Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful
Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
Biden Pardons Thousands of LGBTQ+ Veterans Convicted Under Anti-Gay Military Law
Presidential Proclamation Aims to Rectify Decades of Injustice and Restore Benefits
Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video
By Dolores Quintana
President Joe Biden granted clemency to thousands of United States veterans convicted under a military law that banned gay sex, addressing what he called a “great injustice.” This move, announced during Pride Month and an election year, allows LGBTQ+ service members convicted solely on the basis of their sexual orientation to apply for a certificate of pardon, aiding them in receiving withheld benefits.
Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is facing criticism from conservatives following the circulation of a video showing him being spanked by a drag queen during an event on the weekend of September 10. Anthony has responded that some of his critics are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the incident was harmless.
In the video, posted by the Wisenuts podcast, Mayor Anthony is seen being spanked by a drag artist, backed by the Village People’s “Macho Man.” Anthony described the events as “shenanigans” and emphasized that it was
all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a prominent hate group.
In a post on his Instagram account, Anthony stated, “For several days, extremist right-wing organizations, including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate. I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”
This historic proclamation will allow those convicted under Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which criminalized sodomy, including between consenting adults, from 1951 until its repeal by Congress in 2013. The proclamation also includes federal employees who were penalized by the 1950s “lavender scare,” which prompted the government to investigate and terminate LGBTQ employees who were then suspected of disloyalty.
“Today, I am righting a historic wrong by using my clemency authority to pardon many former service members who were convicted simply for being themselves,” Biden said in a statement. “Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQ+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades.”
A senior administration official, speaking to reporters, highlighted the historical context of the lavender scare and the parallel purges within the military. “If you think about the historical periods where LGBTQ+ individuals were purged from the federal government more generally, in the parallel military realm that was also occurring during the lavender scare, and so the convictions from those eras are indeed covered by this proclamation,” the official said.
He added, “On a busy Saturday filled with various independent gatherings, I attended the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ private fundraiser for their organization. Notably, there were no officially endorsed candidates or state and federal political figures present. The event was open to young adults ages 15 and above. However, there were no attendees below 18. Additionally, no children were present.”
While not specifying the particular hate group in question, it is possible that Anthony was referring to the Twitter account, now known as X, called “Libs of TikTok,” which
This measure also criticizes the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy from the Bill Clinton era, which allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military as long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation. The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law passed on February 28, 1994, and continued to be in force until September 20, 2011.
Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts
you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what
Colorado Springs Shooter Sentenced to
spokesperson
55 Life Terms for Hate Crimes at Club Q
Anderson Lee
Aldrich Pleads
Guilty, Receives
families.
Prosecutors highlighted the importance of Aldrich’s acknowledgment of the hate that motivated the mass shooting. As part of the plea agreement, Aldrich repeatedly admitted to committing hate crimes.
By Dolores Quintana
Life Without Parole
Anderson Lee Aldrich, the homophobe who killed five people and injured 19 others at an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs, pleaded guilty to federal hate crimes on Tuesday. Aldrich was sentenced to 55 life terms in prison without the possibility of parole but did not apologize or address the victims’
The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a momentary setback on Saturday night due to a bomb threat. Judy Lung, TIFF’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, confirmed to CTV News Toronto via a written statement that the festival was alerted to an investigation “in the vicinity of the red carpet” at Roy Thomson Hall, where
“The admission that these were hate crimes is important to the government, and it’s important to the community of Club Q,” said prosecutor Alison Connaughty. “You went to this community’s safe space and mass murdered people. This community is much stronger than you, stronger than your armor and stronger than your weapons, and sure as hell stronger than your hatred,” she added, noting the significance of the sentencing during Pride Month.
informed
that the threat had been conveyed to the festival’s private security by a passerby. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Toronto police and the private
security swept the scene and cleared it within 20 minutes,” noted Constable Victor Kwong. Toronto police also clarified that the threat had a general nature and did not specifically
violations
Connaughty emphasized that Club Q was more than just a bar; it was a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community. Aldrich pleaded guilty to all 74 charges, including
of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, as well as gun
crimes related to the shooting. Aldrich had initially pleaded not guilty. United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney officially accepted Aldrich’s plea and sentenced him to life imprisonment without parole in addition to a 190-year prison term.
IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:
� Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY.
Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.
ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:
� dofetilide
� rifampin
� any other medicines to treat HIV-1 BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
� Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.
� Have any other health problems.
� Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
� Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
� Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
� BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:
� Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.
� Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.
� Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.
� Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
� Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
� The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY
Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.
GET MORE INFORMATION
� This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.
� Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.
� If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights
LACDMH Encourages Residents to Take Action
For yourself, for your circle, for your community
This spring and early summer, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) took action and encouraged residents to build resilience, manage stress and take care of their mental wellbeing.
Throughout the month of May –Mental Health Awareness Month –LACDMH’s Take Action for Mental Health L.A. County campaign partnered with local organizations and agencies to host events around Los Angeles that promoted mental health.
“We hosted several different community-based events to encourage residents to take action for themselves and increase awareness about mental health. We wanted to address the stigma head on, and address misconceptions about mental health. There’s no one size fits all and by raising awareness we hoped to promote empathy and understanding,” said Curley Bonds, M.D., LACDMH’s Chief Medical Officer.
Many of the events planned throughout May promoted wellness, meditation and include a mix of art and music, roundtable discussions, workshops, empowerment training, speakers, and more, in the eight service areas of Los Angeles County. Some events were scheduled into June, as well.
Although the events are passed, the department encourages residents to take action year round through many of the department’s ongoing mental health services and resources:
- For the LGBTQIA2-S community, the department stands ready to support your mental health, housing, primary care, sexual and reproductive health, gender affirming treatment and PRep
and PEP. A list of those resources can be found here: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/ resources/lgbtq-resources/
- For suicide prevention, a number of resources can be found here: https:// dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/suicideprevention/
- For breast cancer and mental health, veteran services, grief and loss, antiracism, and disaster resources visit https://dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/.
A recap of the 2024 Take Action Campaign will be available soon: https:// www.takeactionla.com/about-us.
“These events were a place to openly talk about mental health and break down barriers. LACDMH volunteers and partner agencies were available on site to share resources,” Dr. Bonds added. “It’s incredibly important for us to take care of our whole self, including mental wellbeing, because it goes hand-in-hand with our physical health. It’s okay to seek help.”
If you are a victim, or witness of, a hate incident or hate crime, you can report the incident/crime by calling 211. To connect with the LACDMH Mental Health Help Line, call 1-800-854-7771. Dial 988 for suicide and crisis lifeline support.
USTED TIENE MAYOR
The Los Angeles LGBT Center Condemns Biden’s Executive Order Halting Asylum Requests
Los Angeles LGBT Center Criticizes New Policy, Citing Danger to LGBTQ+ Refugees
In response to President Joe Biden’s executive order that will halt asylum requests at the southern border starting tonight, Terra Russell-Slavin, Chief Impact Officer for the Los Angeles LGBT Center, issued a strong statement of condemnation.
“Just days after acknowledging Pride Month, the Biden administration issued an executive order that will restrict people’s right to seek asylum in the United States, which will have
a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community,” Russell-Slavin said. “With language that’s similar to the Trump administration’s playbook, this executive order will greatly endanger countless lives.”
Russell-Slavin emphasized the daily legal support the Los Angeles LGBT Center provides to LGBTQ+ refugees seeking safety from persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The Biden administration cannot have it both ways: They cannot ‘celebrate’ Pride Month while turning their backs on LGBTQ+ individuals who are seeking the rights our movement is based on,” she added. “We strongly condemn this executive order and urge the President to immediately reverse this harmful action.”
Electric Lodge Hosts Summer Empowerment Fair
Performing Arts Center Partners with LADWP
By Susan Payne
Performance. Sustainability. Community.
These are three virtues leading the charge for Electric Lodge Performing and Visual Arts Center’s upcoming Summer Empowerment Fair in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).
Taking place on July 20th, the fair is a fun, informative neighborhood event featuring music, local vendors and sustainable education that celebrates the vibrant and artistic Venice community. Made possible through a LADWP community grant, the Summer Empowerment Fair wishes to educate and inform attendees on topics such as energy efficiency, being water wise, understanding your utility bill and native landscaping.
