Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
Safer WeHo Pilot Program Launched by City of West Hollywood in Effort to Enhance Public Safety
Pilot Initiative
Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video
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.
reposted the video and garnered over 8 million views.
In response to the video, the Libs of TikTok
Includes Drones, Real-Time Cameras, and Central Monitoring Hub
safety by providing real-time aerial views of incidents. Drones will be dispatched to various calls for service, potentially deescalating high-risk situations. The city emphasized that drones will not be used for surveillance of the community.
By Dolores Quintana
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.”
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.
The City of West Hollywood, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, has initiated Safer WeHo, a year-long pilot program aimed at bolstering public safety through advanced technology and equipment.
The program includes several innovative initiatives:
• Fixed Real-Time Cameras: Over 50 strategically placed cameras will be installed throughout West Hollywood to aid in crime resolution and provide realtime information to first responders.
• Real-Time Watch Center: A centralized monitoring hub at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station will oversee live feeds from drones and cameras, allowing for swift response to emergencies.
18 were in attendance.
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 wasn’t even in the city of Burbank.”
• Drone as First Responder (DFR): The DFR program aims to enhance public
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
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.”
To inform residents and businesses about the program, the city has launched an awareness campaign that includes
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
mailed materials, digital PSAs in transit shelters and pedestrian kiosks, and media outreach. Community members are also invited to attend in-person meetings to learn more about the program and its objectives.
Mayor Anthony reiterated this point during a City Council meeting and expressed his concern that the video’s circulation had led to city officials receiving “some of the most vile hate speech that I have ever seen.”
its Community Safety Department, which oversees law enforcement and coordinates community programs.
Garrett Bruno, Social Media Influencer, Facing Murder Charge
Anthony encouraged those with concerns about his actions to communicate with him directly via email at kanthony@burbankca. gov. He stated, “If you want to talk to me about what happened over the weekend, send me an email. Send me an email. I will talk to
The Safer WeHo pilot program is part of the city's broader effort to improve public safety and quality of life through
Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts
After Death of 83-Year-Old Woman
MAGA Influencer
Gravely Injured in Scooter Accident, Police Unaware
For more information, visit the city’s website at go.weho.org/saferweho or download the “Community Safety in the City of West Hollywood” guide at weho. org.
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
X: Long Live Montero” Premiere
World Premiere of Documentary Was Screened After 20-Minute Delay
During Attempted Arrest
By Dolores Quintana
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
Garrett Bruno, 33, a conservative travel influencer known for his controversial social media presence, remains hospitalized in critical condition after a scooter accident on October 25. The incident, in which Bruno was not wearing a helmet, resulted in a skull fracture and follows a series of troubling events, including his alleged involvement in a car crash that killed an 83-year-old woman earlier last month.
Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened.
Lung stated, “Our standard security measures remained in place during this time, and the screening commenced with a slight delay. To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.”
The October 10 crash claimed the life of Esther Abouab and left her husband, Joe, seriously injured. The wreck happened at the intersection of Fountain and Spaulding Avenues in West Hollywood when their Ford Expedition was struck by Bruno’s Ford Escape SUV. Abouab died at the scene, while Joe Abouab was rushed to the hospital.
The family has set up a GoFundMe fundraising page that says, “A reckless driver racing through a residential neighborhood ran through a red light and collided with our parents’ car. The force of the impact sent them across four lanes of traffic and into the gate of an underground garage.”
It adds that Joe Abouab’s injuries included two shattered ankles and that even after being released from the hospital, he will require physical therapy to be able to walk again and round-theclock care since he is now bedridden.
Bruno is now facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, reckless driving, and battery on a peace officer. Witnesses reported that Bruno’s vehicle was traveling at a speed exceeding the 25 mph limit on Spaulding Avenue at the time of the collision.
A spokesperson for the Toronto police informed CTV News Toronto 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
The tragedy has left the Abouab family devastated. Greg Morris, the couple’s son, said, “My family is in complete anguish over the senseless and violent murder of my precious mother. She was the glue of our family and really the center of all our universe.”, as quoted by NBC Los Angeles.
