details contact West Hollywood’s Human Services Division at WeHoCares@weho.org or by calling (323) 848-6510. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, February 27, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that starting Wednesday, February 28 to Thursday, March 14, there will be a temporary closure of certain sections of West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard – including the small dog park and basketball courts – to accommodate the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party and fundraiser.

There will be intermittent lane closures on N. San Vicente Boulevard, one full street closure, and impacts to certain West Hollywood Park facilities, as follows:

Intermittent lane closures will occur on Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and PDC Drive on the following dates:

-Friday, March 1, 2024 – Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard #1 & #2 lanes will be closed from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.;

-Saturday, March 2, 2024 – Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard #1 & #2 lanes will be closed from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.;

-Monday, March 4, 2024, through Thursday, March 7, 2024 (Daily) – Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard #2 lane will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

-Friday, March 8, 2024, through March 10, 2024 – Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard #2 lane will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.;

-Monday, March 11, 2024 – Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard #2 lane will be closed from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard #1 lane will be closed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.;

-Tuesday, March 12, 2024 ­- Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard #1 & and #2 lanes will be closed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A full street closure will occur on Northbound and Southbound N. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue starting on Sunday, March 10, at 12 p.m.; the street will reopen on Monday, March 11, at 5 a.m.

West Hollywood Park facilities impacts/closures will occur as follows:

-West Hollywood Park small dog park and basketball courts will be closed from Wednesday, February 28, 2024, through Wednesday, March 13, 2024; and

-West Hollywood Park large dog park will be closed from Friday, March 8, 2024, through Monday, March 11, 2024;

-West Hollywood Park Five-Story Parking Structure will be closed all day on Sunday, March 10, 2024; the structure will reopen on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 5 a.m.

West Hollywood has supported the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and its Academy Awards Viewing Party for years, the city noted in a press release. The year 2024 marks the 32nd anniversary of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

For inquiries related to temporary impacts on West Hollywood Park contact West Hollywood’s Event Services Division at eventsinfo@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, February 13, Todd Michael Schultz, 37, was arrested at his West Hollywood condominium following an alleged trespassing incident. Reports indicate that Schultz illegally entered the home of an unnamed female in a neighboring condo.
The woman found Schultz rummaging through her things and called 911.

Members of the Condominium association were able to identify Schultz who lived in a nearby condominium with longtime partner, friend, author, and screenwriter, Brett Easton Ellis. There was no indication that Ellis had anything to do with his roommate trespassing into a neighbor’s home.

Ellis responded to a media request by the New York Times indicating that Schultz was experiencing some sort of mental break, and that he (Schultz) had, “serious mental health issues exacerbated by drugs.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department does not have Schultz listed in the online Inmate Locator on their website.

Schultz was initially booked into Twin Towers on a $51,000 bond and was placed on lockdown. Ellis reportedly told the New York Times that Schultz who was reportedly assigned an initial court hearing date for Friday, February 16, was, “in no position,” to be in court.

Todd Michael Schultz is a composer and pop singer who is known for animated theme songs including, but not limited to, “Sam Sam,” “Sailor Moon,” “Live Like a Rock Star,” and for his part in the pop ballad, “You Believed in Me.” Schultz is also the son of Bill Schultz who is the producer of the cartoon, The Simpson’s.

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On February 10, an alert was sent out by party organizer, @paulnichollsent sent posts out on his Instagram and Twitter accounts warning fellow partygoers of the presence of pickpockets at Rocco’s on Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente. At least one perpetrator has been arrested.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department weekly crime report for West Hollywood included the following thefts.

On January 27, an individual was waiting in line to get in the club when another individual approached, hugged the victim, and took his cell phone from his coat pocket.

Approximately 20 minutes later the same day, LASD reports an individual was walking in the 8900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard when he was approached by a suspect who grabbed his cell phone and keys out of his hand.

On January 28, in the 8900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard a person was standing on the sidewalk when approached by a suspect who then took the phone from the victim’s hand.

Canyon News reached out to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for further information by phone and email, but did not hear back in time for print.

Those who may have more information or may have fallen victim to a similar crime in the area is encouraged to call the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, West Hollywood Station at 310-855-8850


By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, February 7, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that construction has started for pedestrian safety improvements on N. San Vicente Boulevard and Rosewood Avenue.

The project includes new curb ramps, pedestrian/bicycle refuge islands, re-grading and re-paving of existing asphalt pavement, striping and signage improvements, EV charging station relocation, and pedestrian/bicycle crosswalks with a pedestrian hybrid beacon that is activated by pedestrians and/or bicyclists. Construction activities started in February 2024 and are expected to be completed by July 2024, weather permitting.

The city of West Hollywood indicated in a press release the crosswalk improvement effort is part of a commitment to explore a mix of measures to address safety. The constant movement of dense vehicular traffic and pedestrians in close proximity is a challenge not only in West Hollywood but in cities across the country. The enhanced crosswalks join a variety of improvements as part of a comprehensive plan with three unique areas to improve pedestrian safety: Engineering, Enforcement, and Education. Read about other pedestrian safety updates in the City here.

For additional details about West Hollywood’s engineering efforts to improve safety, contact the Department of Public Works at (323) 848-6375. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Tuesday, January 30 that in observance of Presidents’ Day, City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024.

The following parking regulations will not be enforced on Monday, February 19:

-Parking Meters and associated time limits
-Peak Hour Towing Restrictions
-Street Sweeping

Permit Parking and all other parking regulations will be enforced. The enforcement of all parking regulations will resume on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Visitor parking permits may be obtained at the Kings Road Parking Garage.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, January 29, at 9:08 a.m., the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Special Enforcement Bureau announced on social media site X that the SEB Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team has concluded.

“#LASD SEB SWAT canine operation in support of LASD Century Station for an armed suspect with canine “Jango” has concluded. Suspect in custody, Traub Avenue, reopened. Neighborhood safe.”

Reports indicate that the suspicious package was determined to be non-hazardous.

On Sunday, the LASD SEB reported an all clear after a suspicious package was dropped off at the Louis Vuitton retail store, at 8800 Melrose Avenue.

According to reports the bomb threat impacted the area between Robertson Boulevard and down to Santa Monica Boulevard.

The following information about the LASD SEB came directly from the LASD SEB website.  

“The law enforcement agency charged with maintaining order within Los Angeles County is the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or LASD. The LASD’s 8,200 sworn deputies provide services to the unincorporated county areas, the Department’s 40 contract cities, and the independent cities within the county that have mutual aid agreements with the Sheriff’s Department.”

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, January 27, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Air Operations airlifted two separate hikers to safety. LAFD reported the basic information about the rescues on the LAFD X social media page.

According to LAFD the first rescue occurred at 10:29 a.m. in the area of 3693 N. Wonder View Dr. Responding firefighters located a 44-year-old male hiker who had experienced a ground level fall.

LAFD Air Operations hoisted the man into the helicopter and transported him to an area hospital for treatment.

On Saturday, January 27, at 12:40 p.m. LAFD Air Operations responded to a call of a 40 year-old male hiker in medical distress. LAFD firefighters located the man on Runyon Canyon Rd. in Hollywood Hills West.

LAFD Air Operations from Battalion 5, West Bureau hoisted the patient onto the helicopter and transported him to an area hospital for treatment.

No further information on the condition of either of the patients is available at this time.

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, January 24, the city of West Hollywood indicated in a news release that the city’s Neighborhood and Business Safety (NBS) Division Code Enforcement team will start conducting proactive and systematic inspections of multifamily properties in the region beginning February 2024.

According to the city’s website, the NBS works to maintain neighborhood livability by being responsive to complaints and concerns received from the community. They are responsible for enforcing all provisions of the city’s laws and ordinances, as governed by the West Hollywood Municipal Code and it actively addresses community concerns about a variety of regulated issues.

The inspections will include low-income housing and inclusionary units within multifamily properties. Two Code Enforcement Officers will be assigned to this proactive pilot program and will perform outreach to property owners and tenants before inspections are completed. The pilot program will start on the eastside of the city and gradually move west across the community.

The goal of the pilot program is to inspect multifamily properties once every three years to ensure city rental housing properties are being maintained in compliance with West Hollywood Municipal Code standards. A multifamily property in West Hollywood is considered a building with three or more units.

Inspections will be initially focused on exterior property conditions (e.g., landscape, carports/parking areas, paint, fences/gates, roof, doors, etc.) and common areas of multifamily properties, such as hallways, courtyards, staircases, elevators, recreation rooms, etc. Code Enforcement Officers assigned to the proactive multifamily inspection pilot program will also be checking for any potential vacation (short-term) rental activity being advertised at a property they are currently inspecting. Vacation (short-term) rental concerns that are reported to the City’s NBS Division outside of the proactive multifamily inspection pilot program will continue to be responded to promptly.

Code Enforcement Officers will be posting flyers in the mailrooms and common areas of multifamily properties, informing tenants of the ability to voluntarily schedule inspections within the interior of their own units. Interior inspections of tenant units will only occur as part of this proactive pilot program if a tenant schedules an inspection directly with the Code Enforcement team assigned to multifamily inspections. Interior inspections of tenant units that are performed when a tenant reports an issue in their unit to the City’s NBS Division outside of the proactive multifamily inspection pilot program will continue to be responded to normally.

