By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The LGBTQ+ Commission is recommending five recipients for the 2024 Rainbow Key Awards, which will be up for approval by the West Hollywood City Council at the upcoming Regular Council Meeting on Monday, May 6, 2024.

The finalists are:

1. Jackie Beat, nominated by Chris Isaacson – Drag superstar Jackie Beat has been entertaining audiences across the U.S. and in Europe for over thirty-five years with her razor-sharp comedy and hysterical song parodies. Jackie not only warps hits by Britney Spears, Madonna, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, and many others, but she flawlessly sings her twisted new versions LIVE, hitting every last note.
2. Vivian “Dapper Dyke” Escalante, nominated by Mj Godges – In 1994, Dapper Dyke Vivian was the driving force of the Dyke March in West Hollywood, establishing Dykes on Bikes when lesbian/dyke visibility was scarce. With Vivian leading the way, they were determined to take over the streets of WeHo and promote Lesbian visibility and return Dykes on Bikes to leading the March. As they marched, they chanted, played drums, and held up signs while the Dykes on Bikes would clear the path for marchers. Despite the sheriff’s attempts to stop the march from moving forward, the Dykes on Bikes revved their engines, bringing traffic to a complete halt and drawing cheers from the spectators who joined their mission to be seen.
3. Rebecca Gitlin, nominated by James Coomes – Dr. Rebecca Gitlin is a force of nature and fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA2S+ community across Los Angeles County. She has led the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health efforts to ensure that both identity and gender-affirming services are included across all clinical assessments within the Department of Mental Health, both directly operated and contract providers, and ensure that the Department of Mental Health has a presence in the LGBTQIA2S+ community across the county.
4. LZ Love, nominated by Jazzmun Nichcala Cravton – LZ Love is an elder African American transwoman and a native of Chicago. She’s an acclaimed songwriter, singer, performer, and recording artist of gutbucket soul-stirring blues and blues-saturated gospel and dance music. She’s performed on stages worldwide for four decades, from Tokyo, Japan, London, England, Germany, Paris, France, Switzerland, and Croatia. LZ recently performed live in Austin, Texas, and acted in a web series, Glass Cock Park. She’s also an author and creative nonfiction writer. Her art, entertainment, and message of love and acceptance are for everyone, especially the LGBTQ community and those mistreated, abused, shunned, and abandoned. She uses her music and songwriting to make a positive change globally.
5. Brian Sonia-Wallace, nominated by Gen Cheng – Brian founded the band of LGBTQ+ typewriter poets in 2019, “Pride Poets,” and this has served WeHo Pride and various other WeHo-based activities ever since. By creating Pride Poets, Brian has served thousands of WeHo Pride attendees and WeHo Arts audiences a souvenir that helps give them a fond memory at a West Hollywood event.

The City of West Hollywood’s Rainbow Key Awards, now in its 31st year, began in 1993 with awards to actress Carole Cook and writer-actor Bruce Vilanch. Since the award’s inception, the City has honored 174 individuals and/or groups who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ Community.

These contributions, by an individual or a group, may be in many forms, including the arts, community action, humanitarian action, sports, medicine, armed services, leadership potential, benefit to the global LGBTQ+ community, or other kinds of contribution. Under policies adopted by the City Council in 2022, the LGBTQ+ Commission seeks nominations from the community for Rainbow Key Awardees and reviews applications before making recommendations to the City Council for awardees.

The nomination form asks about each nominee’s impact on the West Hollywood LGBTQ+ community specifically, as well as, if applicable, the global LGBTQ+ community.

Every year, five individuals and/or organizations are recognized with a Rainbow Key Award. Attendance at the Rainbow Key event is not required for a recipient to receive this honor.

The LGBTQ+ Commission, at its April 11, 2024, meeting, selected five recipients for the Rainbow Key Awards. The date for the 2024 Rainbow Key Awards ceremony has not yet been determined, but it is anticipated to take place during fall 2024.

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist. Murillo began his professional writing career as the author of “Love Ya, Mean It,” an irreverent and sometimes controversial West Hollywood lifestyle column for FAB! newspaper. His work has appeared in numerous print and online publications, which include the “Hot Topic” column in Frontiers magazine, where he covered breaking news and local events in West Hollywood. He can be reached at [email protected]

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

New on the County Channel

Patients at LA County’s Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center enjoy some animal therapy as they progress on their rehabilitation journey.

Department of Health Services’ recreation therapists use animal-assisted therapy in both individual and group treatment settings to gain functional outcomes such as increasing social skills, range of motion, group participation, and overall strength and endurance.

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

LA County Day at the Fair is May 4th!

The LA County Fair opens this weekend and to celebrate, we’re offering discounted tickets on LA County Day at the Fair on May 4! Enjoy the LA County Expo showcasing all the great things the county is doing in our neighborhoods and take advantage of this discount offer. Admission is just $8 through May 3 at 11:59 p.m. Admission is $10 the day-of, May 4, 2024.

LA County Fair season runs from May 3rd – May 27th. Get your tickets today and be sure to use the password “LACOUNTY” for your LA County Day tickets for the discount price!

At Your Service

LA County Library: Citizenship in a Bag

Looking for help on your path to US Citizenship? LA County Library offers Citizenship in a Bag, a toolkit with resources for customers seeking to obtain US Citizenship.

