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Christopher Street West faces hurdles

LA Pride Festival is still in flux as #ResistMarch gathers steam

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LA Pride, gay news, Washington Blade

The entrance to 2016’s LA Pride’s Festival in West Hollywood Park. (Photo courtesy LA Pride)

Despite big changes and challenges, this year’s LA Pride festival experience will be “similar to the last several years,” according to Chris Classen, president of Christopher Street West (“CSW”), the organization that has produced LA Pride Parade and Festival since 1970.

Over June 10 and 11, attendees can again expect West Hollywood Park to be filled with food, drinks, dancing and a variety of musical acts on three distinct stages, from local performers to popular stars.

But this year is not like years past, and there is a whiff of concern in the air about CSW’s ability to pull it off, at least profitably. Space for the festival is reduced by more than 50 percent as West Hollywood Park undergoes a facelift, and CSW settling on a location just last week.

As organizers of LA’s main pride events, it is inevitable that CSW faces questions from the diverse LGBTQ community. West Hollywood Council member John Duran says that for almost 40 years he has cautioned each CSW president: “You have a thankless job. You can never make everybody happy.”

But complaints about the festival’s impact became noticeably louder last year when CSW rebranded the event a music festival to attract millennials. With the LGBTQ focus of the festival erased from CSW’s website, so too was the sense of connection between the event and a city with a sizeable LGBTQ population.

In response, CSW scrambled to reemphasize the LGBTQ tradition in its marketing, but the updated version of the festival continued as planned.

With its promise of big-name musical performers in 2017, CSW appears to be sticking with that model, albeit LGBTQ branding is front and center.

That choice remains controversial, with people like former CSW board member, LGBTQ historian, and founder of the Lavender Effect, Andy Sacher, viewing the de-emphasis of Pride’s history as a loss for everyone.

“We’re in every strata of society,” he says, “and this is the one time of the year when we have traditionally come together, regardless of our differences and celebrated our freedoms and accomplishments.”

But Council member Duran says CSW was being realistic. “People my age,” he told the Blade, “we’ve done 20 or 30 of these things. We’re not necessarily going do it again unless we have friends from out of town.”  Still, history matters.

Both Duran and West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister think the criticism arises from the belief that CSW is the only source of local Pride programming, when in fact the city sponsors its own One City One Pride Arts Festival, primarily focused on LGBTQ history and culture, for 40 days each summer, including Pride weekend.

Last year, the city sponsored events like Trans Night, the Dyke March, and a West Hollywood history tour created by late historian Stuart Timmons. There is more to pride than “just those two days,” says Duran.

Issues of transparency and communication have dogged CSW in recent years, with defenders and critics agreeing that CSW could improve its community interface.

Sacher was one of four CSW board members who resigned last December, in part because CSW required board members to sign non-disclosure agreements.

Sacher said, “All pride organizations face challenges to achieve a balance between taking in what the community desires” and sustainability. But in CSW’s case, “there might be a disconnect.”

After the 2016 festival, Mayor Meister arranged two community forums to debrief with CSW. “Were they listening? I don’t know,” Meister said about CSW. “It’s up to them to provide an event that the community is supportive of. And if not, we’re all going to hear about it again.”

For the first time since 1970, there will be no Pride Parade. Instead, CSW will host a three-mile long protest march, modeled on the Women’s Marches, under the motto: “When any American’s rights are under threat, all our rights are threatened.”

With supporters like CSW co-founder the Reverend Troy Perry, L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti, and activist Ivy Bottini (a vocal critic of CSW), Duran describes this choice as “spot on” and in line with the LGBTQ community’s history of responding to galvanizing moments, from AIDS to anti-marriage legislation. Like others, he believes the march is pitch-perfect for our times.

Even so, CSW has made another sudden, dramatic change to what people expect from Pride. No one can know how many people will actually march and what effect this will have on the already compacted festival. To Sacher, this decision-making seems “reactive, rather than visionary or proactive.”

This week, CSW board member and #ResistMarch organizer Brian Pendleton, told FourTwoNine.com that “no corporate dollars that used to go to the parade are going to the march.”  Pendleton says he is committed to raising the money needed to fund #ResistMarch. Some reports suggest he must raise more than $400,000.  Sources say he has raised a significant portion of that.

Pendleton, when asked to join CSW’s board, pointedly refused to sign CSW’s non-disclosure agreement.

With CSW already running at a loss, the financial bottom line might bring the debates about CSW’s role as LA’s de facto leader of pride to a head.