If a tenant voluntarily schedules an interior inspection of their unit as part of this proactive pilot program, assigned Code Enforcement Officers will check for habitability concerns such as plumbing leaks, lack of heat, lack of hot water, deteriorated electrical outlets, and missing or inoperable smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Code Enforcement Officers assigned to the proactive pilot program will be checking multifamily properties with five or more units or with 16 or more units for various requirements in compliance with the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The required RSO notices provide tenants with emergency numbers to contact, information about protections related to eviction, harassment, and rent limits, and business hours for onsite managers.

Tenants interested in getting their units inspected from the proactive multifamily inspection team, when the team is conducting inspections at their property as part of the pilot program can contact West Hollywood’s Neighborhood and Business Safety (NBS) Division at (323) 450-7115 or at multifamilyinspections@weho.org. The NBS proactive multifamily inspection team will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding holidays.

For details about the city’s proactive multifamily inspection pilot program contact Eugene Alper, West Hollywood’s Code Enforcement Supervisor at (323) 848-6432 or at ealper@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, January 22, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that they received a $150,000 funding award from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), which aims to support the city’s housing goals. Funding is part of SCAG’s allocation of $45 million in Lasting Affordability Program funding in support of 14 innovative housing finance projects across Southern California.

According to a news release from the city’s website, the grant received will be dedicated to a feasibility study for the development of a community land trust within WeHo. The City’s Long Range Planning Division will examine the creation of a community land trust to expand approaches for attaining affordable housing and affordable homeownership.

The expected outcome from forming such a community land trust includes progress toward meeting West Hollywood’s objective of creating 500 new affordable housing units by the year 2029.

The Lasting Affordability Program is one of the three funding areas in the Programs to Accelerate Transformative Housing (PATH) program, which is part of SCAG’s REAP 2.0 Program Framework. REAP 2.0 is a statewide grant administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that focuses on reaching state housing goals and climate commitments. It makes $45 million available to support programmatic level investments in housing trust funds, community land trusts, and catalyst funds.

SCAG is the country’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities and nearly 19 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to prepare for a livable and sustainable Southern California presently and in the future. For more details about SCAG’s regional efforts, visit www.scag.ca.gov.

For information about the project and Long-Range Planning in the region contact Francisco Contreras, West Hollywood’s Long-Range Planning Manager at (323) 848-6874 or at fcontreras@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Tuesday, January 9 that Metro is studying the proposed Northern Extension of the Metro K Line, that could provide new rail connections to, from, and throughout the region, including up to three stations in the city.

According to a press release from the city of West Hollywood, they are complementing that effort by conducting a Rail Integration Study (RIS) to ensure all future rail service is carefully integrated into the region, while supporting sustainability goals and community expectations.

The current phase is looking to improve multimodal transportation and delivering safe routes to and from planned stations to maximize access, ridership, and use of future stations in West Hollywood.

A half-mile region was audited by West Hollywood near each potential station to examine pedestrian and wheeled access improvements.

West Hollywood audited a half-mile area around each potential station to explore potential pedestrian and wheeled access improvements. Input is being requested from the community via the Engage WeHo digital engagement tool to confirm the findings and to provide suggestions to the project team.

The project team will evaluate community feedback and suggestions to inform a draft first/last mile plan, which will be presented to West Hollywood advisory boards, commissions, and the West Hollywood City Council. They will transmit the approved plan to Metro and incorporate it into future updates to the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and other mobility planning documents that guide future infrastructure investments.

Residents, businesses, and frequent visitors are encouraged to share their feedback and suggestions on Engage WeHo to inform the plan’s development.  The survey is open and will remain open through Wednesday, February 7. Participants can provide input through an online form on any of the three stations proposed in West Hollywood as well as the Citywide bicycle network.

Interactive online maps are available for participants to place suggestions for improvements directly on online maps.

A specific number of stations have not been determined by Metro to serve the WeHo area. Pedestrian and bicycle improvements identified for any of the proposed station areas may be relevant regardless of the final route Metro selects as West Hollywood works to improve safety and mobility.

For more details about the survey go to engage.weho.org/metroFLM or contact David Fenn, Senior Planner, at (323) 848-6335 or dfenn@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, January 8, the city of West Hollywood announced in a news release that they are asking community members to participate in developing the next West Hollywood Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan will be developed through a collaborative process that empowers community members to address issues, examine trends, assess capabilities, re-examine purpose, and recommit to the city’s mission and core values.

A community-centered and community-led outreach approach is being taken that includes developing an Action Team and Core Coalition and hosting multiple community visioning workshops, community focus groups, surveys, and more.

The Action Team will consist of West Hollywood community members that will focus on growing the project’s visibility, gathering input, and providing updates and information throughout the community. This group will represent a diversity of voices across the city and requires a nine-month commitment.

The Core Coalition will comprise community-based organizations and individuals that provide input on the strategic planning process through completion. The network of people and organizations will volunteer to facilitate outreach and engagement in order to empower the larger community’s priorities for the Strategic Plan.

Individuals can sign-up and learn more about the plan at https://engage.weho.org/wehostrategicplan and/or becoming a contributor to the Action Team or Core Coalition. People who are interested in participating can submit an Action Team or Core Coalition application at http://go.weho.org/communityvoices.

After the West Hollywood Strategic Plan is developed it will provide an inclusive and equitable roadmap for the city’s future and will build upon the successes of West Hollywood’s past strategic plans.

The strategic planning process will be facilitated by Gensler, Designing in Color, and FM3 in close consultation with City staff. For more than 30 years, the city has engaged in the collaborative development of strategic and community plans to shape forward-thinking policies and priorities.

For more details about the West Hollywood Strategic Plan contact Paolo Kespradit West Hollywood Management Analyst, at (323) 848-6460 or at pkespradit@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, January 8, the city of West Hollywood announced the 2024 Winter Sounds Free Indoor Concert Series will take place on select Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. between Saturday, January 27, and Saturday, February 24, at The Sun Rose performance venue at Pendry West Hollywood, located at 8430 Sunset Boulevard. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concerts start at 7 p.m. Arriving early is recommended.

The Concert Series will start January 27, with three-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Sara Gazarek. She has collaborated with jazz legends Fred Hersch, Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, and more, and has six critically acclaimed albums under her belt.

The next concert in the series will feature the gifted multi-instrumentalist Julius Rodriguez on Saturday, February 10; at 7 p.m. Julius Rodriguez combines his jazz training with his passion for R&B, gospel, and hip-hop. He grabbed audiences’ attention touring with A$AP Rocky, Kurt Elling and Charlie Hunter, as well as by working on projects with Meshell Ndegeocello, Kassa Overall, Brasstracks, and others. In 2022, he released his solo debut for Verve Records “Let Sound Tell All.”

The Winter Sounds Concert Series finale is on February 24 at 7 p.m. and will feature keyboard maestro, vocalist, composer, producer, arranger, and astral traveler Brandon Coleman. A regular fixture with Babyface, Donald Glover, Flying Lotus, and Kamasi Washington, Coleman represents a new chapter in the evolution of jazz and funk fusion. After the release of “Resistance” in 2018, Coleman embarked on a 30-city tour supporting Flying Lotus.

West Hollywood’s 2024 Winter Sounds Free Indoor Concert Series is organized by the city’s Arts Division. Winter Sounds concerts are free and guests must be 21 years of age and older to attend. RSVP is recommended. RSVP does not guarantee admittance. Seating is first-come, first-served, limited to availability. Fifteen dollar validated valet parking at the Pendry is available for attendees. Street parking may be available, but attendees should visit local street signage. Rideshare is suggested. For additional details about the performers and to view the series visit www.weho.org/wintersounds.

For information about Winter Sounds contact Joy Tribble, West Hollywood’s Arts Specialist, at (323) 848-6360 or at jtribble@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—At least three people were injured after a tree fell in West Hollywood on Sunday, January 7. The tree fell as a result of high winds at the Melrose Trading Post at 7850 Melrose Avenue CBS Los Angeles news reported.

Of the people injured two of them were workers, who were removed from the fallen branches, but sustained injuries and one was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on its Facebook page a message from StreetsLA about reporting tree emergencies that read:

“StreetsLA is responding to a high volume of tree emergencies due to high winds across the City. Please use @MyLA311 to report tree emergencies, including: tree down hanging limbs limbs down Stay Safe LA!”

The LAFD posted the following message:

“If a tree falls and causes a medical emergency or other escalating hazard, dial 9-1-1. If a tree falls and does NOT cause injury/fire/etc., please report it to #StreetsLA @bsslosangeles via 3-1-1 @MyLA311.”

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday, January 4, the city of West Hollywood indicated in a news release that are alerting landlords about the Los Angeles County Rent Relief Program.

The City of West Hollywood is getting the word out about a recent announcement from Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) regarding the availability of $68,666,000 in grants to qualified landlords with property located within Los Angeles County, excluding the City of Los Angeles, through its Los Angeles County Rent Relief Program.