This toolkit in a bag contains a variety of educational materials for the naturalization exam, including flash cards, multimedia tools, and a FREE citizenship folder with valuable resources that customers can keep.

Borrow or place a hold on a Citizenship in a Bag toolkit here.

For more details and questions, please call your nearest LA County Library location.

Out and About

Beach Eats Gourmet Food Trucks

Beach Eats is back for another summer in Marina del Rey!

Join us every Thursday, 5–9 p.m., May 9 through October 31, for some of the most unique and popular local food truck fare at “L.A.’s Marina.”

• ORDERS: Food orders can be made online up to five days before each Thursday event, or directly at the food trucks on-site.
• PARKING: Available in Lot #11 at a rate of $0.50 for each 15 minutes. There is a $2 minimum for credit card payments.
• MORE INFO: Visit the Best Food Trucks website to check out the upcoming food truck schedule, order online, or try the Best Food Trucks app (Apple or Android).

See you on Thursdays at Beach Eats in Marina del Rey!

Photo Finish

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

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are continuing to drop for a second straight week, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.38, which is three cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.67, 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 $5.34 per gallon, which is three cents less than last week, 18 cents higher than last month, and 44 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.34, which is two cents lower than last week, 19 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.33, which is the same as last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.27, which is two cents lower than last week, 21 cents higher than last month and 45 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.30 average price is one cent less than last week, 29 cents more than last month, and 44 cents higher than a year ago today.

“After a few months of supply interruptions from refinery breakdowns and maintenance, Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) reports that California refineries have been operating at above 86% of their capacity for the past two weeks,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Additionally, OPIS reported the US Energy Information Administration believes that the country has already experienced its highest gas price point for the first half of this year. Although California prices often go against national trends, that prediction is an encouraging sign for further price drops at the pump.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 2, averages are:

SACRAMENTO – With fewer high school students across the country filing for federal student aid so far this year, California is promoting a statewide campaign to mobilize local partners and engage high school seniors in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). 

From tuition to textbooks and other costs of attendance, financial aid is essential to making college more accessible and supporting student success.

In light of delays and issues impacting the federal rollout of the 2024-25 FAFSA, Governor Gavin Newsom in March signed an urgency measure by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) to support students navigating the process by extending the application deadline for state financial aid programs from April 2 to May 2.

Students bound for four-year institutions should complete the FAFSA or CADAA by the May 2 priority deadline to be eligible for various state financial aid programs, including the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship. For community college students and foster youth, the deadline is September 3, 2024.

APPLY FOR STUDENT AID HERE

The Governor issued the following letter highlighting the state’s outreach efforts to ensure students don’t leave money on the table for college, including financial aid workshops scheduled across the state through May 2 for students, high school counselors and other partners.

A copy of the Governor’s letter can be found here and the text is below:

2024-25 Race to Submit: Cash for College
California is committed to helping students – our future leaders and innovators – pursue their college dreams and reach their full career potential. Financial aid helps hundreds of thousands of students in our state to achieve their higher education goals, and it’s critical that everyone who could benefit has the opportunity to enroll. The first step in accessing financial aid is timely submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which unlocks federal, state and institutional aid.

This year, California passed an urgency measure to extend the application deadline for state financial aid programs from April 2 to May 2, meaning students have an additional month to submit their FAFSA by the state’s priority deadline. This action was taken to help students who have been impacted by challenges in the federal rollout of changes to the FAFSA.

The California Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission are teaming up with local partners throughout the state to offer financial aid workshops for students, counselors and others in the community, among other resources to support outreach and training.

We’ll keep working with partners throughout the state to get the word out and help students and their families unlock these crucial opportunities to get them on the path to college success.

Click here to learn more about changes to the FAFSA and CADAA this year.

By Mike Pingel | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The Annual Drag Queen World Series returned to the field with the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence battling it out with the West Hollywood Cheerleaders on Saturday, April 17, 2024, for a giant trophy, bragging rights, and a chance to raise money for The Life Group LA.

And the winner is…

The 7th Annual Drag Queen World Series ended in a tie between the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the West Hollywood Cheerleaders. The fun, wacky, playful, rule-bending softball game took place at Fairfax High School. The event was hosted by the Life Group LA in collaboration with the Fairfax High School Alumni Association’s Centennial Celebration and the High School’s GSA Youth Club.

The Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence brought their best softball tactics to distract the West Hollywood Cheerleaders, who were lead in the game. The Sisters held a tea party between third and fourth base, conducted a yoga class next to the pitcher’s mound, attempted to bribe the umpire with fake $100 bills, and even halted an inning to bless the bases while the Cheerleaders were up to bat.

This was not your ordinary softball game; it was a DRAG QUEEN softball game, where the rules changed constantly. For instance, although the real game score was 6 to 14 in favor of the West Hollywood Cheerleaders, the LA Sisters petitioned for a tiebreaker. The two teams engaged in a ribbon dance-off, and the umpire allowed the crowd to vote. The dance-off was worth 8 points, resulting in a tied game, 14 to 14! Both teams were able to go home and enjoy dinner, thanks to one of the many wacky rules that brought laughter and spectator participation to the game.