Success now rests on robust attendance to the paid-entry festival and CSW ability to attract corporate sponsors to it. Nissan recent announced it will be a sponsor but few others have stepped forward. Wells Fargo, for instance, will not be part of this year’s celebrations for the first time in many years.

West Hollywood provides free security and sanitation services, but little cash. It recently agreed to cover up to $1 million in such expenses — doubling previous year commitments — though not yet satisfied with CSW’s transparency efforts and aware that the agency began 2017 unable to even pay office rent. The city reportedly stands to gain more than $5,000,000 in tax receipts if the event is successful.

Without the traditional parade, CSW will also forego entry fees from floats and community groups.

Given the sheer scope and diversity of the Los Angeles area, Sacher said the trend for more localized pride events, such as DTLA Proud and Venice Pride, is a sign of things to come.

“Maybe there will never be a consensus,” Sacher said, and “that might be fine.” Mayor Meister said that West Hollywood will be LA Pride’s home for a long time to come. And Council member Duran waved off complaints that other cities do Pride better. The entire city of West Hollywood becomes a Pride celebration, he says, “in everyday bars and everyday restaurants,” from one end of the city to the other. LA Pride remains unique.

For more information, visit lapride.org. Transportation and parking information can be found at weho.org.

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Los Angeles County

New on the LA County Channel

You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

New on the LA County Channel

LA County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department recently launched an innovative and voluntary residential job training program that offers a chance for justice-involved individuals to receive free certifications and hands-on training in fire services plus room and board, career counseling, life skills training and job placement assistance.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Dine Out LA County

Los Angeles County currently offers Outdoor Dining for restaurants within unincorporated areas by permit. The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, in collaboration with Public Works, Public Health, and Regional Planning, are currently developing a Permanent Outdoor Dining Program that will continue to benefit both businesses and patrons.

Restaurants in unincorporated Los Angeles County have opportunities to expand dining seating into the following areas:

  • Private Walkways
  • Private Parking Facilities
  • County’s Road Right-of-Way (Sidewalks, Metered or Unmetered Parking Spaces, and Alleys)

To learn more about this program, register for community meetings, or apply for a permit, visit lacounty.pw/dining

At Your Service

Compact Mobile Food Operations Subsidy Program

The Department of Economic Opportunity will be supporting new and existing street vendors selling food with obtaining their Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) permits. Through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Department of Economic Opportunity will subsidize up to 75% of the total cost of CMFO fees which may include a permit fee, plan check, site evaluation, and home inspection. The funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on the CMFO program, visit opportunities.lacounty.gov. To register for an upcoming workshop, click here.

Out and About

Women’s History Month: Fun at the Library!

Celebrate the last week of Women’s History Month with LA County Library!  There’s something for everyone – to find an event near you, or to learn more with a good book, visit lacountylibrary.org.

Photo Finish

Spring Jubilee at Belvedere Regional Park.
(Photo Credit: Los Angeles County / Mayra Beltran Vasquez)

Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

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Southern California

Triple A:  Average gas prices jump over $5 in SoCal

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.03, which is eight cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Most areas of Southern California are now experiencing average prices over $5 a gallon as prices moved up for the second week in a row and for eight weeks total in 2024 so far, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.03, which is eight cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.54, which is one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.08 per gallon, which is nine cents more than last week, 26 cents higher than last month, and 23 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.06, which is seven cents higher than last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and 19 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.06, which is six cents higher than last week, 26 cents higher than last month, and 23 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.96, which is nine cents higher than last week, 25 cents higher than last month and 18 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.93 average price is eight cents more than last week, 33 cents more than last month, and five cents higher than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, the Wilmington section of Phillip 66’s Los Angeles refinery is undergoing planned maintenance, with no information available on when it will return to production,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “It’s important for drivers to keep in mind that even in areas with average prices over $5 a gallon, they can usually find much less expensive gasoline than $5 nearby by using a free tool such as the AAA Mobile app. As of today, there are still several Southern California gas stations with prices under $4.50 a gallon.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 28, averages are:

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Northern California

Sacramento declares itself a sanctuary city for trans people

The measure, which takes effect immediately, bars city resources to be used to criminalize trans people seeking transition-related healthcare

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Councilmember Katie Valenzuela along with trans activists, allies, and supporters gather in the atrium of city hall after the resolution passed making California's capital a sanctuary city for transgender people. (Photo Credit: Councilmember Katie Valenzuela)

SACRAMENTO –  In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the city council passed a resolution declaring California’s capital city a “sanctuary city for transgender people.” The measure, which takes effect immediately, bars city government or resources to be used to criminalize trans people seeking transition-related healthcare or to cooperate with outside cities or states seeking to enforce their laws that criminalize trans healthcare.