The City of West Hollywood is in Los Angeles County and this program will provide direct financial assistance to landlords to help them mitigate the detrimental economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that may result in tenants’ inability to stay current on rent.

Grant awards may be used to cover eligible expenses incurred from April 1, 2022 to present on a rolling basis. Eligible expenses include qualifying unpaid rental debt and any other substantiated related expenses, such as utilities.

While any eligible landlord can apply, those who meet specific criteria outlined on the County’s website will be prioritized.

For eligibility criteria, required documents, tips for applying, and instructions on how to complete and submit the application, please visit the LA County Rent Relief website at https://lacountyrentrelief.com.

The City of West Hollywood’s Rent Stabilization Division provides resources, tools, and information for tenants and landlords in the City of West Hollywood. For more information, please contact the Rent Stabilization Division at (323) 848-6450 or at rsd@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, January 2, at approximately 9:30 p.m. police responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Fountain and Detroit Avenues in WEHO. A black BMW traveling at a high rate of speed collided with another vehicle that had slowed to make a left turn. The BMW then drove through the front gate of some area apartments. The suspect then hit a retaining wall in front of a fountain and into one of the duplexes.

Reports indicate that at least one of the people in the crash was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. There were no other reported injuries from those residing within the complex, or nearby pedestrians.

According to a bystander, the person who lived in the home that was damaged in the crash had just moved in.

This traffic incident occurred one day before the new speeding limit in the area went into effect. According to officials, the speed limit in that area has since changed from 35 mph to 30 mph.

The names and possible charges of those involved in the accident have not been released as of the time of print.

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Wednesday, January 3 that they will continue the tradition of joining hundreds of communities across the country in a National Day of Service to commemorate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day federal holiday.

On Saturday, January 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. West Hollywood urges community members to participate in the West Hollywood Elementary Beautification Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event, located at 970 N. Hammond Street. Residents, visitors, and community members are invited to take part in this Day of Service. Volunteers will perform various landscaping, clean-up, painting, and other beautifying tasks at the school.

Details are available on West Hollywood’s Community Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities at www.weho.org/volunteer and there is a link to a registration volunteer portal on that page. Volunteers are requested to register in advance and must be 13 years of age or older to participate. All registered volunteers will receive confirmation and check-in details.

For 2024, West Hollywood Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service will include a two-week virtual donation drive to benefit the West Hollywood Homeless Initiative. It will run from Friday, January 12 through Wednesday, January 31. Visit www.weho.org/vounteer for details; donations can be made directly online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/homeless.

MLK Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1994. For more details about West Hollywood’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event, please contact Larissa Fooks, West Hollywood’s Community Programs Coordinator, at (323) 848-6413 or at lfooks@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood indicated in a press release on Wednesday, January 3 that it is in the process of reducing the speed limits on N. Fairfax Avenue and on Fountain Avenue, west of Fairfax Avenue from 35 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour, after the results of a recently conducted Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS).

The city noted new speed limit signage will be installed, and new speed limits will be enforced starting in early 2024. Speed limits in California are governed by the California Vehicle Code (CVC), which states that an E&TS must justify the speed limit on all streets other than local streets if enforcement of the speed limit involves using radar or any other electronic device.

In West Hollywood, 24 street segments are not classified as local streets, and those streets require an E&TS to justify the posted speed limits. The city recently retained a traffic engineering consulting firm to prepare a 2023 survey. The State of California guidelines for setting new speed limits, revising existing speed limits, and/or maintaining existing speed limits include the following items: prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements; collision records for the most recent two years; and roadway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the driver (i.e., pedestrian activities, bicycle routes, on-street parking, proximity of schools, land use adjacent to the roadway, etc.).

The survey results note that the posted speed limits for 22 of the 24 street segments that were evaluated will remain unchanged. The study indicates speed limit should be reduced on two street segments: N. Fairfax Avenue between the north and south city boundaries (at Fountain Avenue to the north and Willoughby Avenue to the south); and at Fountain Avenue between N. La Cienega Boulevard and N. Fairfax Avenue.

To comply with state law, the posted speed limits on these two street segments will be reduced by 5 miles per hour, from 35 mph to 30 mph. The findings were approved by the West Hollywood City Council in adopting a Resolution at its regular City Council meeting on October 16, 2023.

For more details contact Richard Garland, West Hollywood Principal Traffic Engineer, at (323) 848-6457 or at rgarland@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call the West Hollywood’s TTY line (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 2, city officials in southern California reminded residents how to recycle their Christmas Trees. 

The Los Angeles County Public Works published the following information about the proper disposal of Christmas Trees on their website:

“Most of the Cities in Los Angeles County have requested residents to remove ornaments/decorations, tinsel, plastic containers, metal/plastic/wood stands, nails, and lights. If none shown, please contact your city for options. See below for special instructions. Unless otherwise noted. The Christmas trees can then be placed at curbside next to the recycling and waste containers on scheduled trash collection day(s) during the time-period noted. Please see special instructions for further details and possible exceptions to these rules in your city.”

The city of Bevely Hills collection dates are from December 26, 2023, through January 11, 2024.

The city of Santa Monica indicated on their website they are collecting trees from December 26, 2023, through January 31, 2024. The Resource Recovery and Recycling Administrator, Yvonne Yeung, who authored the post regarding the recycling of the trees advises that there is no need to call 311 for pick-up, and requests patience from the public as they are working diligently in getting the trees off the curbs in a timely manner.

“Place trees by the curb by 6 a.m. on service day. Trees over 6ft must be cut in half. No stands, ornaments or flocked trees accepted,” the city of Santa Monica stated. Residents may call 310-458-2223 or email recycling@santamonica.gov to schedule pick-ups through the end of January.

The city of West Hollywood has pick-up dates from December 26, 2023, through January 6, 2024.

The city of Malibu is allowing Christmas Tree pick-ups from December 26, 2023 – January 16, 2024. and stated:

“Place the tree by the curb by 6 a.m. on service day. Trees over 6ft must be cut in half. Plastic trees/foliage will not be accepted, call to schedule a bulky item pick-up.”

Residents from some parts of the coverage area can take their Christmas trees to the local fire station for recycling.

In Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles Fire Department, Fire Station #88 is currently taking trees at 5101 N. Sepulveda Boulevard.

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The International House of Pancakes location in West Hollywood at 8461 Santa Monica Boulevard has officially closed its doors. The IHOP is permanently closing its doors and posted a message on its door that read: “Closing at 1pm New Year’s Day. Thank you.”

KTLA news reported that a voice message directed customers to the IHOP location in Hollywood located at 7006 Sunset Boulevard. The voice mail stated: “Dear valued customer. Apologies for any inconvenience. Our West Hollywood IHOP is closed.”

Other IHOP locations in the region include the Hollywood Hills location at 5655 Wilshire Boulevard and the establishment in North Hollywood at 6343 Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The Hollywood Hills location posts the following message on its website:

“As you make your way down Masselin Ave or Hauser Blvd, take a break and dine in at your local IHOP restaurant! Our menu is full of variety and ready for you any time of day. For breakfast lovers, we’ve got stacks of world-famous IHOP Pancakes and an array of delicious freshly made Omelettes, or you can dive into our newest breakfast items and try our tasty Eggs Benedicts or our Sweet and Savory Crepes.”

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood indicated on its website that City Hall will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024 in honor of New Year’s Day.

The following parking regulations will not be enforced on January 1, 2024.
-Parking Meters and associated time limits
-Peak Hour Towing Restrictions
-Street Sweeping

Permit Parking and all other parking regulations will be enforced The enforcement of all parking regulations will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Visitor parking permits may be obtained at the Kings Road Parking garage.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, December 19, the city of West Hollywood announced that during the City Council meeting on Monday, December 18, the next Mayor will be John M. Erickson and Vice Mayor will be Chelsea Lee Byers. A Resolution was approved to change the title of Mayor Pro Tempore to Vice Mayor. Since Cityhood in 1984, the organization of the West Hollywood City Council has been comprised of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tempore, and Councilmembers. Adoption of the Resolution changes the Mayor Pro Tempore title to Vice Mayor as a local preference, moving forward.

Councilmembers serve for a term of four years and are elected at large. The City Councilmembers annually select members to serve as Mayor and Vice Mayor; these positions rotate among the Councilmembers.

Incoming Mayor Erickson and Incoming Vice Mayor Byers will be sworn-in at West Hollywood’s annual City Council Reorganization and Installation meeting and oath of office ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the City’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. A reception will immediately follow at the West Hollywood Library that is open and free to the public.

The meeting and ceremony will be live-broadcast and streamed as part of the regular WeHo City Council meeting and will be available by tuning into Channel 10 on Spectrum within West Hollywood, by visiting www.weho.org/wehotv, or by visiting the City’s WeHoTV YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/wehotv. In addition, meetings can also be viewed on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku streaming platforms by searching “WeHoTV” within the search functions of these services.