Electric Lodge is an incubator for the arts and the environment, serving Venice and surrounding communities
by hosting multi-disciplinary cultural arts, specialized arts workshops, health and fitness classes and opportunities for civic engagement. The premier multiuse facility was the first 100% renewable energy powered space in California, according to Justin Yoffe, Electric Lodge president.
“Our campus in Venice on Electric Ave includes a 99-seat theatre, a 1700 square foot dance studio, classroom and kitchen. It’s a lovely spot,” Yoffe added. “We’ve been committed to sustainability since we were founded, being awarded this grant for the 11th district, it gave us the opportunity to showcase our commitment to sustainability and the community,” Yoffe said.
The Summer Empowerment Fair is free and will showcase Electric Lodge programming, classes and mission, and will feature a bagel and coffee station, snacks and beverages, face painting, bike valet, sustainable giveaways (aerators, shower heads, a Fuso custom road bicycle), corn hole games, picnic tables and more.
Live music and entertainment ranging from local singer-songwriters to dance groups, Snubby J’s RimbaTubes, will sound the afternoon.
Activities include an eclectic line-up
of live entertainment, carnival games, such as a waterless sustainable dunk tank, local food vendors, City Plants, who will offer free trees and advice on native landscaping, non-toxic clothing line vendors and more — all centered on healthy living.
“Empowerment Fair is just that — a real fun, family-friendly, free summer festival with games, snacks and drinks, local vendors, and a chance to learn more about sustainability through DWP and have a good time,” Yoffe said.
The LADWP booth is open for attendees to learn about how to access programs, rebates and services, and learn about how
to save water, energy and money on their bill.
Mark your calendars for July 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Summer Empowerment Fair located at Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave in Venice, one block east of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Parking is available. Biking, scooting, unicycling is encouraged for the use of the fair’s free bike valet.
For full details on the Summer Empowerment Fair’s vendors, partners, musicians and programs, and to RSVP and sign up for the raffle, visit EmpowermentFair.org.
Los Angeles County Launches Historic LGBTQ+ Commission with Inaugural Meeting
Supervisor Hilda Solis Leads Ceremony Marking Milestone for LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Los Angeles County Supervisors convened Tuesday to inaugurate the county’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Commission, marking a milestone in local governance aimed at advocating for LGBTQ+ communities.
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, representing the First District, led the ceremony, introducing Sunitha Menon as the Executive Director of the new commission. The event featured the presentation of a ceremonial gavel to commission members ahead of their first official meeting.
“Today, Los Angeles County is making history—again—and hopefully setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow,” Solis remarked in a statement.
Solis and Supervisor Janice Hahn initiated the effort in June 2023 with a motion to establish the commission,
which would advise on policies affecting LGBTQ+ communities.
“We’ve arrived at this moment because the Board of Supervisors stood in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ family,” Solis continued. “I applaud my fellow Board of Supervisor members for their courage, integrity, and compassion.”
The historic journey culminated with Menon’s appointment, reflecting a yearlong effort supported by Supervisor Hahn, who co-authored a resolution with Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath to display the Progress Pride Flag across County facilities during Pride Month.
Menon, previously Managing Director of Operations at Equality California, expressed gratitude for her appointment, emphasizing the commission’s mission to support LGBTQ+ safety and survival in Los Angeles County.
The commission, comprising 15 members, including Nic Arnzen, Ed Reece, Ellie Perez, Eric Schockman, Terra Russell-Slavin, Steve Fisher, Sydney Rogers, Talha Khan-Valbuena, Alejandro Soria, Luis Vasquez, Hector Trinidad Plascencia, Jerry P. Abraham, M.D., and Eddie Martinez, will advise the Board on policy and community engagement.
West Hollywood City Council Votes for Plant-Based Foods at
City Events
City Council Passes Resolution to Promote
Sustainability, Animal
Welfare
The West Hollywood City Council passed a resolution on Monday mandating that plant-based foods be the default option at city events. Vice Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers championed this motion, which aims to promote environmental sustainability and animal welfare.