Sacramento Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, who introduced the resolution, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

[…] “This resolution was supported by a myriad of organizations and was unanimously approved by my colleagues. This resolution was written and directly informed by transgender community leaders. It was put forward in recognition of the rise in laws across our country seeking to limit or completely restrict access to gender-affirming care.

By affirming our commitment to supporting our LGBTQ+ community and ensuring that no city resources or staff time will be used to help enforce these harmful laws in other jurisdictions, the City has taken a step beyond state law and sent a powerful signal to everyone in our community that we are a safe place for everyone.”

A law, SB107, authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), which took effect on January 1 of last year, made it the State of California’s policy to reject any out-of-state court judgments removing trans kids from their parents’ custody because they allowed them to receive gender-affirming health care.

State health officials will not be allowed to comply with subpoenas seeking health records and any information related to such criminal cases, and public safety officers must make out-of-state criminal arrest warrants for such parents their lowest priority.

Read the Resolution:

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California

New California law requires bars & nightclubs to offer ‘roofie’ tests

Bars & nightclubs who do not comply with the new law could face administrative actions impacting their licenses

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Screenshot/YouTube ABC7 Bay Area

SACRAMENTO – A new law mandating certain alcoholic beverage license holders to offer drug testing devices for sale or at no cost to patrons will take effect across California beginning July 1.

AB 1013 requires establishments with a license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to have signage displayed in a prominent and conspicuous location, letting patrons know that drug testing kits are available to test for common date-rape drugs, often referred to as ‘roofies.’

The required signage displays a message reading, “Don’t get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.” A sample sign is available on ABC’s website and can be downloaded and printed by licensees.

The new law impacts approximately 2,400 licensees across California. Type 48 licenses are issued to bars and night clubs. The license authorizes the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises where sold. Minors are not allowed on the premises, and food service is not required.

Licensees will be responsible for procuring testing kits. ABC does not sell or provide kits, and does not recommend or endorse any specific company that does.

Additionally, Type 48 licensed premises must either offer the drug testing devices for sale to customers at a price not to exceed a reasonable amount based on the wholesale cost, or be given to customers free of charge.

Drug testing devices could include test strips, stickers, straws or other devices that can detect the presence of controlled substances in drinks. These substances could include flunitrazepam, ketamine, and gamma hydroxybutyric acid.

License holders who do not comply with the new law could face administrative actions impacting their licenses. For more information please visit ABC’s industry advisory Type 48 Licenses New Signage and Product Requirements page.

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Los Angeles

South LA trans woman murdered, LAPD are looking for suspects

Surveillance footage captured near the scene of the March 21 murder showed a person dragging the victim’s body out of a light-colored sedan

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LAPD & CHP patrol vehicles/LA Blade file photo

By Rob Salerno | LOS ANGELES – A trans woman believed to be in her early 20s was murdered in the early morning of March 21 near the corner of West 70th and Figueroa Streets, the latest in what appear to be a string of slayings of sex workers in the area.

The LAPD are still looking for information and have not yet made any arrests.

The LAPD responded to a call around 4:20 am and found the victim suffering a gunshot wound to the back of the head. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

Two days earlier, officers had responded to a call around 8:50pm on Hoover St between Slauson Ave and West 59th, where they found a woman who had been killed by a gunshot. Police believe both women were shot with a 9-millimeter firearm.

Police believe both women were engaged in sex work but have not released any information identifying them.

The Los Angeles Times reported that surveillance footage captured near the scene of the March 21 murder showed a person dragging the victim’s body out of a light-colored sedan next to the parking lot of a high school before driving off.

Police speculated that the victim was shot in the car after a sexual encounter that went wrong. The area is known as a place where sex workers are picked up by clients who drive to nearby motels on Figueroa St. 

The LA Times noted that another 25-year-old sex worker was killed on nearby Western Ave in February when someone in a vehicle fired a gun at the corner she was standing on. Another man was shot in the same incident, but he survived. LAPD does not consider this event to be linked to the other two murders.

LAPD are asking anyone with information to come forward.

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Rob Salerno is a writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, California, and Toronto, Canada.

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California

Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott donates to Calif. LGBTQ non-profits

About $137 million went to organizations that serve Californians including LGBTQ+ groups like the LGBTQ Center Long Beach

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Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott (Screenshot/YouTube NBC News)

LOS ANGELES – Billionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott announced last week she would donate about $640 million to 341 charities nationwide. The 53-year-old with an estimated personal wealth of $36.3 billion has given away $16.5 billion from the fortune she gained after her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019.