Throughout the day, West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson umpired; Jai Rodriguez (from Queer Eye) sang the National Anthem; Karl Schmid (from KABC-TV) threw the ceremonial First Pitch, and music was spun by Celebrity DJ Eur-O-Steve. This year’s announcers were TV/Podcast personalities Alexander Rodriguez and Norma Lee High. The 3rd inning stretch featured a performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Eureka O’Hara.

The Drag Queen World Series raises awareness of the ongoing impact of AIDS and aims to erase stigma. It also serves as an opportunity to raise financial support for The Life Group LA, whose main goal is to provide education and emotional support to individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Life Group LA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2005, offers much-needed information and emotional support through medical forums, emotional support groups, and the POZ Life Weekend Seminar, all free of charge. All services are provided in a non-judgmental and safe environment with compassion and understanding.

Safety, respect, and confidentiality are the cornerstones of Life Group LA’s philosophy, achieved through trained support group facilitators who practice active listening and conduct themselves with empathy and compassion.

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

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

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Tourism will join the 54^th annual LA Pride festivities this June through its support of the organization and its annual lineup of events. LA Pride stands as one of the largest Pride celebrations in the United States and the world.

Throughout LA Pride, local Angelenos and travelers can secure a nearby hotel with the best available rates and enjoy welcome amenities, discounts and more at select properties.

“LA Pride beautifully captures the spirit of our City of Angels with its focus on unity, inclusivity, and self-expression,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “We are incredibly proud to invite both our fellow Angelenos as well as travelers from around the world to join us in celebrating our LGBTQ+ community.”

LA Pride returns, promising an incredible lineup of events, including LA Pride in the Park headlined by Ricky Martin, the LA Pride Parade & Block Party on Hollywood Boulevard, LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium and PRIDE is Universal

 

LA Pride in the Park will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024 across more than 20 acres of lush green space at LA State Historic Park. The event will feature dozens of local and LGBTQ+ vendors, a huge variety of food & beverage, beer gardens and a special lineup. The global icon Ricky Martin will headline LA Pride in the Park, with additional artists to be unveiled. As the first openly gay Latin artist to take center stage at LA Pride, this also marks Martin’s first-ever headliner Pride performance, anywhere.

The series of events during LA Pride includes the iconic LA Pride Parade which will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Hollywood Boulevard Area. Over 150 contingents will march this year, using the theme “Power in Pride.” The route will be along Hollywood Blvd, and surrounding streets. Those who can’t make it in person are able to watch a live broadcast on ABC7.

“LA Pride radiates a vibrant tapestry of acceptance, unity, and celebration year-round,” shared Gerald Garth, Board President, LA Pride/Christopher Street West. “It’s a testament to our city’s unwavering commitment to embrace diversity and foster an inclusive spirit that transcends boundaries.”

Additional top events during LA Pride include LA Pride in The Park, Parade Block Party, LGBTQ+ Night at Dodger Stadium and Pride is Universal. Read on for details on top events and hotel deals throughout Pride.

For more information about how to celebrate Pride in Los Angeles, visit DiscoverLosAngeles.com/GayLA.

LA PRIDE: EVENTS

LA Pride in The Park – June 8^th

Returning to LA State Historic Park for a talented music line-up, dozens of food trucks, sponsor giveaways and activities and much more. LA Pride in The Park takes place on Saturday, June 8^th. It’s all happening on over 20 acres of lush green space with a view of the DTLA skyline. Ricky Martin will headline LA Pride in the Park, with additional artists to be unveiled. Tickets can be purchased here.

Parade Block Party – June 9^th

Don’t forget the fun Parade Block Party on June 9^th, a free Block Party adjacent to the Parade, open from mid-day and going into the evening. With a performance stage, large vendor village, food, pop-up bars, and more. Last year, 35,000 people enjoyed this free Parade “after-party,” don’t miss it! Talent and other announcements coming soon!

LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium – June 14^th

Come watch the Dodgers take on the Kansas City Royals with LA Pride pre-game festivities featuring DJ party, and Pride merch for special ticket holders, only available at dodgers.com/lapride

Pride is Universal – June 15^th

Our exclusive after-hours theme park takeover is a fan favorite. Pride is Universal will feature live DJs, Universal character meet-and-greets, photo ops, and more, with musical guests, drag performers and all new elements for this year.  Hours, details, and new features to be announced. Tickets go on sale soon.

LA PRIDE: STAY & SLAY

Visitors coming to Los Angeles to celebrate Pride from June 8-11 can “Stay and Slay” with a collection of hotel offers specially curated by Los Angeles Tourism to welcome revelers from around the world. Highlighted hotel offers are listed out below.

Dream Hollywood Hotel

Tucked among the scenic Hollywood Hills, Dream Hollywood boasts 178 playfully sophisticated guest rooms with subtle nods to the mid-century modern aesthetic iconic to LA. Featuring accommodations with unparalleled views, Tao, Beauty & Essex, and The Highlight Room, one of the LA’s swankiest rooftop pools. Book the best available rate here.

The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood

Exuding the energy of old Hollywood and walking distance to Sunset Blvd, the new Godfrey Hotel features one of the largest rooftops in Los Angeles, four on-site bars, various indoor-outdoor event spaces and About Last Knife, an energetic, chef-driven gastropub-meets-steakhouse. LA Pride Staycation: Celebrate love with The Godfrey and receive 15% off the best available rate here.