Mercy For Animals, a West Hollywoodbased organization dedicated to ending industrial animal agriculture, celebrated the decision. “In a huge win for animals, human health, and the planet, the City of West Hollywood just passed a resolution requiring that food and other refreshments offered at city-sponsored events and meetings be plant-based by default!” the organization stated. Animal products will
still be available upon request.”
The press release added, “The resolution is the result of several months of collaboration between Mercy For Animals and the city. The policy aims to help mitigate climate change and reduce animal suffering. Public support for the resolution was strong, with many volunteers and organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity and Greener by Default, submitting comments in favor.”
Mercy For Animals expressed gratitude to Vice Mayor Byers for her leadership in championing this policy. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has also voted to reduce the amount of animal products served at their events in the interest of reducing carbon emissions.
Los Angeles Public Health Warns of Surge in Mpox Cases Reported in Los Angeles County
Public Health
Officials Urge Testing, Prevention, and Vaccination
Amid Recent Spike
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is warning residents and healthcare providers about a significant rise in mpox cases. Over the past two weeks, 10 new cases have been reported, up from an average of fewer than two cases per week in preceding weeks.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is primarily transmitted through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, and respiratory droplets from activities such as kissing, coughing, or sneezing. Symptoms include a rash or unusual sores that resemble pimples or blisters on the face, body, and genitals, along with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection, testing, and vaccination are essential for controlling the spread of the disease and safeguarding public health.
Public Health Recommendations:
Testing: Individuals who develop
symptoms consistent with mpox, such as a rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes, should seek medical attention and get tested. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases to Public Health for appropriate testing and intervention.
Prevention: Vaccination is a safe and effective method to prevent mpox and may reduce symptoms. To minimize the risk of transmission, Public Health advises:
● Asking partners if they have mpox symptoms or feel ill, and avoid intimate contact if they do.
● Reducing the number of sexual partners, particularly those whose recent sexual history is unknown.
● Exchanging contact information with new partners for follow-up if needed.
● Avoiding sex parties and other venues with multiple intimate contacts.
● Using condoms and gloves to reduce exposure risk.
● Not sharing towels, clothing, bedding, fetish gear, sex toys, or toothbrushes.
● Washing hands, fetish gear, towels, bedding, and sex toys after each use.
Vaccination: The Jynneos vaccine, a two-dose vaccine for mpox, is available to everyone, with priority given to:
● Men or transgender individuals who have sex with men or transgender persons.
● Individuals of any gender or sexual orientation who engage in sex or intimate physical contact at large public events or engage in commercial/transactional sex.
● Persons living with HIV, especially those with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease.
● Sexual partners of individuals in the above groups.
Vaccination is available at sexual health clinics and walk-up vaccine clinics listed at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/ sexualhealthclinics/ and https://myturn. ca.gov/.
Public Health is working closely with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to address the resurgence of mpox.
Enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and outbreak investigations are underway to identify infection sources and prevent further transmission. Mobile vaccination units are providing free vaccinations at various Pride events this season.
A coordinated response is crucial to mitigate the impact of this outbreak. Increasing vaccination rates and maintaining vigilance can minimize the spread of Mpox, protecting the health and well-being of Los Angeles County’s diverse communities.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Officer E. Quintero at the CHP West Los Angeles Office at (310) 642-3939. After business hours, please contact the Los Angeles Communication Center at (323) 259-3200.
Award-Winning Soprano and L.A. Native Makes Broad Stage Debut
Golda Zahra returns from Italy for a groundbreaking debut concert featuring beloved opera arias, Broadway musicals, and vocal classics.
SANTA MONICA, Calif — Hailed as “One of the rising stars of her generation” and “A promising young opera singer” by the Los Angeles Times, renowned Soprano Golda Zahra is proud to announce her homecoming debut concert at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, set for Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 8:00pm.
A Los Angeles native and 2015 LA Spotlight Award Winner, Golda will join The Dream Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Daniel Suk. Suk’s international career spans more than 25 years, and in a truly full circle moment, Suk helped foster Golda’s talent and development as a live performer starting at a very young age.
