In the very early day of the West Hollywood West Residents Association, our first president, Arthur Trudeau, would announce in answer to people expressing frustration and lack of resolve: “YOU CAN FIGHT CITY HALL – AND WE DAMN WELL BETTER!”

On August 25 I attended a small gathering of WeHo citizens to see a presentation by Ivy Properties and their architect, RNL Design, regarding their proposed building at the site known to some as “the Aga John hole” - at the northwest corner of San Vicente and Melrose Avenues.

As usual at these events, there was a fair degree of suspicion, aimed at the builder’s real intent, a few raised voices and a lot of details tossed about by the presenters... [full story]

Divine Design, the West Coast's largest retail fund-raiser, is fast approaching.

This year marks the 19th year that designers of home, gift, fashion and beauty all come together to donate goods to benefit our beloved Project Angel Food whose mission is to nourish the body and spirit of men, women, and children affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses.

Shoppers can do their holiday shopping, receive up to 90% off of designer goods and spread the cheer of the season while they’re at it.... [full story]

Jeanne Dobrin is certainly a West Hollywood original. There won't be another one like her again. I have a few memories of her that sort of embody my experience of knowing her.

I first met her when Stonewall Democratic Club did it's original candidate interviews for the first election in 1984, at my apartment.

I poured her some punch which she eyed cautiously and refused to drink, as she showed equal disdain for the cookies. She looked at me as if she was afraid that somehow I would rub off on her. She was not "warm/fuzzy."... [full story]

The sister of a reported medical marijuana vendor who died last night in a triple shooting died in 2008 – a victim of an alleged suicide.

On May 26, 2008, Bianca Khalili allegedly jumped to her death from a friend’s 15th floor Century City high-rise condo.

Officials found no reason to investigate the death as a homicide. ... [full story]

The only event of its kind in Southern California, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s free annual Mind, Body & Soul conference offers an array of workshops that promote health and well-being for lesbians and bisexual women.

Longtime activist Jewel Thais-Williams, founder and director of the non-profit Village Health Foundation, will be a featured speaker at this year’s conference on Saturday, Sept. 25, and Bianca D. M. Wilson will deliver the keynote address.

Sex educator and columnist Carol Queen will be a presenter.... [full story]

The city of Aspen, Colorado, annually publishes its balance sheet in the local paper, The Aspen Times.

The report is so complete that it posts every single dollar it has paid out in expense accounts and even the cost of each one-time expense such as “D. Smith – emergency use snowplow $185.00.”

Could this happen in West Holywood?... [full story]

The Book Fair’s West Hollywood Writes program seeks participants.

West Hollywood Writes is in its fifth year as the premier opportunity for West Hollywood resident writers to exhibit in a shared space where they can sign, sell and share their work for 1 to 3 hours.

“Each year we showcase more and more of our creative local authors and I look forward to working with those who participate this year,” said West Hollywood Writes coordinator Elias Valencia.... [full story]

CALL FOR AUDITIONS

Cornerstone Theater Company and the City of West Hollywood invite interested parties to audition for the newly-created “The Foundation Myth of West Hollywood,” a musical all about the creation of this unique city.

Created especially in honor of the city’s 25th Anniversary celebration, the musical tells the tale of cityhood through the eyes of those who experienced it – West Hollywood residents.

Dozens of people contributed anecdotes, tales, background, quotes ad other material that makes up this community-play. Now Cornerstone Theater Company is casting and they seek local talent to fill the roles.... [full story]