John M. Erickson, current Mayor Pro Tempore, was elected to the West Hollywood City Council on November 3, 2020. In 2010, Erickson was selected to intern for the West Hollywood City Council. After leaving City Hall, he served as a Legislative Representative at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and is currently the Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications, and Marketing at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.

Erickson received his Ph.D. in American Religious History from Claremont Graduate University and a Dual-Master’s Degree from Claremont Graduate University. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a B.A. in English and Women’s Studies.

Chelsea Lee Byers, current Councilmember, was elected to the West Hollywood City Council on November 8, 2022. She became connected to West Hollywood through the Women’s Leadership Conference leading to program partnerships with West Hollywood, including Women Manifest (2016), the Cannabis Education Forum (2015-2018), collaborative film screenings, panels, and more. While working with United Way’s Everyone In campaign, Byers engaged with City Social Services and Strategic Initiatives to bring educational programming to the community on homelessness and housing solutions. She currently works as Director of Programs and Partnership with Women’s Voices Now and is a core team member with Beautiful Trouble.

Byers studied at Universidad Internacional Cuernavaca, Franklin University Switzerland and received her B.A. in Political Science and Women’s Studies from Northern Arizona University.

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

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced in a press release on Wednesday, December 13 that they have started development of a municipal fiber network. The initial phases of West Hollywood’s fiber network (fiber-optic internet) are now complete.

The city reported that with its Information Technology Division and a collaborative private-public partnership with Plenary Americas and Digital Ubiquity Capital, West Hollywood is exploring expansion of the city’s fiber network for a growth phase of connectivity. The goal is to provide community digital equity with affordable high-speed internet connectivity.

The city is asking for the community to participate in a survey to garner their feedback. Residents and business members are asked to participate in the survey, available in English, Spanish, and Russian. The survey is open now and will remain open through Wednesday, January 17, 2024. It will take approximately ten minutes to complete. As part of the survey, participants will be asked about connection speed using a speed test link.

Data collected will be used to explore broadband access options and will not be sold. To learn more and take part in the survey at go.weho.org/broadband or visit West Hollywood’s Municipal Fiber Network website page with links to the survey at www.weho.org/services/municipal-fiber-network.

In 2016, West Hollywood adopted the Fiber Network Infrastructure and Service Strategic Plan. The plan outlined the major benefits of having a fast and affordable broadband infrastructure, including improved internet service, equitable access, public safety, economic development, healthcare, and Smart City applications, and set forth a plan to develop a series of initiatives that leverage technology and improve quality of life for community members.

For additional details contact Eugene Tsipis, West Hollywood’s Information Technology Manager, at (323) 848-6399 or at etsipis@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

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

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station are aligning to give back to those in need this holiday season. The 34th Annual West Hollywood Toy and Food Drive will be accepting monetary donations until Friday, December 15, with the goal of providing as many families as possible with toys and holiday gift cards.

The city of West Hollywood reported on its website that donations can be made online at www.weho.org/holidaydrive. New users have to create an account and click on the Donations tab to contribute; existing users may simply log in to start the donation process.

The cost to help one family is $95; up to 10 families can be helped with $950. New unwrapped toys are needed and gift cards in $25 denominations to retailers such as Pavilions, Ralphs, Trader Joe’s, or Target are wanted. Toy collection bins are available at the West Hollywood Aquatic and Recreation Center (2nd floor lobby), Plummer Park, West Hollywood City Hall, West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, and West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Hotels in West Hollywood that will have collection bins include: Andaz West Hollywood, The London West Hollywood, 1 Hotel, and Ramada Plaza West Hollywood, as well as the Chateau Marmont in LA on the Sunset Strip just outside of the city’s municipal border.

For more details, contact Hollywood Recreation Leaders Natalie Mignon at nmignon@weho.org or at (323) 848-6321 or Jennifer Baram at jbaram@weho.org or at (323) 848-6534. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On November 14, the city of West Hollywood indicated in a press release that they will be hosting a WeHo Mobility Pop-up event along Santa Monica Boulevard at Hilldale Avenue (Westbound) and at N. San Vicente Boulevard (Eastbound).

The city and the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition are teaming up to share information and opportunities for public input on mobility projects underway in the region while encouraging safe cycling by helping bicyclists light the way and be more visible during nighttime riding with free bike lights.

The WeHo Mobility Pop-up will take place on Monday, November 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bicycle lights will be given to individuals who have their bikes with them, on a first-come, first-served basis and supplies are limited.

Other complimentary giveaways will be available, along with information about several mobility projects underway in West Hollywood, and opportunities for public input. Projects represented will include the city’s ongoing Dockless Mobility and Autonomous Delivery Programs, City-operated transit services such as the West Hollywood Cityline and The PickUp, and new bikeways being designed concurrent with two related planning initiatives.

California Vehicle Code § 21201(d) requires that any individuals bicycle be equipped with a white light that is visible from a distance of 300 feet from the front and side of your bicycle if riding at night on a highway, sidewalk or bikeway. The white lamp can be attached to the bicycle rider, such as to a helmet, so long as it is still visible from 300 feet.

Bicycles must be equipped with the following lights: a red reflector or solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear of the bike that is visible from a distance of 500 feet when in front of headlights on a motor vehicle; a white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle that is visible from both the front and rear of the bicycle at a distance of 200 feet; a white or yellow reflector on each side of the bicycle on the forward portion of the bicycle and a white or red reflector on each side of the bicycle on the rear portion of the bicycle.

For more details about mobility projects in West Hollywood visit www.weho.org/mobility. For information about the WeHo Mobility Pop-up contact Bob Cheung, West Hollywood Senior Transportation Planner, at (323) 848-6346 or at bcheung@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Missing Persons Unit indicated on their Facebook page on Monday, November 13, that they need the public’s help to locate At-Risk Missing Person, Dale Edward Wallace. He is a 49-year-old white male last seen on Wednesday, August 16, in the city of West Hollywood.

Wallace stands 5 feet and 8 inches tall. He weighs 160 pounds with brown eyes, brown hair, beard and tattoo of an Irish star emblem on the back of his neck. His family is concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with details about this situation is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Missing Persons Unit at (323) 890-5500.  Anyone who wants to provide information anonymously can call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, November 7, the city of West Hollywood reported on its website that the city’s asphalt and concrete repair contractor will grind and overlay depressed and damaged areas within the roadway at various locations throughout the region.

At least one lane of traffic through work areas will remain open at all times. All local business and residences will be accessible during repairs.

Locations where work will occur include:

-9021 Harrat
-8947 Keith Ave.
-1020 San Vicente Blvd.
-8907 Dorrington Ave.
-Ashcroft at San Vicente Blvd.
-Rosewood Ave at Flores Ave.
-Clark, South of Beverly Blvd.
-7317 Romaine Ave.
-1201 N Formosa Ave.

For those with questions contact Brian Jackson, Street Maintenance Supervisor at bjackson@weho.org or call (323) 848-6879.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department are searching for the suspects involved in the armed robbery of a dog on Monday, November 6.

Deputies with the LASD indicated that at 11:38 p.m. a robbery occurred on the 1100 block of Olive Drive. Two suspects exited a newer model black Jeep compass, pointed a firearm at the victim, and robbed him of his English bulldog.

The two suspects entered the black Jeep Compass and fled the location at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was last seen traveling Northbound on Olive Drive towards Fountain Avenue.

There is no additional information available at this time.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Detective Bureau is handling the investigation. Anyone with details about this incident is asked to contact the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850.

For those wanting provide information anonymously, call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city will be highlighting some of the best dining and cocktail options in Southern California by aligning with Visit West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for the return of its celebrated Eat + Drink Week series, featuring special promotions and unique menus from the top dining venues starting in November.

Eat + Drink Week has been extended from a 7-day festival to a 10-day festival, starting Friday, November 3. All participating restaurants and bars are within the municipal boundaries of West Hollywood. The festival ends on Sunday, November 12.

“From the Sunset Strip to Santa Monica Boulevard and the Design District, West Hollywood is home to Michelin-rated hot spots, bars offering world-class mixology, and various other hidden gems around nearly every corner,” states a press release from the city of West Hollywood.

Due to the popularity of Eat + Drink Week, reservations are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome but are not guaranteed. To learn more and make reservations visit www.eatanddrinkweek.com.

During Eat + Drink Week, participating businesses will have specially curated menus, discounted prices, and/or unique culinary creations.

Highlights of Eat + Drink Week 2023 will include:

-Exclusive Menus: Participating restaurants will offer a wide range of cuisines to satisfy every palate and feature exclusive menus created just for Eat + Drink Week.

-Special Prices: Diners can enjoy special prices on signature dishes and multi-course meals, making it the perfect time to try out that restaurant on your “must try” list.

-Unique Offerings: Get ready to savor the unexpected! Some restaurants will unveil limited-time, one-of-a-kind dishes.

-Cocktail Creations: Mixologists will be crafting unique libations to complement your dining experience.

For more information visit www.eatanddrinkweek.com. For more details contact the West Hollywood’s Business Development Division at (323) 848-6856 or at business@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city is celebrating the best dining and cocktail options in Southern California with Dine LA which started on October 6 and runs through Friday, October 20.