“As a classical singer, my goal is to make opera accessible for anybody and anyone,”
said Golda. “Like Pavarotti, and friends— that was something that brought opera to everyone. It was something that made people smile and it warmed people’s hearts and it brought people together.”
Golda has performed in famed Southern California venues like Walt Disney Hall, Royce Hall, and The Saban Theatre, but looks forward to showcasing her unique combination of classical operatic technique and musical theatre training for The Broad Stage audience. She currently studies exclusively with the worldrenowned soprano Barbara Frittoli in Milan.
Golda began her operatic journey at just 4 years old, listening to and attending operas with her parents. She studied classical piano and musical theater, ultimately joining the Colburn Music School in downtown Los Angeles and dedicating her life to opera. She moved to Italy after high school in 2017 and studied privately with some of the greatest Italian opera masters. In 2021, as a finalist for Rai Radio’s Voci in Barcaccia” international opera competition, she recorded a CD for RAI Radio in a performance that was broadcast live from Rome.
WHAT: Golda Zahra with The Dream Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Daniel Suk
WHEN: Saturday, July 13, 2024, 8:00pm10:00pm
WHERE: The Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
TICKETS: GoldaInConcert.com
For media inquiries, contact Shallom
Berkman at 310-749-8879, or email sberkman@urthcaffe.com. You can also visit GoldaInConcert.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Former Melissa Etheridge and Ben Affleck Estate Hits Market for $15.9 Million
Brentwood
Mansion Known for Its Celebrity History Now for Sale
One very secluded Brentwood estate, on a property previously owned by celebrities Melissa Etheridge and Ben Affleck, is set to hit the market on May 31 for $15.9 million, according to Mansion Global.
The home, located on Westridge Road in Brentwood, has six bedrooms and is nestled among mature sycamore and oak trees. The estate was built in 2018 by Harrison Design Associates, the property offers a secluded and serene setting, as described by the listing agents.
Etheridge and Affleck lived at the address at different times during the 2000s when a 1930s house stood on the property. The current owners demolished the old structure and constructed a 7,942-squarefoot residence in an American traditional style. Enhancing the park-like ambiance, the owners added a sycamore-lined lane, landscaped gardens, a fountain with a koi pond, and a 41-foot pool, all visible from the home’s interior through numerous shutter windows and French doors.
Ernie Carswell of Douglas Elliman said, via Mansion Global, “When you enter off of Westridge Road, there is a straight alley of young sycamores that have been planted by the owners leading to the motor court and front of the house.” He added that celebrities, “are attracted by the incredible, surprising privacy of the lot”
While the property was once owned by Etheridge and Affleck, neither lived there for an extended period. Etheridge bought the property in early 2002 for $3.6 million and sold it several years later for $4 million, according to public records.
A trust associated with Affleck purchased the home in late 2004, during his relationship with Jennifer Garner. The trust, managed by Gary Kress, Affleck’s longtime business manager, sold the property before the end of that year.
Los Angeles City Council Designates Marilyn Monroe House as Historic Cultural Landmark
Unanimous Vote Preserves Brentwood Home Where Iconic
Actress Marilyn Monroe Lived and Died
The Los Angeles City Council has approved the resolution to designate the Marilyn Monroe House in Brentwood as a historic cultural landmark. This vote will preserve the home and prevent the current owner from demolishing it, where Monroe died.
The Council had already held public
comment on the matter in a previous meeting, ensuring that the community’s voice was heard. The only person who spoke on the matter was Council District 11 City Councilmember Traci Park who was the author of the resolution.
Park stated that no person or place was as iconic as Marilyn Monroe and that the designation to preserve the home should have occurred 60 years ago. She stressed the fact that it was the only home that Monroe ever owned, that many of the actress’ most celebrated photographs were taken there, and that the percentage of the city’s historic designations that honor women is only three percent as reasons why the house should be preserved.
She also introduced a motion to evaluate tour bus restrictions on Fifth Helena Drive and nearby streets to address local Brentwood constituents’ concerns about traffic congestion and
safety. She assured residents that she and her team would listen to any other concerns that could become an issue in the future. Park added that she had been working with the owners of the property
to
see if it was feasible to move the home to another location so that the public could have access to the beloved actress’ home.
The vote was unanimous.