In a statement posted to her Yield Giving website on March 19, Scott said:

“From a pool of over 6,000 applicants, each of these 361 community-led non-profits was elevated by peer organizations and a round-2 evaluation panel for their outstanding work advancing the voices and opportunities of individuals and families of meager or modest means, and groups who have met with discrimination and other systemic obstacles. Grateful to Lever for Change and everyone on the evaluation and implementation teams for their roles in creating this pathway to support for people working to improve access to foundational resources in their communities. They are vital agents of change.”

In California, her gift giving organization on its website listed that about $137 million went to non-profits that serve the Golden State’s residents including several LGBTQ+ organizations.

The Associated Press reported the philanthropist typically donates to organizations after privately researching them, but this time, she partnered with the philanthropic group Lever for Change to analyze over 6,000 applicants after announcing an open call.

What started as a plan to donate $1 million each to 250 charities nationwide ended up doubling, with about 279 organizations receiving a $2 million donation and the rest receiving $1 million.

Among those receiving funding were: LGBTQ Center Long Beach which received $2 million, Equal Rights Advocates $2 million, Sacramento LGBT Community Center $1 million, Openhouse $2 million, Pacific Center for Human Growth $2 million, and The Wall Las Memorias $1 million.

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Southern California

Triple A: Average gas prices near $5 in many areas

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.95, which is seven cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Gas prices in many metropolitan Southern California areas are now near $5 gallon after moving up by about a penny a day in the last week, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.95, which is seven cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.53, which is 12 cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.99 per gallon, which is six cents more than last week, 18 cents higher than last month, and 12 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is also $4.99, which is seven cents higher than last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5, which is eight cents higher than last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and 16 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.87, which is six cents higher than last week, 19 cents higher than last month and seven cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.85 average price is eight cents more than last week, 28 cents more than last month, and two cents lower than a year ago today.

“Gas prices are likely to continue trending upward this spring as in prior years,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “To save money on gas, drivers should shop around for the lowest prices using a tool such as the free AAA Mobile app, keep their vehicle and tires well-maintained, and adopt a gentle driving style that avoids speeding, hard braking and jackrabbit starts.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 21, averages are:

032124

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Los Angeles County

New on the LA County Channel

You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

New on the County Channel

During a recent LA County Pathway Home operation in Signal Hill and Long Beach, 60 people were moved off the streets and on to the road to permanent housing. To learn more about Pathway Home, click here

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

In Case You Missed It

Veteran Women’s Month

LA County celebrates all the incredible women who have served our country with unwavering courage and dedication. From defending our freedoms to breaking barriers, women veterans have played pivotal roles in shaping history and paving the way for future generations.

CalVet is surveying women veterans to assess their needs, gain their perspective, collect valuable data and link to services. Your experiences matter, and your voice is invaluable. Request a survey link today! 

Thank you for your service!

At Your Service

HOP120: Home Ownership Program

LA County’s Home Ownership Program, HOP120, provides a second mortgage loan for first-time homebuyers with assistance up to $85,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. The loan provides a down payment and/or closing cost assistance–secured with a Deed of Trust and Promissory Note. HOP120 loans are 0% interest loans with a deferred payment.

For more information, and to see if you qualify, click here

Out and About

W.A.T.E.R. YOUTH PROGRAM

W.A.T.E.R. Youth Sailing Camp is back for Spring Break! Taught by LA County W.A.T.E.R. Program Lifeguards, LA County Beaches and Harbors is ready to bring exciting outdoor adventures to eager campers in Marina del Rey! Here are the details:

  • Dates: March 26 – 29, 2024
  • Times: 10 AM – 4 PM
  • Cost: $300 for the 4-day session (Financial aid available for qualifying families.)
  • Ages: 11 to 17
  • Level: Beginning

Click here to learn more and sign-up.

Photo Finish

Photo Credit: Los Angeles County/Mayra Beltran Vasquez

Spring has sprung at Descanso Gardens! Plan your visit today.


Click here to access more photos of LA County in action.

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Los Angeles County

LA County Chair appoints two Angelenos to LGBTQ+ commission

Chair Lindsey P. Horvath has appointed two LGBTQ+ trailblazers to the inaugural Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission

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Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath with President Biden at an event held in downtown Los Angeles, March 2024. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath has appointed two Los Angeles LGBTQ+ trailblazers to the inaugural Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission, created through a Board action last June.  