Just days before his scooter accident, Bruno was photographed by DailyMail. com allegedly sniffing white powder, which he claimed was prescription ketamine in an Instagram post, on a West Hollywood sidewalk. Bruno’s behavior and legal troubles have attracted significant public attention, exacerbated by his recent
security swept the scene and cleared it within
Toronto police also clarified that the threat had a general nature and did not specifically target any individual or entity.
and controversial endorsement of Donald Trump, which shocked many in West Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ community. The first post on his Instagram scoffs at the closure of New Zealand during the 2021 outbreak of Covid 19.
The Sheriff's Department only found out that he was hospitalized when they raided his home in an attempt to arrest him. Currently, Bruno remains unconscious and in grave condition at a Los Angeles hospital, as reported by the Daily Mail. Legal proceedings related to the fatal crash are ongoing.
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 e ects, 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 a ect 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 e ects, including:
Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.
Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fi ght 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 e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative side e ects 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 reserved. US-BVYC-0500 07/24
*Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/19/2023.
Gilead.
Let Time Stand Still During New Resort’s Festive Dinner and Stay Offerings
Regent Santa Monica Beach Resort Announces Holiday Celebrations
A new luxury resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean is inviting you to discover new holiday traditions and experience unforgettable memories this season.
Regent Santa Monica Beach Resort, a subsidiary of InterContinental Hotels Group, is hosting a number of new holiday traditions beside the Pacific edge, including culinary flair and delicious twists for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
This December, reserve your holiday stay with Regent’s exclusive offers and packages including the holiday experience, introductory invitations, and an overnight stay that awakens you into the new year.
For the upcoming holidays and celebrations, Regent invites you let time stand still for a while with your loved ones against the backdrop of Santa Monica Beach and enjoy the resort’s new Mediterranean restaurant Orla, featuring a menu crafted by Michelin Star Chef
Michael Mina.
In the coming weeks, guests are invited to gather family-style to enjoy Brunch with Santa along with a special keepsake, craft snowflake or paint an ornament during Regent’s Festive Days by the Coast and cozy up from dawn until dusk with your hot cocoa or evening delight.
Here is a list of Regent’s current holidays and celebrations:
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
Reservations are open for a festive brunch with Santa at Orla, where unmatched ocean views set the stage for an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family.
Indulge in a Champagne cocktail arrival, and a two-course brunch featuring familystyle starters and a delightful a la carte selection from the main course. Caviar and shellfish upgrades are available. Enjoy takeaway photos with Santa and the thrill of learning a routine from the dazzling Rockettes, complete with festive reindeer antlers for the kids.
Brunch with Santa can be reserved on Dec. 8, 15, and 22.
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER AT ORLA
Experience an unforgettable holiday at Orla, where panoramic ocean views set the stage for a celebratory prix fixe dinner.
Crafted by Chef Michael Mina, this indulgent menu features a Mediterranean twist, blending seasonal flavors with coastal elegance for an exceptional dining experience.
Dinner reservations can be made 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in unforgettable style at Regent Santa Monica Beach. Indulge in a spectacular Mediterranean tasting menu at Orla by Chef Michael Mina, perfectly paired with exquisite beverages and elevated by live performances from the glamorous Satin Dollz.
Toast to the New Year with a glass of bubbles and festive party favors with compliments, as you embrace an evening of elegance, indulgence, and celebration. Reserve your seats now for this festive, New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration starting at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
FESTIVE DAYS BY THE COAST
Gather for daily events and activities featuring ornament painting, delicate snowflake crafting, antler making, a charming Christmas card station, and pinecone bird feeder crafts at Regent starting on Dec. 20 until Dec. 28.
Cozy up for daily holiday movie screening, adding a touch of cinematic
magic to your festive seaside retreat. Revel in the spirit of the season with activities designed to create unforgettable holiday memories by the sea. To make reservations, visit SantaMonica. RegentHotels.com/experience/holidays.
GMCLA Begins 46th Season with CandyThemed Wonderland
SugarPlum Fairies
Slated for MidDecember
By Susan Payne
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles is bringing candy-coated goodness to its upcoming beloved holiday events in December, beginning its 46th season.