Hollywood Hotel – The Hotel of Hollywood

Contemporary accommodations meet quintessential Hollywood glamour at Hollywood Hotel. From a sparkling pool to the Route 66 Bistro Bar & Lounge, the historic Hollywood Hotel reflects classic movie star style in every sense. Visit hotel site for best available rate here.

The Hollywood Roosevelt

The Hollywood Roosevelt is a complete lifestyle destination, fusing entertainment, art, culture, design and music all around the property while providing a glimpse at its storied past. Visit hotel site for best available rate here.

Kimpton Everly Hollywood

Kimpton Everly Hollywood is a breath of fresh air in the midst of one of the world’s most storied neighborhoods. The sophisticated Hollywood Hills-infused residential vibe invites lingering and intimate interaction in the café, living room and skyline pool area. Book the hotel’s best available rate here.

Loews Hollywood Hotel

Loews Hollywood Hotel rises 20 floors above the famed intersection of Hollywood and Highland. Spectacular views of the iconic Hollywood sign and Los Angeles cityscape set the stage for 628 rooms including 113 spacious suites, as well as the rooftop pool. *Use CODE: PRIDE to receive 2 comp cocktails at H2 Kitchen & Bar and complimentary upgrade to a suite. Website here.

Mama Shelter

Designed by Thierry Gaugain to honor the beauty of the SoCal landscape, Mama Shelter LA features five floors of uniquely decorated rooms, each a cozy haven in itself. 70 rooms have king-size beds decked out in 5* linen – fit for a movie star! The hotel boasts one of LA’s best rooftop bars, while dining options will appeal to carnivores and vegans alike. View hotel site for best available rate here.

Sheraton Universal

Nestled below the Hollywood Hills, the Sheraton Universal Hotel is just steps away from Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk. Unwind at the poolside lounge or be dazzled with a 270-degree view of Hollywood from the 20-foot windows of the rooftop Starview Room. Book the hotel’s best available rate here.

Thompson Hollywood

Thompson Hollywood is a luxurious new hotel that brings elevated service, and laidback California cool to the heart of Hollywood. The hotel features 190 sophisticated guest rooms and 16 suites, a rooftop pool with sweeping views of Los Angeles, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The world-class culinary and nightlife destinations include the rooftop lounge Bar Lis, chef Lincoln Carson’s French-inspired Mes Amis, and The Terrace, which pairs European fare with Californian views. Use CODE: STAYPROUD to receive best available rate + bottle of wine + 10% donation to Hollywood LGBT Center. Website here.

Tommie Hollywood

Get comfy in a California way, at Tommie Hollywood. There’s a stylish rooftop pool, fitness center, and a terrace bar in the heart of Los Angeles. This 4-star hotel includes the latest restaurant by award winning chef, Wes Avila, Ka’teen. Use code: STAYPROUD to book the best available rate and receive a welcome amenity and bottle of wine, plus a 10% donation to Hollywood LGBT Center here.

W Hollywood Hotel & Residences

Welcome to the new Hollywood. W Hollywood brings together the magnetic spirit of the Golden Era, infused with epic innovation, elegance and excitement. Welcome backstage, where W guests are insiders in the vivacity of the spotlight. Receive 10% off hotel stay plus welcome amenity. Website here.

When you’re not celebrating LA pride at the parade or many events around the city, celebrate by visiting one of the many LGBTQ+ owned restaurants around Los Angeles. Start off in Casita Del Campo in Silverlake for Mexican dishes, make a stop Liberation Coffee House for a latte and end the night at n/naka which was featured in Season 1 of Netflix’s Chef’s Table. n/naka is your ultimate destination for fine Japanese cuisine. View the full guide to LGBTQ owned restaurants in LA here.

For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com, follow at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Interested in WeHo Pride text updates- Opt-in by texting ‘Pride’ to (323) 848-5000

WEST HOLLYWOOD – The City of West Hollywood is reminding community members who want to be in the know about all things WeHo Pride to opt-in to the City’s text message program by texting “Pride” or the rainbow emoji (🌈) to (323) 848-5000.

Users may unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to the number. Details about the text message program are provided at www.weho.org/text. Regularly updated information about WeHo Pride, including a calendar of events, can be found at www.wehopride.com. 

The City’s text platform does not function as a voice number and is not monitored for questions; West Hollywood City Hall may be reached for voice calls at (323) 848-6400. Service requests may be submitted via the City of West Hollywood Official App or using the City’s website by visiting www.weho.org/servicerequest.

Community members are advised that the text message program is not a tool for emergency alerts/notifications. The City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provide community safety and emergency alerts/notifications via Nixle, which is used by more than 8,000 public safety agencies. Nixle alerts may include severe weather or traffic information, criminal activity details, missing person alerts, and more.

To opt-in, text a West Hollywood ZIP code to 888777. More information is available at www.nixle.com. Los Angeles County, additionally, provides emergency notification text messages via Alert LA County; more information is available at ready.lacounty.gov/alerts.

The City’s text message program is built on the Community platform, which is currently used by corporations, public figures, sports teams, celebrities, and government entities such as President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, The White House, and more.

The platform helps users to choose subjects about which they prefer to receive text messages and will not distribute unrelated advertising or spam messages. As the first municipal government using Community, the City of West Hollywood has enjoyed a unique opportunity to help shape a new standard of local government text communications.