Diners can enjoy plenty of options within the region of West Hollywood, including:

-B-Side Pizza at Hotel Ziggy, 8462 Sunset Boulevard

-Charcoal Sunset, 9000 Sunset Boulevard

-Connie and Ted’s, 8171 Santa Monica Boulevard

-Gozen Japanese Sake Bistro, 521 N. La Cienega Boulevard

-Granville West Hollywood, 8701 Beverly Boulevard

-Izakaya Tora, 8908 Santa Monica Boulevard

-Knoll at Le Parc Suite Hotel, 733 N. West Knoll Drive

-La Bohème, 8400 Santa Monica Boulevard

-LAVO Ristorante, 9201 Sunset Boulevard

-Pink Taco, 8225 Sunset Boulevard

-Queen Violet WeHo, 8543 Santa Monica Boulevard

-SUR Restaurant & Lounge, 606 N. Robertson Boulevard

-Tesse, 8500 Sunset Boulevard

-The Butcher’s Daughter, 8755 Melrose Avenue

-The Fitting Room at The Chamberlain, 1000 Westmount Drive

-Toku Unagi & Sushi, 1106 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 201

-Tone at Montrose at Beverly Hills, 900 Hammond Street

-WeHo Bistro, 1040 N. La Cienega Boulevard

-Zinc Cafe & Market, 8607 Melrose Avenue

-Zinque, 8684 Melrose Avenue

Participating restaurants for Dine LA will offer specially priced prix fixed menus for brunch, lunch and/or dinner; no tickets or passes are required. A complete list of participating restaurants and their Dine LA menus are viewable at www.discoverlosangeles.com/dineLA. Prices and meal periods will vary by restaurant and exclude beverages, tax, and gratuity.

For more details contact West Hollywood’s Business Development Division at (323) 848-6856 or at Business@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city’s Halloween Carnival will return to West Hollywood’s Rainbow District along Santa Monica Boulevard on October 31. There will be Halloween celebrations at West Hollywood’s one-of-a-kind bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, entertainment venues, and more on Halloween and during the preceding weekend.

West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnival is free to attend and open to the public and will transpire from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on a one-mile stretch of Historic Route 66 along Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard. The event will feature a stage at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and N. San Vicente Boulevard with a live DJ set, food trucks, and thousands of wildly dressed people in Halloween costumes for a one-of-a-kind experience.

In a news release, the city of WeHo stated the event first launched in 1987 and West Hollywood is inviting Halloween Carnival-goers to get into the spirit and show-off costumes by uploading photos to social media sites with the hashtag #wehohalloween and don’t forget to tag @wehocity.

To ensure a safe Halloween Carnival for everyone, the city and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station remind attendees about important safety guidelines:

-No alcohol or public drinking will be allowed;

-No backpacks, camera cases, tote bags, etc. will be permitted (clear plastic bags will be allowed);

-No weapons, fireworks, or drones will be tolerated;

-Children and pets are strongly discouraged; and Halloween Carnival-goers remember, If You See Something, Say Something.

To support the City of West Hollywood’s bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, entertainment venues, and more in hosting small-scale Halloween celebrations with patrons, they approved a process for review and waiver of special event permit and encroachment permit fees, as well as waiver of basic Los Angeles County Fire Department site plan review fees, for businesses in West Hollywood that aim to host events from Friday, October 27 through Tuesday, October 31 in celebration of Halloween. Interested business may submit a Special Event Permit application by the deadline of Monday, October 16, 2023. For details contact the City’s Neighborhood and Business Safety Division at code@weho.org or by calling (323) 848-6437.

Halloween revelers are reminded not to drive under the influence; even one drink can impair safe driving and  recommends ride-sharing services and transit options. The PickUp, West Hollywood’s free weekend ride, runs on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to its regular service, The PickUp will run Special Service on Halloween (Tuesday, October 31) from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Details are available by visiting www.wehopickup.com. Details about modifications to Cityline Local and Cityline Commuter service will be posted at www.weho.org/halloween as soon as information is available. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) bus lines that connect to West Hollywood include 4, 10, 30/330, 105, 212/312, 217, and 218. More details regarding lines and route changes is available at www.metro.net.

The city will lift residential permit parking Citywide between 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 and 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1. West Hollywood Park facilities impacts/closures will occur as follows:

-West Hollywood Park will be closed from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 through 7 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

-West Hollywood Park small and large dog parks and basketball courts will be closed from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, October  31, 2023 through 7 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

-West Hollywood Park Five-Story Parking Structure will be closed all day on Tuesday, October 31, 2023; the structure will reopen on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 7 a.m.

Street closures associated with Halloween Carnival are as follows:

-N. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 12:01 a.m. on October 31, 2023 to no later than 7 a.m. on November 1, 2023.  All alleyways between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 12:01 a.m. on October 31, 2023 to no later than 7 a.m. on November 1, 2023.

-Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Croft Avenue/ Holloway Drive and N. Doheny Drive from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.

-La Cienega Boulevard between Holloway Drive and Willoughby Avenue from 10 a.m. October 31, 2023 to 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.

-N. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Cynthia Street from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.

-N. Robertson Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.

-N. La Peer Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.

-N. Almont Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.

-Sunset Boulevard eastbound and westbound turn lanes onto southbound La Cienega Boulevard from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—West Hollywood’s Recreation Services Division will host its first-ever Howl-O-Ween Pet Showcase on Saturday, October 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Great Lawn at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

The city reported on its website Howl-O-Ween highlights will include a parade for pets and their guardians to walk side-by-side and showcase their spooky and funny costumes, and an opportunity to dress with mutt as a doggleganger. Pet guardians are encouraged to dress in costumes. Dogs are required to be on leash for the duration of the event. Entertainment at the event will include music, a pet-friendly bubble zone, pet trick/obstacle course, community groups, and treats.

The event is free to the public no RSVP is needed. Attendees are encouraged to carpool, rideshare, or walk, as barking lot parking at West Hollywood Park is limited.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Howl-O-Ween contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at (323) 848-6534 or at recreation@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city is spreading the word that Metro will be hosting meetings on September 19 and September 26 to provide an update to the community about the environmental study underway to bring future Metro rail service to West Hollywood.

The meetings are for residents and stakeholders to provide feedback to Metro about what members find important and routes preferred for the Northern Extension of the Metro K Line (formerly known as the Crenshaw/LAX Line).

The city of West Hollywood indicated in a press release that Metro will select a final route for the project with community input. Depending on the chosen route, the city will be served by a single station on the City’s eastern municipal border or could be served by as many as four underground rail stations located in West Hollywood.

On Tuesday, September 19 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Metro will host a virtual webinar on Zoom, which will consist of a presentation followed by a Q&A session. Participants can join at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87336933668.

On Tuesday, September 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Metro will host an in-person meeting at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center’s Doheny Room, located at 8750 El Tovar Place, next to the West Hollywood Library. The meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to get the latest information about the project and provide feedback to the Metro team about what destinations, route alternatives, and design considerations should be served by future rail service.

For individuals not able to attend, Metro will accept feedback by email and on its project hotline. Emails can be sent to klinenorth@metro.net or contact (213) 418-3093. For more details about the project, to sign up for project updates, or to submit feedback, visit www.weho.org/metro.

To learn more about the Metro K Line Northern Extension project visit https://www.metro.net/projects/kline-northern-extension.

Metro is in the process of completing an environmental study to examine the possible impacts of the future rail project and to inform its decision as it prepares to select the final route for rail between Mid-City Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Hollywood. During its September meetings, Metro will provide an update on work since the last community meetings in June 2022.

Of the three routes under consideration (La Brea, Fairfax, and the Fairfax-San Vicente Hybrid), West Hollywood supports the Fairfax-San Vicente Hybrid alignment, which would serve more residents and businesses as well as more key regional destinations, healthcare and cultural resources, and job centers in nearby areas of Los Angeles.

Metro will solicit additional public feedback on the project one final time to inform its work on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), which is expected to be released in early 2024. Once the current environmental study process is complete, the Metro Board will determine on a final project definition and route known as a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA).

For approximately six years, West Hollywood has been working with West Hollywood Advocates for Metro Rail (WHAM), the All on Board Coalition, and Los Angeles to build support for Metro’s K Line Northern Extension project. For additional information visit www.weho.org/metro.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood indicated in a press release on Thursday, September 7 that the Community Safety Department is working on next steps to update the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and making it available on the city’s website to collect feedback. The draft Plan will be posted online from Thursday, September 7 thru Monday, September 25. Community members can provide feedback at: https://go.weho.org/hazardplan.

Local Hazard Mitigation Plans are aimed to serve as guides for communities to reduce adverse impacts from natural and human-caused hazards. West Hollywood’s updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan will provide a roadmap that identifies hazards affecting the community and outlines actions that can be taken to limit negative impacts on residents, businesses, and the community. Local Hazard Mitigation Plans will provide an opportunity to access funding for specified actions to mitigate identified hazards.

