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Voters will be asked to raise minimum wage statewide
Californians are set to vote in November on whether to increase the statewide minimum wage, following a recent rise in fast-food workers’ wages to $20 an hour. Currently, the minimum wage in California is $16, up from $10.50 in 2017 due to incremental increases mandated by state law. Proposition 32, the ballot measure, proposes raising the minimum wage to $18 per hour in 2025. For employers with fewer than 25 workers, the increase would take effect in 2026. This would establish California’s minimum wage as the highest in the nation, second only to West Hollywood’s local wage of $19.08.
Part 4: ‘Bear’ calls for citywide reform of civil rights
SECTION ONE: CIVIL RIGHTS DENIALS FROM CITY MANAGER; LABOR RIGHTS BETRAYALS FROM WITHIN. In the first three parts of this series, we looked at a disturbing concern for an apparent lack of transparency and accountability at West Hollywood City Hall. As a whistleblower, I detailed alleged retaliation and a lack of support for staff living with disabilities. This was followed in Part Two with some recommendations addressing numerous WeHoville articles that seem to raise concerns about excessively high management salaries, a lack of transparency in hiring, and questionable staffing practices. Finally, the third part revealed a system where social connections appear to matter more than qualifications for key positions. Additionally, we discussed apparent negative consequences that are being felt by residents, visitors, businesses, and civil servants. These incidents paint a clear picture: West Hollywood needs a more robust system to protect employees and residents.
DEAR WEHO: Chevron Car Wash Conundrum is an environmental threat
Why is the City of West Hollywood not concerned enough about the air quality and the potential poisoning that may impact West Hollywood?. In March 2020 the planning commission waived the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) requirements and waived any traffic study and voted to approve a new automatic car wash at the Chevron station located at LaCienega and Holloway Drive. I decided to appeal the planning commission’s decision.
The success stories of WeHo’s Social Services
The numbers are in for West Hollywood’s social services contractors, who report to City Hall how many (or few) people to whom they’ve provided assistance midway through the year. The data reveal accomplishments and shortcomings alike. Healthcare In Action, for example, provided mobile medical, mental health, and substance...
Progress report on major WeHo construction projects
West Hollywood has released its quarterly update on major capital improvement projects involving city-owned properties and public parks. The report, which excludes infrastructure-related projects, provides a detailed status and timeline for each project, listed in order of completion priority. 8120 Santa Monica Blvd Interim Parking Lot. 8120 Santa Monica Boulevard...
Salon Republic opens 2nd WeHo location Aug. 4
Salon Republic is set to open its second location in the West Hollywood neighborhood on August 4, 2024. Situated in the heart of WeHo, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions, the new salon is located on the third level of a beautiful building at Santa Monica Blvd and Knoll Dr. The location offers easy access to a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses, making it a convenient spot for both beauty professionals and their clients.
‘WeHo Lake’ is breeding ground for mosquitoes
West Hollywood city officials have been receiving an increasing number of complaints about mosquitoes, particularly from the construction site at the corner of Santa Monica and Melrose, where a significant multi-use development is underway. This site, known as the Melrose Triangle, has a large, water-filled hole locals have dubbed “WeHo...
City Council will review drone policy, other enhancements
West Hollywood City Council will review and consider the approval of proposed policies for the use of public safety equipment and technology to support community safety efforts in West Hollywood. The proposed measures include the use of drones as first responders, the installation of fixed real-time cameras, and the establishment of a real-time watch center.
Anti-Israel graffiti scrawled on WeHo walls
Vandals left their mark this week all over West Hollywood, spray-painting the anarchy symbol and messages such as “Free Gaza” and “Be Gay, Do Crime” on buildings throughout the city. Business License Commissioner Anthony Vulin shared these photos taken today with WEHOonline.com. Anti-Israel sentiment has reared its head in WeHo these past years, notably when the city placed a group of protesters at the vanguard of the taxpayer-funded West Hollywood Pride Parade last month.
Andaz to debut Kaye Records at Riot House
Andaz West Hollywood, located along the iconic Sunset Strip, is set to launch Kaye Records at Riot House, a new vinyl bar concept, on July 26, 2024. The hotel, known for its rich musical heritage, was one of the first and most influential establishments on the Sunset Strip, hosting legendary rock ‘n’ roll stars over the years. Dubbed the “Riot House” during the vibrant 1970s, its guest list included iconic bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Duran Duran.
AUG. 6: National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, community members across West Hollywood will unite against crime as the City celebrates National Night Out. The evening will feature block parties, barbecues, live entertainment, and more, with free attendance for all. Limited street closures will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 6. Details about events, times, and locations are regularly updated on the City’s website at www.weho.org/nno.
JULY 20: WeHo 40 Community Meeting
The City of West Hollywood will host a community meeting to gather feedback for its next citywide strategic plan, WeHo 40. This free event will include informational exhibits, community organizations, food, and live entertainment. It will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in...
OpEd: Dignity and Equity for Appointed Officials
This past year we have witnessed a number of commissioners removed at whim and in the middle of their work. Some were dismissed via email or text without any explanation. Keely Field was the Chair of the Women’s Advisory Board who brought forward the Drink Test Strips. Her idea was born in WeHo and just approved for rollout in the State of California. Field is working closely with the next Congresswoman from the 30th District, Laura Friedman in hopes of having her idea come to the floor of the United States Congress. Field was fired a few weeks before her presentation for Domestic Violence Month by Councilmember Sepi Shyne. It was ruthless. She was told she could attend the program she created ‘as a guest’.
Schiff scores $77.5M+ for electric buses at WeHo yard
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) announced Tuesday that L.A. Metro will receive more than $77.5 million from a federal grant to purchase dozens of battery electric buses and install new chargers at the West Hollywood bus yard. Schiff had previously written to the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating for funding approval...
Board of Supervisors wants to raise sales tax
The county wants to raise the sales tax rate, and West Hollywood wants a piece of the profits. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is asking voters this November to replace Measure H, the quarter-cent sales tax passed to address homelessness which expires in October 2027, with a new half-cent sales tax that would not expire. The new tax would not be subject to the state limit on sales tax (10.25%), and West Hollywood would continue to receive a portion of what is collected.
Pavilions in WeHo will be sold off as Kroger, Albertsons merge
Kroger Co. will sell off the Pavilions in West Hollywood along with 62 other supermarkets in California to gain approval for its merger with Albertsons Cos. CEO Rodney McMullen informed employees through a memo that notifications are being sent to staff at the impacted locations. Employees, mostly based in Southern California, will become part of C&S Wholesale Grocers following the closure of the transaction. Until then, they will remain Kroger and Albertsons staff. McMullen assured that C&S has committed to maintaining existing pay, health plans, and collective bargaining agreements.
WeHo looks at ways to lease city-owned properties
West Hollywood’s Public Facilities Commission will review an overview of city-owned facilities that could potentially be leased to tenants and consider a recommended strategy for leasing these properties. This initiative aims to ensure the optimal use and management of city-owned real estate for the benefit of the community. As...
DineLA returns to WeHo this Friday
West Hollywood is renowned for its exceptional dining and cocktail scene, making it a prime spot for culinary enthusiasts in Southern California. Dine LA is the perfect occasion to experience the rich and varied food offerings in the area. Starting Friday, July 12, 2024, and running through Friday, July 26,...
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