The City’s text message program is part of an array of ways that the City works to engage with community members including:

City website news – www.weho.org/news 

City events and meetings calendar – www.weho.org/calendar

Engage WeHo – engage.weho.org

Opt-in email subscriptions – www.weho.org/email

WeHoTV YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/wehotv

WeHo TV broadcast and streaming – www.weho.org/wehotv

The City maintains social media pages across all major platforms and urges community members to follow the City (@wehocity) and turn on notifications to get the latest news, updates, and information. Visit www.weho.org/socialmedia for details.

For more information about the City of West Hollywood’s text message program, please contact Jayce Simpson, City of West Hollywood Digital Media Officer, at (323) 848-6402 or at [email protected].

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

City of West Hollywood Recognizes May as Building Safety Month

The City of West Hollywood recognizes May as Building Safety Month. The City will host a Building and Safety Division Open House event on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 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, learn about the work of the Building and Safety Division, and enjoy light refreshments.

Building Safety Month is an international campaign that takes place in May to raise awareness about building safety. This campaign 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.

The City of West Hollywood’s Building and Safety Division is responsible for the enforcement of the building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes as adopted by the City Council. The Division is also 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 City. These 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 understands the need for safe and sustainable structures where we live, work, and play.

All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, earthquakes, weather-related events, and structural collapse. Building codes are society’s best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores, and entertainment venues. Code officials work day in and day out to keep the public safe.

For more information about the City of West Hollywood’s building and safety division, please visit the Building and Safety area on the City’s website or contact Cynthia Zabala, the City of West Hollywood’s Senior Plan Check Engineer, at [email protected] or at (323) 848-6892.

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

‘Public Safety Meet and Greet’ on May 1 at Plummer Park

The City of West Hollywood invites community members to a Public Safety Meet and Greet event on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Community Center, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Drop in; no RSVP is needed.

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. 

This informal event will provide interactions with the City’s public safety partners and a place to learn about available resources and discover ways to actively contribute to keeping West Hollywood a safe place – all while enjoying pizza, salad, vegan options, and other refreshments.

The City of West Hollywood’s Community Safety Department works to ensure public safety and to strengthen 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 the latest updates and information, please download the City’s Community Safety in the City of West Hollywood publication.

For more information please contact Anita Shandi, the City of West Hollywood’s Public Safety Manager, at [email protected] or at (323) 848-6446.

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

Hepatitis C Community Educational Forum

The City of West Hollywood will host a free Hepatitis C Community Educational Forum in Los Angeles County. The forum will take place on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The forum will be preceded by a reception with a light dinner, courtesy of Gilead. Pre-registration is requested via Eventbrite. Limited parking will be available in the adjacent 5-story West Hollywood Park parking structure and event attendees will receive a two-hour validation.

The Forum will also be available for viewing on WeHoTV. Broadcast will be provided in West Hollywood on Spectrum Channel 10; the Forum will be streamed on the City’s WeHoTV YouTube channel www.youtube.com/wehotv and on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku streaming platforms by searching for “WeHoTV” using search functions.

“Hepatitis C is on the rise nationally and here in Los Angeles County we are seeing the highest numbers of newly infected people in California,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson. “It’s important that our community is aware of ways to avoid becoming infected, but also to provide a forum to educate those who are at elevated risk of contracting the virus about the importance of getting tested and seeking treatment.”

The Hepatitis C Community Educational Forum will feature a moderated panel discussion with physicians and public health policy experts, including:

• Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, MD, MPH, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Population and Public Health Sciences and former CDC medical epidemiologist, and San Francisco City and County Deputy Health Officer;
• Prabhu Gounder, MD, medical epidemiologist with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health overseeing surveillance and outbreak investigations for viral hepatitis, healthcare-associated infections, and respiratory diseases including influenza; and
• Brian Risley, MFA, Manager of the HIV/Hep C Health, HIV & Older Adults and Women Together Programs at APLA Health, and Co-Chair of the Hepatitis C Task Force for Los Angeles County.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Hernán Molina, MPA, Governmental Affairs Liaison for the City of West Hollywood. 

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). If left untreated, HCV can lead to serious health complications, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death. The virus usually spreads when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. A great majority of people become infected with HCV by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. While uncommon, hepatitis C can spread during sex, though men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV have the highest risk of acquiring HCV sexually, and MSM on PrEP are at elevated risk. Approximately 10% of new HCV cases reported are among MSM.  

Hepatitis C can spread when getting tattoos or body piercings in unlicensed facilities, informal settings, or with non-sterile equipment. Many people who are newly infected with HCV do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. Approximately 20% of people newly infected with HCV can clear the virus in the first six months; however, a majority of people develop chronic hepatitis C, which is a lifelong infection that stays in the body. 

Testing for HCV, which is the only way to know if the virus is present, is very important for those groups most at risk of infection. An antibody test will reveal if a person has been infected with the hepatitis C virus — either recently or in the past. If there is a positive antibody test result, another blood test is needed to tell if the infection remains active or if it was a past infection and cleared on its own.