From choral holiday traditions to popular hits that celebrate joyful confections, SugarPlum Fairies is a combination of all things holiday, whimsical and traditional performed by GMCLA, a nonprofit performing arts organization that sings for a future free from homophobia and all other discrimination. Its chorus and dance troupe make up nearly 250 members that volunteer through song and dance and perform at events year round and regularly throughout its seasons.
“Not only does our chorus sing, but we also have a smaller troop of GMCLA members who dance. We have a fully realized production and costumes that align with our theme, weaving all the songs together and telling a story. Our shows are choir music meets theatre, meets dance, and even more than that,” said Lou
Spisto, GMCLA’s executive director and producer. “We’re a community of people wanting to celebrate with everyone who wants to take part in our audience.”
Comprising nearly 25 candy-themed songs, GMCLA’s SugarPlum Fairies will bring its audience members into a world of “Pure Imagination” as a special tribute to the music of the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the new Wonka. From classic melodies like “Dance of the SugarPlum Fairies” in The Nutcracker to popular hits like Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” and Sia’s “Candy Cane Lane,” a ticket to this event is sure to be golden.
“We have incredible songs planned from both the original Willy Wonka and the new Wonka film, pop songs like Candy Cane Lane by Sia, Lollipop by The Chordettes, some Madonna songs, and so much more,” Spisto said. “This show is going to be a candy-themed celebration of who are and a resounding commitment to staying true to our community.”
While GMCLA often sings and makes musical appearances year round, SugarPlum Fairies marks the beginning of its 2024-25 season, a total of three main stage concerts, including Rhinestone Cowboys in March and Dancing Queens in June.
“Rhinestone Cowboys is going to be an explosion of sequins, color and everything you never thought would be associated with cowboy. We know country music is incredibly popular today, and artists like Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton have been icons in, and there’s Beyoncé and Lil Nas X and the new generation that are part of our community, so whether it’s our community or the broader community, we are celebrating country with of course, camp,” Spisto said.
Recently, a chorus of GMCLA members were featured on an episode of ABC’s Golden Bachelorette singing a surprise rendition of “The Mansion Men” written by Kim Buike, a retired Navy captain and contestant on the show.
“GMCLA got to be a part of a program that reaches millions of people from across America, many of whom know us
and love us, many of whom don’t know us, and perhaps some who don’t love or like us at all, or maybe think differently about things than we do. The fact that we were present and accounted for, singing magnificently and looking incredible, it was wonderful to see that we’re important and we count. We’re visible and not going anywhere,” Spisto said.
Tickets for SugarPlum Fairies, slated for Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m. at the Saban Theatre, are on sale now. For more information, visit www. GMCLA.org.
“You’re going to see and experience something beautiful here and equally important, you’re going to feel something and be a part of our community. The audience is as much part of our concerts as we are on stage. It’s a love fest. It is an outpouring of love,” Spisto said.
Shore Hotel to Open New Coastal-Inspired Hotel Restaurant
By Susan Payne
A new restaurant is opening at the Shore Hotel in December, offering guests and the public a new hotspot for al fresco lunches, cozy indoor dinners and vibrant poolside cocktails on Ocean Avenue.
Shoreside is a 76-seat modern restaurant and bar with indoor, outdoor and poolside seating. Currently, the restaurant’s grand opening is slated for early December. Details on an affirmative date, events or promotions will be announced in the coming weeks ahead of its opening.
“We are thrilled to introduce Shoreside to the Santa Monica community. Much care has gone into its creation and development, from design elements to the ingredients on the menu and cocktail and wine selections. Its oceanfront views, vibrant space and dynamic offerings, have the makings of a can’t miss lifestyle destination for local and tourists alike, right in the heart of Santa Monica,” said Jon Farzam, co-owner and CEO of Shore Hotel.
Encompassing space inside the hotel lobby and outside near the pool terrace,
Shoreside features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sunset views, custom terrazzo floors, woven coastal furnishing and a warm palette of bright oranges, deep blues and gentle lavender. Shoreside brings California-coastal flare to life across its indoor, outdoor and poolside spaces.
Inside the kitchen, the restaurant’s food offerings are led by Todd Bohak, a graduate of the Art Institute of Los Angeles in Santa Monica. His career flourished under the tutelage of legendary chefs like Hans Rockenwagner and James Beard and award-winner Nancy Silverton. Bohak’s formative experiences, combined with his time as an Army Airborne chef in North Carolina, and a chef for Intercontinental Hotels, Hyatt Regency and True Food Kitchens shaped Bohak’s passion for innovation, sustainability and the art of fine dining.