At the March 19 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Horvath’s two historic appointees: Alejandro Soria and Sydney Rogers, known as Miss Barbie-Q.  

“I am so excited that Sydney Rogers and Alejandro Soria have accepted our invitation to serve Los Angeles County as the Third District’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Commissioners,” said Horvath. “Their expertise, lived experience, and passion for uplifting all of our LGBTQ+ family, especially in this difficult time, are needed now more than ever. I look forward to working together to deliver for our LGBTQ+ communities and to ensure Los Angeles County is a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and empowered.” 

Alejandro Soria

Alejandro Soria is a licensed marriage and family therapist who spent his professional career working with and advocating for LGBTQ+ families and individuals in the San Fernando Valley. A resident of Sylmar, Alejandro currently is the Senior Director of Outpatient Mental Health at the Village Family Services. He also is a private practitioner in the City of San Fernando, providing therapeutic services to children and adults. He is happily married and lives with his husband in Sylmar and brings deep passion and knowledge of the San Fernando Valley’s LGBTQ+ community to all of his work.

“As a proud San Fernando Valley resident and proud member of our strong and resilient LGBTQ+ community, I am honored for the opportunity to serve my community on the inaugural LA County LGBTQ+ Commission. As a mental health clinician with years of service to San Fernando Valley families, I am eager to offer my services and expertise to deliver for our communities,” said Alejandro Soria.  

Sydney Rogers

Sydney Rogers, also known as Miss Barbie-Q, is an activist, entertainer, and social worker who currently serves as the Equity Manager of Community Programs at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the Program Manager of the Trans Economic Empowerment Project. She identifies as a a long-term sober, formerly unhoused Black Trans Femme sex worker who has fought to bring visibility and understanding to the TGI community throughout Los Angeles County. She is the recipient of the 2023 Williams Institute/Trans Latina Coalition UniTy Community Leadership Award. Sydney has worked in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Hollywood, and throughout the Third Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County.  

“As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and acts of violence increase day over day, I am grateful to Supervisor Horvath for recognizing the importance and necessity of uplifting Black and TGI voices at this critical time,” said Sydney Rogers. “As a drag artist and entertainer, our experiences in Los Angeles County matter. I am ready to bring my lived experience and that of so many others to LA County’s LGBTQ+ Commission, and it will be my priority to speak up for the most forgotten members of our community.”

The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission will be seated and hold its first meeting in the coming months.  

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West Hollywood

Gay man brutally assaulted in West Hollywood

“He’s bashing my head and and has his knee on top of my chest, trying to smash my head into the street–‘Die faggot, die,’ he kept saying”

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Image courtesy of David Velasquez.

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – A man was physically assaulted in West Hollywood Sunday night. The attack occurred in front of the Tender Greens cafe on Santa Monica Blvd at the Hancock Drive intersection. The same suspect is believed to have assaulted others at random.

David Velasquez says he was already having a bad day while others celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in West Hollywood’s LGBTQ Rainbow District. He landed in Cedars Sinai earlier that day due to bad cold symptoms and had stopped by Pavilions in WeHo to get medication. He was riding his personal scooter on the sidewalk because he had almost been hit by a car earlier that day and was afraid a lot of people driving drunk.

“I was right there in front of the Tender Greens–the one on Santa Monica and Hancock–and then, like, I was passing by this random guy, and he just like out of nowhere slapped me with his left hand and smacked my helmet off smacked me in the face.”

According to Velasquez he confronted the guy and asked him what was his problem. There was a back and forth argument. “then the next thing I know, he’s hitting me and wrestling me, trying to throw my phone into the street,” he said. “He’s bashing my head and and has his knee on top of my chest, trying to smash my head into the street–‘Die faggot, die,’ he kept saying.”

He says his attacker stopped when a man who jumped out of a Chevy Suburban intervened. Velasquez managed to run away up Hancock Avenue. “A girl came up to me afterwards and said she wanted to press charges. He assaulted her also. Just slapped her for no reason. She was a black girl with two Latino friends. So that’s when I called the police. They came and got me an ambulance. I’m over here at Cedars Sinai again.”

According to Velasquez, he has a cut lip and some head trauma.

The assailant is described at a 6ft tall caucasian male in his 30s with a muscular build and a beard. He was described as nicely dressed seemed to be very inebriated.

A report was filed with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s substation regarding the assault however it is not yet known if there is any information leading to the suspects’ arrest.

If you see something, say something. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. If you see something, say something. Anyone with information can also drop a tip at https://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist.

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

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