New cases of HCV have been on the rise nationally, including in the state of California. From 1994 to 2018, there were 714,737 new chronic cases of HCV reported to the California Department of Public Health. In 2018, Los Angeles County had the highest number of newly reported chronic HCV cases among non-incarcerated people in the state of California. There are currently 2.4 million people in the United States living with HCV. In recent years, HCV has been related to more deaths than HIV. As there is no vaccine to prevent HCV, the only effective way to prevent getting infected is to avoid contact with infected blood, especially through sharing needles or syringes. There are new and highly effective direct-acting drugs available that have a nearly 100 % cure rate. 

A high percentage of individuals who are aware of their HCV+ status do not seek treatment. According to a September 21, 2022 report by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), only one in three HCV+ patients who have insurance seek timely treatment, and patients who are covered by MediCal are 46% less likely to receive treatment, even though HCV medications are fully covered.

 A recent survey of 533 cases in Los Angeles County’s Service Planning Area 4, which includes West Hollywood, shows that 84% of patients were aware of their HCV+ status but approximately 70% had not accessed treatment. This City of West Hollywood-hosted panel will seek answers as to why people are not accessing treatment when highly effective medicine is available; explore outreach conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the State’s public health agency, and examine best practices for cities to increase awareness of the presence of HCV, to educate about the effective treatments available, and to connect HCV+ individuals to treatment.

For more information about the Hepatitis C Community Educational Forum, please contact Hernán Molina, City of West Hollywood Governmental Affairs Liaison, at [email protected] or at (323) 848-6364.

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

West Hollywood Encourages Community to Weigh-In on Policy Changes to the Sunset Arts & Advertising Program

West Hollywood is encouraging community members to provide feedback on proposed policy changes to the Sunset Arts & Advertising Program.  The Sunset Strip is where entertainment, nightlife, and iconic billboards set the scene for West Hollywood’s dynamic culture. Known for its innovative signage, the Sunset Strip has been a premier outdoor advertising venue since the 1960s and ’70s, when recording artists debuted albums on custom-painted billboards. Today, technology propels advertising into new realms, transitioning from painted murals and vinyl to dynamic and creative billboard displays.

The Sunset Arts & Advertising Program was adopted in 2019 with the intent to allow a limited number of new billboards on Sunset Boulevard. The program includes a rigorous design excellence competition where only a select number of applicants are awarded the opportunity to proceed with applications for new billboards. The proposed amendments will provide additional clarity for defined terms, clarify intent and vision principles, and strengthen the standards, including those around brightness and orientation of the new billboards. 

The proposed amendments focus on making guidelines, vision, and standards clearer for the public and applicants; clarifying the language of standards and guidelines to make them easier to understand and follow; bolstering the lighting standards with specific and measurable standards; and incorporating best practices into the policy. 

The City invites residents, businesses, and frequent visitors to share their feedback and suggestions on Engage WeHo. PDF documents of proposed amendments to the program, a map of billboard locations, the original Sunset Boulevard off-site signage policy, and the Sunset Boulevard lighting study are available by logging in or creating an account at  https://engage.weho.org/SAAP.  The feedback portal is open now and will remain open through Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. (You must be logged in to provide feedback). The City’s Community Development Department will gather feedback submitted during the review period and present proposed program updates at a future date.

Goals for the Sunset Arts & Advertising Program are:

• Revitalization: The principal benefit of the program is to help revitalize the Sunset Strip. Through this program, new development and façade remodels were encouraged and this has led to several projects completely redeveloping underutilized, and sometimes deteriorating sites;
• Historic Preservation: The program encourages the designation, restoration, and preservation of historic buildings. Once designated, the income from a billboard helps the property owner maintain the historic building;
• Streetscape and Public Realm: An important aspect of the program is the improved streetscape that is part of many of the projects. The goal is to create meaningful public realm enhancements that actively engage and enrich the pedestrian experience along Sunset Boulevard, providing interesting places to sit, to view, and to engage with streetscape elements, some of which will be interactive. Program projects also contribute to capital improvement projects, such as the Sunset & La Cienega Boulevard Intersection Improvement Plan, which will improve this intersection for both the pedestrian and the motorist;
• Economic Vitality: This program helps individual property owners and business owners with additional revenue to improve and maintain their buildings and businesses, thereby encouraging economic stability and growth. Iconic businesses such as the Rainbow Bar & Grill, the Roxy Theatre, the Whisky a Go-Go nightclub, and the Comedy Store will be ensured a stable and steady income, helping to maintain these important businesses on the Strip; and
• City Content & Arts Programming: Each billboard must provide a contribution of time (17.5% per hour, 10.5 minutes per hour) to city content (public City announcements and/or public art). At the top of every hour, full motion animated billboards will display ten and a half minutes of City content and/or arts programming curated by the City of West Hollywood in consultation with the City’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission. This is an important aspect of the program, helping the City achieve the goal of bringing art to everyone using Sunset Boulevard and adding to the vibrancy and aesthetics of the Sunset Strip, ensuring its importance and relevance as a world-famous destination.

For more information about the Sunset Arts & Advertising Program, please visit the City’s website. Feedback collection on proposed policy updates via https://engage.weho.org/SAAP will close on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

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

West Hollywood Celebrates All Things Canine on World Dog Day 2024

The City of West Hollywood is pawsitively pumped to co-sponsor The Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s 7^th annual World Dog Day event in West Hollywood, which brings together hundreds of people and their furry friends to celebrate dogs for a day of fun and entertainment.