Community outreach on updating the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan started in Spring 2023. Hazards included in the update involved wildfire, earthquake, extreme heat and rainfall, flooding, high winds, drought, terrorism, and hazardous materials incidents. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan must be updated every five years and reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

West Hollywood’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan has been revised from earlier versions, with specific attention given to FEMA’s recent guidance from April 2023 requiring a sharper focus on climate impacts and equity. The Plan will allow West Hollywood to further champion the actions needed to meet the global and local challenges of hazardous materials and reaffirm the region as “vibrant, sustainable, and resilient leadership city for current and future generations.”

For more details about the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan contact Margarita Kustanovich, West Hollywood’s Emergency Management Coordinator, by phone at (323) 848-6414 or by email at safety@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—West Hollywood will begin its annual tree pruning on Monday, September 11 and will continue through February 2024. The city of West Hollywood indicated on its website there are more than 12,500 trees in the region that need maintenance and care.

West Coast Arborists is the contractor for the city and the pruning will start along Sunset Boulevard and not disrupt westbound lanes until after 10 a.m. to minimize the impact on morning commute traffic. In the coming weeks, crews will move to other commercial areas on Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Boulevard, and other arterial streets.

After commercial tree trimming ends, work will start on residential arterial streets. Each day, trimming will start at 8 a.m. and finish by 3 p.m.

West Hollywood will alert residents, businesses, and motorists in advance of pruning work, using several methods:

-“No parking” signs will be placed a minimum of 24 hours in advance of work. The signs will reflect scheduled trimming activities for each day, and they will be broken down into two time segments: before 12 p.m. and after 12 p.m. Parking spaces will be reopened as soon as possible after work is completed.

-Door hangers or postings on trees will be placed a minimum of 72 hours in advance of residential tree-trimming activities.

-Electronic message boards may be placed at strategic locations several days before trimming, as well as during trimming activities, in order to provide commuters with advance notice so they can plan route changes; and

-Notification of trimming activity will be posted on the City’s website and on the City’s social media pages @WeHoCity.

For details contact Sam Estrada, West Hollywood’s Urban Forest and Landscape Maintenance Supervisor, at (323) 848-6867 or at sestrada@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city announced the selection of new Community Development Director Nick Maricich on August 17. He will begin working with the city of West Hollywood on Monday, September 18.

The city indicated in a news release that Maricich joins the city after more than 16 years of service to furthering successful urban planning in Los Angeles. He served as Principal City Planner overseeing functions of the Citywide Policy Planning Division at the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. He also served five years as the Director of Planning Policy and Development for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“Nick’s dedication and innovative approach to community planning and historic preservation during his time at the City of Los Angeles are commendable. His leadership and insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the City of West Hollywood and our community,” said West Hollywood City Manager David Wilson. “His unique perspective and proven track record will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing efforts to create a vibrant and sustainable urban environment for our residents and our city will continue to advance its forward-thinking planning work.”

West Hollywood will schedule a series of Town Hall meetings in September to introduce Nick Maricich to the public, along with speaking with and hearing from community members as the goals and vision of the Community Development Department are advanced under the direction of the new Director.

The city’s Community Development Department (which for several years had been called Planning & Development Services Department) is responsible for managing West Hollywood’s urban environment and creating a livable community that balances the needs of residents, businesses, property owners and visitors.

There are three divisions within the City’s Community Development Department that assist in creating and implementing the community’s vision:

-Current and Historic Preservation Planning;

-Long Range Planning; and

-Building and Safety.

Maricich earned his bachelor’s degree in Geography with a minor in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles.

The City’s Community Development Department serves as a leader in coordinating and focusing multi-departmental work efforts to address the wide number of planning and development concerns in WeHo. For additional details about the Community Development Department  visit www.weho.org/city-government/city-departments/community-development-department.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On August 13, management from the Wrapstar restaurants announced that they are closing the doors of their WEHO store located at 8593 Santa Monica Boulevard. The following message may be found on the doors of the former Wrapstar, West Hollywood location and on their website. “Dear Wrapstar Customers, We regret to inform you that we are closing this location due to low traffic and higher operating costs in the area. We are so appreciative of everyone’s support and the amazing review we have received from you. We invite you to visit us online @ wrapstarla.com and at our other locations: 9533 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 9426 Washington Blvd. Culver City CA 90232 [Both the Beverly Hills and the Culver City locations are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.] With Gratitude, The Wrapstar Family The restaurant advertises that they have “reinvented the salad.” A full menu featuring both vegetable and flour tortillas with a large variety of meat and or vegetable fillings is available. Canyon News did reach out to Wrapstar management for more information but did not hear back in time for print. By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Missing Persons Unit posted on their Facebook page they are asking for the public’s help in locating Joseph Brockington III, 21. Authorities have described Brockington as a Black male, who was last seen on the 1100 block of Formosa Avenue on June 18 at 3:04 p.m. in West Hollywood.

He stands 5 foot and 10 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has brown eyes and braided black hair. His family is concerned about his well-being.

Anyone with details about the whereabouts of Joseph Brockington III is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Missing Persons Unit at (323) 890-5500.

To remain anonymous contact “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—West Hollywood’s Neighborhood and Business Safety Division’s Code Enforcement team which aims to maintain neighborhood livability by being responsive to complaints and concerns received from the community is spreading the word on ‘Good Neighbor’ policies. The team is responsible for enforcing all provisions of the city’s laws and ordinances, as governed by the West Hollywood Municipal Code, and it actively addresses community concerns about a variety of regulated issues.

The city indicated in a news release that as a result of an increase in community concerns, West Hollywood is alerting residents and property owners to inform them that:

Leaf-Blowers — The use of gas-powered leaf-blowers by residents or gardeners is prohibited; electric or battery-operated leaf-blowers are the only leaf-blowers permitted in the City of West Hollywood. Violations found by Code Enforcement Officers will result in the issuance of citations ranging from $100 to $500, with a $75 administrative fee applied.

Trash and Recycling Bins — Leaving trash and recycling bins next to the curb indefinitely is prohibited. Bins may only be placed at the curb after 5:30 p.m. the day before collection; they must be at the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day and removed by 8 p.m. on collection day. Violations may result in a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000, with a $75 administrative fee applied.

Overgrown Parkways/Hedges — Vegetation that is not cut back and extends into the sidewalk or street areas causes an obstruction for pedestrians and vehicles. More importantly, this prevents and/or hinders pedestrians and people who use a wheelchair or a walker from properly accessing sidewalk areas. Allowing vegetation to protrude into sidewalks and streets is a violation and may result in a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000, with a $75 administrative fee applied.

Bulky Items — For large items that need to be picked up, call Athens Services at 1-888-336-6100. You can also email your request (including the item to be picked up, address, contact information, etc.). Make sure to place your item on the curb on your regular trash day after scheduling pickup. Athens also has an online Bulky Item form, available at https://athensservices.com/bulky-item-pickup/.

The City’s Code Enforcement team actively addresses a range of residential neighborhood concerns that include: noise; property maintenance; vacant properties; construction; zoning (short-term rentals and land use activities); and impediments in the public right-of-way (sidewalk, parkway, alley, or street). Community members with concerns can contact West Hollywood’s Code Enforcement team by submitting a Service Request, which is a first step in investigating potential violations of the Municipal Code.

Service requests may can be submitted at www.weho.org/servicerequest or by using the West Hollywood Official App, which may be downloaded on an Apple device from the iOS App Store or as an Android App on Google Play; search for “West Hollywood Official App.”

Complaints or questions can be submitted through the Code Enforcement hotline at (323) 848-6516 or email at code@weho.org. When reporting a complaint individuals are asked to include the address, the day of the week, and the approximate time when the use of a gas leaf blower was observed.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city will host the OutLoud Sports Festival Dodgeball Tournament as part of a two-day sports festival during the Labor Day Weekend which includes multiple sports locations throughout Southern California.

West Hollywood indicated in a news release the event is to take place Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to the West Hollywood Library. The Dodgeball Tournament is free for all; interested participants can register via the League Apps website at OutLoud Sports Festival 2023: Dodgeball Tournament, Recreation Division : OutLoud Sports: Tournaments (leagueapps.com).

Day one of the Dodgeball Tournament, on September 2 will consist of seven 12-minute matches to determine seeding. Day two, on September 3, will be a single-elimination tournament concluding with the Championship Match. Teams can consist of a maximum of 13 players with 10 players playing on the court per team. Registration is open to anyone over the age of 21 through August, 21, by visiting OutLoud’s Los Angeles Sports Festival — OutLoud Sports. Registration is $60 per person through August 10 and will increase to $70 per person for registrations from August 11 through August 21.

For more details regarding the Festival, events, and OutLoud Sports visit www.outloudsports.com.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Two drivers were arrested for driving while under the influence, and eight others were cited for driver’s license-related offenses while driving through a DUI checkpoint on Friday, July 21. One driver was cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license.

The DUI Checkpoint was located at San Vicente Boulevard north of Beverly Boulevard, operating from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday. The location was chosen “based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes,” according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  

“The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads,” The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.