The 2024 World Dog Day event will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 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 attend on a leash.  

This year’s World Dog Day will be the ultimate dog lover event! Enjoy vendors, live music, raffles, and many other activities for you and your furry friend. West Hollywood Park and the dog parks will continue to be open to the public during this year’s 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. The day aims to draw attention to the amazing, empathetic creatures that dogs are, while raising awareness about global dog abuse, and very 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. This festival epitomizes the cruelty of the dog trade industry. Many of the dogs are stolen from their owners. Many 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, the City of West Hollywood passed a Resolution condemning the Dog Meat Festival in Yulin. The City of West Hollywood has a long history of supporting measures that promote the protection of animal rights and the City is a recognized leader in legislation that ensures the welfare of animals. In April 2003, the City became the first municipality in the nation to prohibit cat declawing. In February 2010, the City 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 formed to aid in ending this international atrocity and to also better the lives of dogs domestically. The Foundation is 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 barbaric torture once and for all.

The City of West Hollywood invites canine members of the community and their humans to sniff out a spot and romp around at the City’s 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, the City operates the William S. Hart Park and Off-Leash Dog Park located at 8341 De Longpre Avenue.

For more information about upcoming dog events in the City of West Hollywood, please call (323) 848-6460. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

West Hollywood Celebrates WeHo Russian-Speaking Community Cultural Heritage Month

The City of West Hollywood annually celebrates the rich traditions brought to the United States by Russian-speaking immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Each year, the City recognizes Russian-Speaking Community Cultural Heritage Month to embrace the diverse identities and cultural history of Russian-speaking community members whose origins span wide-ranging territories with varied religious and social traditions.

Russian-speaking Community Cultural Heritage Month 2024 events include:

• Maysky Classical Night and the 18^th Annual Russian-Speaking Community Awards presentation will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at West Hollywood City Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. 
• WWII Veterans Memorial Day/Victory in Europe Day commemoration on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Vocalist Alison Lewis joins Helix Collective to delight the crowd with favorite songs of the World War II era, including songs that motivated the Allies to victory. The program will include WWII song selections from France, the U.K., the Soviet Union, and the United States, including Le Chant de Partisans, the song of the French Resistance, Accentuate the Positive from the United States, Katyusha, Blue Kerchief, Dark is the Night from the Soviet Union, and We’ll Meet Again and Run, Rabbit, Run from the UK.
• The Grand Show on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The event, hosted by the City and Unity In Diversity Arts Foundation, will offer a unique opportunity for dance lovers as children and youth showcase their talent in various dancing genres. The event includes general dancing for the audience.
• The 23^rd Annual WeHo Mishka Festival on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The City and its Russian-Speaking Advisory Board will embrace the opportunity to explore and share the deep historical elements of the culture brought to this country by immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Laima Vaikule, Thea Austin, and Rustam Shtar will perform as part of a gala concert from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The day will also feature the closing reception for the Harmony Within Art exhibition currently showing in Plummer Park’s Long Hall. 

Additional details about Russian-Speaking Community Cultural Heritage Month programs and event descriptions are available at www.weho.org/RSCweho.

The City of West Hollywood is home to a large community of people from regions of the former Soviet Union. Approximately 11% of City residents identify a former region of the Soviet Union as their primary ancestry. The former Soviet Union encompassed 15 republics — Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Belorussia, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Russian culture has withstood centuries and the Russian language unites people and serves to connect and deepen a common culture.

Many Russian-speaking community members established roots in West Hollywood after fleeing from discrimination and antisemitism. In the early 1970s, the then-USSR experienced a wave of emigration due to the politics of the government. Many people chose to come to Los Angeles to embrace the future opportunities of a free world for themselves and their children. They came here by way of support provided by local programs and nonprofits to assist Jewish immigrants in what would become incorporated as the City of West Hollywood. The City remains a thriving hub for the Russian-speaking community in the region.

Since 2001, the City has recognized the Russian-Speaking Community Cultural Heritage Month to bring to life the cultural and creative traditions of Russian-speaking community members with programming highlighting rich visual arts, performing arts, language, and history.

For more information, please contact Tatyana Rodzinek, City of West Hollywood Russian-Speaking Community Programs Coordinator, at (323) 848-6826 or at [email protected].

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

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

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.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica it’s nearly impossible to miss the bright Irish Green building with the array of rooftop life-size statuary ranging from dinosaurs to knights of the crusade and even a superhero or two.

Since 1973 Patrick’s Roadhouse has been feeding Angelenos and tourists alike with an impressive menu and award winning cuisine. Celebrity Food Network chef Guy Fieri has even showcased the diner on two episodes of his popular show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” 

Chef-owner Anthony Fischler and his team have carried on the vision of founder Bill Fischler, who fifty years ago had envisioned a place where people could gather for delicious meals and good company. The diner has become an LA icon. and has served stars like Lucille Ball, Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Arnold Schwarzenegger and many, many others. It even gets a mention in the epic 1991 movie Point Break.

The Santa Monica Daily Press reported: There’s a tale on the diner’s website that tells of one time when Schwarzenegger was eating at his usual table and his mother wasn’t too impressed with what he’d ordered. She barged into the kitchen and announced to everyone that she was cooking instead. The end result was something called Bauernfrühstück, which is German for “farmer’s breakfast” and so it was renamed “The Governator” for easier pronunciation and put on the menu for all to order.