Funding for the DUI checkpoint was granted by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

By Paige Strickland

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Amidst a high heat advisory, the City of West Hollywood will open the Cooling Center at Plummer Park from Saturday, July 22 through Wednesday, July 26. 

The Cooling Center will occupy the Plummer Park Community Center Senior Lounge, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Free transportation to Plummer Park is provided by West Hollywood’s Cityline service, which operates Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For additional information and a detailed route map, visit www.weho.org/cityline.

The Plummer Park Cooling Center hours of operation will vary:

Saturday, July 22: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, July 23: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, July 24: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, July 25: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, July 26: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Every year, children and pets suffer and die when left unattended in parked vehicles. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can soar to 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes – even with windows cracked open,” the City said in a heat advisory. 

“Think twice before ever leaving a child or a pet in a parked vehicle, even for just a moment,” the City continued.

LA County also operates cooling center locations in West Hollywood, including the West Hollywood Library, located at 625 North San Vicente Boulevard, and the Will & Ariel Durant Branch Library, located at 7140 West Sunset Boulevard.

The West Hollywood Aquatics & Recreation Center, located at 8750 El Tovar Place, is available for community members to swim and escape the heat.

For additional tips on where and how to cool off in West Hollywood, visit the City’s Cooling Center webpage at www.weho.org/coolingcenters.

By Paige Strickland

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city was recognized by Mars Petcare as a Better Cities For Pets™ Certified City for being pet-friendly and for helping to keep people and pets together. The assessment report outlines eight West Hollywood strengths, including:

-Partners across the City of West Hollywood are working together to reduce pet homelessness and get more pets in loving homes;

-A local community cat program is humanely reducing overpopulation and keeping cat colonies vaccinated;

-The City of West Hollywood doesn’t have breed bans or other significant restrictions for pet ownership;

-People in the City of West Hollywood have pet-friendly housing options with minimal restrictions or unreasonable fees;

-Local food banks or animal welfare organizations distribute pet food for families in need;

-The City of West Hollywood’s local emergency preparedness plans include accommodations for and communication about pets;

-The City of West Hollywood has pet-friendly green spaces for people and pets to get healthy exercise and connect with each other;

-There are transportation options in the City of West Hollywood for people who need to get around with their pets.

According to a press release from the city of West Hollywood, the Better Cities For Pets™ Certified City report provides inspiration to help make West Hollywood more pet-friendly in the future including suggestions such as continuing efforts to lead the way on animal welfare and shine a spotlight on pets; continuing its Pet Mayor program; adding signage that makes it easy for pet owners to find pet amenities; making City buildings and facilities pet-friendly to support and demonstrate the benefits of pets at work; and more.

The city has been focused on animal rights movement for decades and the City’s commitment to animal rights is one of its legacies. West Hollywood consistently worked to enact leading-edge animal welfare legislation.

In 1989, the West Hollywood City Council passed Resolution 558 making West Hollywood a “Cruelty-Free Zone” for animals. That was followed by West Hollywood’s move to secure animal care service policies that included a no-kill policy for stray and abandoned animals.

In 2004, the City Council passed an Ordinance to ban the practice of declawing cats, thereby making West Hollywood the first City in North America to ban this procedure.

In 2008, West Hollywood adopted a Resolution supporting Proposition 2, which led to a statewide standard in the caging of chickens; in 2009, the West Hollywood City Council took a stand against puppy-mills and the sale of dogs in local stores that came from such mills.

West Hollywood’s Ordinance prohibiting the sale of fur established that it is “unlawful to sell, offer for sale, display for sale, import, export, trade, or distribute any fur product by any means anywhere within the City of West Hollywood on or after September 21, 2013.” The Ordinance was approved by the West Hollywood City Council in November 2011 and, in August 2015, the Ordinance was amended.

The city invites canine members of the community and their humans to visit two dog parks at West Hollywood Park. A small dog park and large dog park are located on each side of the park’s basketball courts and each area features expanses of open space with shade trees, small mounds and turf terraces, and water stations. In addition, West Hollywood operates the William S. Hart Park and Off-Leash Dog Park located at 8341 De Longpre Avenue.

For more details about Better Cities For Pets™ certification, contact Vyto Adomaitis, West Hollywood’s Neighborhood and Business Safety Manager, at vadomaitis@weho.org or at (323) 848-6531. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city will host a free document shredding, electronic and hazardous household waste collection event for residents and businesses. Community members are invited to bring confidential files and unwanted electronics, including hard drives, and household hazardous waste for shredding and recycling. The hazardous household waste collection is for residents only.

The city of West Hollywood indicated on its website that the free event will take place on Saturday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center employee parking lot, located at 355 N. San Vicente Boulevard. This is a drive-through event. All e-waste, hazardous household waste and documents must be in the trunk prior to arrival.

E-waste will be handled by certified electronics recycler, Homeboy Recycling, in a way that protects the planet and keeps data safe while creating jobs for people in the region facing serious barriers to employment. All electronics are accepted, with the exception of large appliances, thermostats, light bulbs, and batteries. For more details call (323) 222-3322. Household hazardous waste collection will be handled by Veolia North America. For information call Sandy Nunez at (626) 594-2146.

For additional details, contact Matt Magener, Environmental Programs Coordinator of West Hollywood, at (323) 848-6894 or at mmagener@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced in a news release that on Tuesday, August 1, community members will gather on neighborhood streets in a show of unity against crime to celebrate the annual National Night Out.

Block parties, barbecues, dancing, live entertainment and other things will occur in West Hollywood. Attendance is free. There will be limited street closures during National Night Out; these will occur on Tuesday, August 1, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. A list of events, times, and event locations is being regularly updated on West Hollywood’s website at www.weho.org/nno as the event approaches.

The year 2023 marks the 40th Annual National Night Out (NNO), which started in 1984 as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, law enforcement, community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie – and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized against crime.

Nationwide, over 35 million people in neighborhoods across the country gather outdoors to celebrate their unity and their successes in the fight against crime. Celebrating National Night Out has been a tradition in West Hollywood since its incorporation.

National Night Out 2023 participants include members of the West Hollywood City Council, Neighborhood Watch groups, the West Hollywood Gateway, and West Hollywood’s Public Safety Commission and Russian-Speaking Advisory Board. Events will be held in coordination with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the City of West Hollywood.

For more details contact Jessica Anukam, West Hollywood Public Safety Specialist, at (323) 848-6436 or at janukam@weho.org For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

WEST HOLLYWOOD—During its regular meeting on June 26, the West Hollywood City Council unanimously approved the creation of the West Hollywood Care Team, a new behavioral health crisis response program to serve the community. The Care Team is a first-of-its-kind city-county collaboration to enhance community access to crisis support and services.

The city indicated on its website the Care Team will provide crisis stabilization, safety planning, connection to community resources, and follow-up support. Services will be delivered using an approach based on harm-reduction, trauma-informed, and culturally competent practices. The Care Team will provide mobile response and will ride in unmarked passenger vehicles with no lights or sirens with the aim of providing respectful care to people in crisis. West Hollywood expects to launch the Care Team in Fall 2023 with initial operating hours from Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. By year two, the goal is to expand Care Team coverage to 24/7/365 service.

“The development and implementation of our new community-based behavioral health response team in West Hollywood is a huge step forward in meeting the needs of community members when they may be experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Mayor Sepi Shyne. “The West Hollywood Care Team will bring a whole a new level of sensitivity and a trauma-informed approach that will make our City better poised to respond to needs in way that helps stabilize situations as they occur.”

West Hollywood will contract with Sycamores, a nonprofit social service organization with expertise in providing behavioral health programs and services. Sycamores is currently a mobile crisis response contractor for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Alternative Crisis Response (ACR) system. The city will operate the West Hollywood Care Team in collaboration with the regional system to enhance community access to intensive mental health services provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health when appropriate.

Community members experiencing a behavioral health crisis will be able to call 988 to get support. 988 is the national number for the Suicide and Crisis Helpline. In the Los Angeles area, the 988 call center operator is Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. Community members utilizing this service will be able to talk to a trained counselor who will assess the mental health crisis and will provide community resources when appropriate. When the counselors on the phone determine that the crisis needs in-person support, the West Hollywood Care Team will be dispatched to respond to the caller’s location to provide services. The West Hollywood community stands to benefit from the immediate availability of crisis counseling via the 988 call center combined with the region’s added capacity to provide in-person service and care when needed.

The investment in the Care Team advances collective priorities outlined in the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Strategy (CSWB). The CSWB Strategy helps create a safer West Hollywood community by finding ways to better connect West Hollywood’s existing social service and law enforcement programs, making it easier for individuals to access vital support and services when needed. The Care Team will be a secondary responder to West Hollywood Sheriff’s Deputies and LA County Fire personnel. The Care Team will be requested for on-scene support, when a community member needs behavioral health services.

The Care Team program will be overseen by the City’s Human Services Division and will collaborate closely with City-funded social service agencies to support community members’ access to local and regional social services programs.

For more details about the West Hollywood Care Team contact Elizabeth Anderson, West Hollywood Strategic Initiatives Program Administrator, at (323) 848-6839 or eanderson@weho.org. For additional information, visit www.weho.org/careteam. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Donald

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood will hold two public meetings to hear community input on West Hollywood’s Hazard Mitigation Plan before its updated. 

The first meeting will be held in person at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center Doheny Room, located at 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to the West Hollywood library. Members of the public are encouraged to RSVP by emailing safety@weho.org.

A later meeting will be held remotely on Thursday, July 13, at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan provides a road map for the West Hollywood community to identify hazards and take actions to reduce negative impacts on residents, businesses, and the community as a whole.

To remain approved, plans must be updated every 5 years and reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Hazards considered in the plans are wildfires, earthquakes, extreme heat and rainfall, flooding, high winds, drought, terrorism, and hazardous material incidents. 

West Hollywood offers these meetings as an opportunity for the community to see their experiences and concerns reflected in the long-term preventative and recovery strategies for these disasters.

​​For those not able to attend either meeting, participation is available by taking a survey in either English, Spanish, or Russian by visiting http://go.weho.org/hazardsurvey through July 31, 2023.

By Paige Strickland

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood opened applications for its 2024 Arts Grant program as announced on Tuesday, May 2. For those who are interested in applying, WeHo will host a virtual Arts Grant Program workshop via the Zoom platform on Wednesday, May 24 at 12 p.m. Participants will learn about grant eligibility requirements and the application process. They will also be allowed to ask questions. First-time grant applicants and returning organizations with new development personnel are encouraged to attend the Arts Grant Program information workshop to become familiar with the application process.

The city of West Hollywood reported on its website that grant opportunities are available to individuals and nonprofit arts organizations. Arts grants will be awarded in varying amounts and include funding for performing arts projects, individual artists, and organizational development.

West Hollywood invites and encourages artists and organizations representing diverse populations and diverse artistic disciplines to apply for these grants. As defined in the City’s Cultural Equity Statement, diversity includes all ways in which people differ, including but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, geography, citizenship status, religion, language, physical appearance, and the intersection of these various identities. The city is committed to ensuring cultural equity in all arts policies and practices.

The arts grants categories with open application processes for 2024 are as follows:

-Arts Project Grant — Supports the production, performance, or presentation of art projects that take place in the City of West Hollywood and that serve the West Hollywood community. The proposed projects should take place in the City of West Hollywood in 2024 and 2025. Proposed presentations may include, but are not limited to: comedy show, dance performance, drag performance, film screening, fine art exhibit, music presentation, poetry reading, and theatre presentation. The Arts Project Grant category is a match grant (a match grant requires that for every dollar requested from the funding source, the equal amount is matched – through in-kind donations, private donations, and/or other grants) and is awarded in a two-year cycle (with one application, grantee can be awarded for 2 years). The maximum grant award is $20,000 per grantee ($10,000 per year). The deadline for this category is Saturday, July 1, 2023.

-Community Arts Grant — Supports non-profit arts organizations with a history of supporting BIPOC and/or female artists and audiences. Proposed projects should take place in West Hollywood in 2024. Proposed presentations can include celebrating heritage months, presenting social justice centered art, and/or an educational and participatory program (workshop) which engages BIPOC and/or female artists and audiences. The maximum grant award for this category is $6,000. The deadline for this category is Saturday, July 1, 2023.

-Organizational Development Grant — Supports both the organization’s mission to provide arts programming and the organization’s capacity by directly supporting technical assistance to improve its ability to fundraise, develop audiences, and build its administrative infrastructure. This grant category is not a match grant and, with one application, an organization can be funded for three years. Applicant organizations should be prepared to utilize a Technical Assistant (or arts consultant) to provide sustainable resources to the organization. The maximum grant is $5,000 per grantee per year ($5,000 for each of the first two years dedicated to technical assistance; the final year for the grantee presentation). This award includes enrollment in the West Hollywood Artists Bootcamp, a highly sought after professional development series about the business of art. The deadline for this category is Saturday, July 1, 2023.

-Transgender Arts Initiative Grant — Supports and enhances the presentation of artworks in West Hollywood by transgender artists and non-profit organizations with a history of supporting transgender artists. Proposed projects should take place in West Hollywood in 2024. Proposed presentations should include art presentations which engage trans artists and audiences. The maximum grant award is $6,500 for both artists and non-profit arts organizations. The deadline for this category is Saturday, July 1, 2023.

-WeHo Artist Grant — Supports the long-term development of an artist’s ideas by providing funds that increase the capacity for artists to realize work, advance the conditions of creation, and navigate the complexities of both making art and making a career. Eligible artists must reside in the City of West Hollywood. The grant award is $6,000 per year for three artists. This category will open on July 1, 2023, and the deadline for applications will be Friday, September 1, 2023. WeHo Artist applications are reviewed by the Performing Arts and Cultural Affairs Subcommittee.

Artists and organizations who would like to apply can visit www.weho.org/arts for more details. For additional information about the West Hollywood’s Arts Grant Program, visit www.weho.org/arts or contact Eva Angeloff, West Hollywood Grants Coordinator, at (323) 848-6354 or at eangeloff@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Casey

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Members of the West Hollywood community are invited to learn about the city’s budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2023-24 at an upcoming in-person public meeting with the West Hollywood City Council Finance & Budget Subcommittee.

The city reported in a news release that the Finance & Budget Subcommittee meeting will take place in-person on Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at West Hollywood City Hall in the Community Conference Room (First Floor), located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard. The meeting is free and open to the public and public comment is welcome. The meeting agenda and staff report can be found at www.weho.org/councilagendas under the “Finance & Budget Subcommittee Meetings” section. Follow the instructions on the first page of the meeting agenda for public comment.

The Finance & Budget Subcommittee, comprising of West Hollywood’s Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore, provides input on the city budget before its adoption by the full West Hollywood City Council. The Subcommittee will discuss funding priorities for the second-year update (Fiscal Year 2023-24) of the two-year budget. The subcommittee may provide direction on matters relating to capital improvements, homelessness, public safety, and other budget topics that span multiple years.

West Hollywood’s current year annual operating Budget and Capital Work Plan is available online in an interactive format at by clicking the “Approved FY2022-2024 Budget and Updated Capital Work Plan” link at: www.weho.org/budget. The online budget provides accessible information about budgeted city revenues and expenditures in a user-friendly format.

For more details about the Finance & Budget Subcommittee meeting, contact Christine Safriet, West Hollywood Assistant to the City Manager, at (323) 848-6467 or at csafriet@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Effective Wednesday, April 12, the Holloway Motel property located at 8465 Santa Monica Boulevard was acquired by the city of West Hollywood. It will operate as the Holloway Interim Housing Program to provide comprehensive services and a supportive space for people experiencing homelessness to transition into stable housing.

According to a news release from the city’s website, the Holloway Interim Housing Program will provide “a safe, supportive space for people experiencing homelessness to stay 90 days, giving residents support and time to transition off the streets and into housing.”

The motel property will be managed and operated via a partnership with Ascencia, a nonprofit homeless services agency that provides comprehensive case management and supportive services, and uphold safety for program participants.

In the coming months, West Hollywood and its architectural and construction partners will focus on completing the design, planning, permitting, and construction process to bring the structure up to code so it is safe for program participants, Ascencia staff, and the surrounding region.

In June 2022, West Hollywood received a State of California Housing and Community Development Homekey grant in the amount of $6,007,661, and the West Hollywood City Council unanimously approved the purchase of the property to be converted into an interim housing program. The Holloway Interim Housing Program will be funded through state and regional resources that are matched by the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

By purchasing the Holloway Motel, and converting it into interim housing, the city will make progress on the goals of its Homeless Initiative, created in 2016, and double West Hollywood’s available interim housing beds for adults in an expedient and cost-effective manner. The Holloway Interim Housing Program builds on more than 30 years of city efforts to partner with local agencies to provide social services to community members experiencing homelessness. It is designed to be responsive to the unique needs of its community members, drawing on West Hollywood’s proud history of inclusivity and empathy in service delivery.

“The Holloway Interim Housing Program is a collaborative, common-sense solution that responds to community needs,” affirmed Mayor Sepi Shyne. “True stakeholder collaboration is key to the success of this program, and we’re responding to the community’s priorities by directly addressing the issues related to homelessness. This paves the way for city governments to cultivate a nurturing, empathetic community that uplifts and enhances the quality of life for every community member.”

“West Hollywood is committed to providing comprehensive assistance to people experiencing homelessness and addressing the needs of its diverse community. The City’s Homeless Initiative addresses homelessness with a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency, collaborative response, working in close partnership with nonprofit social services providers, the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, and Los Angeles County agencies,” states the press release.

To report concerns about a community member who is homeless, contact the West Hollywood Homeless Initiative Concern Line at (323) 848-6590. If the concern requires time-sensitive assistance during nights or weekends contact the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850.

Additional details can be found at www.weho.org/holloway. For more information about the Homeless Initiative, please contact Corri Planck, West Hollywood Strategic Initiatives Manager, at (323) 848-6430 or cplanck@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Donald