Patrick’s Roadhouse owner Anthony Fischler confirmed this, telling the Daily Press, “Oh yes, that’s 100% true. She [Schwarzenegger’s mom] basically took over the kitchen, you did not want to mess with her,” he said.

Now the diner is in financial distress, a legacy of the after shocks of the coronavirus pandemic that shuttered nearly all businesses in California during the mandated closures. According to a GoFundMe write-up, the diner was forced to shut its doors after 51 years this past week after being hit with a large rent deferral payment accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fischler managed to keep all of his employees paid though struggled to stay afloat with limited revenue from takeout orders. Despite all of this, Fischler’s team forged on to support the community by providing meals to frontline workers, students, and first responders, though they found themselves unable to meet the demands of this accumulated rent when the deferral period ended, and the large lump sum just came due. 

Talking with the Santa Monica Daily Press, Fischler said the ultimate goal is to secure a new long-term lease and to raise a total of $250,000, with $200,000 to be allocated for back rent and $50,000 for immediate building improvements. Those improvements will help rejuvenate the establishment and ensure its immediate reopening.

“We’ve had quite a lot of interest from very big, high net-worth individuals who have come forward and conversations have begun, but it’s all very tentative and nothing has been signed,” Fischler says, also confirming that he’s spoken to Schwarzenegger as well.

Fischler stresses that the company that owns the land is not being unreasonable and they’re open to potential offers, once that specific amount of money has been raised. “There’s even been talk of trying to make the building a historical landmark,” he says.

Anthony Fischler and his team in addition to private angel donors are also asking Angelenos for their help.

“Every contribution counts, no matter how small. Your donation will not only help us save Patrick’s Roadhouse but it will also help to preserve a piece of Santa Monica’s history. Additionally, we have some big-name and famous customers who have pledged their support, and we hope you will join them in contributing to this cause,” said.

We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, and that’s okay. Your moral support and sharing of this campaign are equally valuable. *Please note: If we don’t reach our fundraising goal and secure a new lease, all funds raised will be returned to donors less fees charged by GofundMe.com.

We are deeply grateful for your support, whether it’s through a donation or simply spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that Patrick’s Roadhouse continues to serve delicious food, continues to create lasting memories, and continues to be a cherished part of Santa Monica for generations to come. Let’s save this American icon! Thank you for your generosity and love for Patrick’s Roadhouse.

If you are interested in helping to save this iconic and beloved diner head here: (Link)

Watch:

LOS ANGELES – Today, St. John’s Community Health – a network of community health centers serving South, Central, and East Los Angeles; the Inland Empire; and the Coachella Valley – announced they have been awarded $10 million by the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) to help build a community resilience center in South Los Angeles. 

“To protect communities made most vulnerable to climate change by racist policies and practices, we must be proactive in treating environmental disparities and implementing climate preparedness plans,” said Jim Mangia, president and CEO of St. John’s Community Health. “We will build the Avalon Health Access and Resilience Center alongside the community it is meant to serve, offering a diversity of programs and services to treat both the symptoms and the root causes of the climate crisis.” 

The abundance of concrete, heavy traffic corridors, and lack of green space in South Los Angeles causes more extreme heat than in other areas of Los Angeles. Further, rapid gentrification has caused spikes in homelessness, leaving many people forced to live on the street and face dangerously hot weather with no respite. Increasing risk of wildfires also put people experiencing homelessness and low-income children at greater risk for respiratory illnesses.

St. John’s Community Health is one of nine applicants being awarded a community resilience center implementation grant.

Through this grant, St. John’s Community Health plans to build the Avalon Health Access and Resilience Center near their existing community health center and drop-in clinic serving unhoused people. The center will be a community-driven safe haven in South Los Angeles with the infrastructural capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate, public health, and other emergencies. 

The climate and community resilience center will incorporate wide-ranging disaster relief and environmentally sustaining campus amenities and services, including: accessible and adaptable indoor and outdoor spaces for cooling, emergency shelter, climate and community resilience classes and events, and a community garden.

Physical infrastructure elements will be integrated with year-round medical, dental, and behavioral health services, case management, educational programming, peer support, workforce training, basic-needs services, and other programs to address lack of access to resources for low-income people of color from a diverse group of priority populations living and working in South Los Angeles.

This first-of-its-kind center represents a significant step in expediting recovery efforts and building resilience among communities in South Los Angeles.

Moreover, the center will serve as a catalyst for community cohesion, bringing residents together to collaborate, share resources, and support one another. St. John’s anticipates serving at least 15,000 members from the priority populations at the Avalon Health Access and Resilience Center annually. 

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – A photo of a sign with racial slurs and the hanging of what appeared to be a noose from a tree posted online on the neighborhood centric Nextdoor website Thursday has touched off a hate crime investigation Manhattan Beach Police confirmed.

Detective Seth Hartnell told City News Service uniformed patrol units responded to an isolated section of Sand Dune Park near Bell Avenue around 11:00 a.m. Thursday, but that officers did not find a noose hanging there. Hartnell said city workers removed the sign.

“Officers took a report documenting the incident, and Manhattan Beach Police Department detectives are investigating,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident was urged to contact Manhattan Beach Police at (310) 802-5127.