At Shoreside, Bohak plans to elevate California-coastal cuisine by highlighting the region’s exceptional local ingredients and merging classic techniques with inventive twists. Shoreside’s menu will focus on the bounty of the Pacific Ocean
SANTA MONICA RESIDENTS: BOOK YOUR EXTRA BEDROOM NOW FOR SPECIAL HOTEL DISCOUNTS
Looking for a special way to celebrate the holiday season close to home? Take advantage of discounted hotel room rates offered exclusively for Santa Monica residents and their guests from November 11, 2024 through February 10, 2025.
Visit participating Santa Monica hotels at santamonica.com/extrabedroom. To book please visit in person or call hotel directly.
BUY LOCAL AND STAY LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON - IT BENEFITS OUR COMMUNITY!
and California’s fertile farmland with dishes that reflect a modern, seasonal approach. The menu will feature ingredients from local farmers’ markets,
seafood from local fishermen and locally grown herbs for beverages and seasoning. Inspired by the abundance of the Southern California coast, some of
Bohak’s early favorite dishes include the Brandt Prime Filet, served with creamy Yukon potatoes and a rich Cabernet demiglace; the California Hamachi Crudo with zesty ginger ponzu; and Sonoma Lamb Chops paired with mint cucumber couscous and rosemary bordelaise.
Shore Hotel opened in 2011 and is known for its eco-friendly design and contemporary architecture, featuring energy-efficient systems, solar panels and a commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Shoreside marks the hotel’s first renovations since the carpeted floors were replaced with sleek tile in 2021.
“With our premier beachfront location, most of our rooms boast views of the Pacific Ocean, offering a sought-after
coastal experience for those visiting Los Angeles. We were also honored to have Shore Hotel recently named Trip Advisor’s No. 1 hotel in the U.S., which is due to our exceptional staff, along with Shore Hotel’s sustainable ethos and practices that earned the hotel a LEED Gold certification upon opening,” Farzam said.
Shore Hotel, a 164-key property nestled in the heart of Santa Monica and close to popular attractions, hosts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, luxurious comfort and modern amenities, exceptional service and a concierge.
To learn more about the hotel or to book a stay, visit ShoreHotel.com or find updates on Instagram @shorehotelsm and @shoresidesantamonica.
Castanea Sicilian Cafe: Bringing the Sweetness of Sicily to Venice Beach
THE CAFE
Welcome to Castanea Sicilian Cafe: “Il dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing” arrived at Venice Beach! Our cafe invites you to step away from the rush of daily life, whether it’s through a sip of our freshly brewed Italian coffee or a bite of our pastries, savory & gelato. The concept was founded by Nando & Rose, a couple with Sicilian roots, and it was designed to be a testament to the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the Italian island Sicily. Step into our inviting space and discover a slice of paradise or just order it to your home with our delivery & catering services.
OUR STORY
If you create something the world has never seen before, there’s probably a pretty interesting story behind it. This is ours.
We are Nando & Rose, a married couple
& the founders of Castanea Sicilian Cafe. Both of us have Sicilian roots & we were lucky to have spent every summer on this beautiful Island.
A typical Sicilian lightheartedness, delicious traditional food & the Italian coffee culture is what we grew up with & what we both cherish a lot.
The idea of a cafe emerged from the desire to preserve our precious heritage by sharing it. We want to make it accessible to all those who need a little break from everyday life & want to immerse themselves in the world of Sicilian enjoyment & the ideal of “il dolce far niente - the sweetness of doing nothing.”
With a lot of love & dedication we blended our affinity for coffee, food & Sicilian culture into an ambiance of warmth & hospitality.
Castanea means chestnut in Latin. Our name goes back to the oldest chestnut tree in the world, “Il castagno dei cento
cavalli”. It is located on the volcano Etna in Sicily and its size and shape have been a place of rest and shelter for centuries from visitors to the island to a legend of a princess and her 100 horsemen who needed protection from a sudden storm, which is the legend where the tree got its name.
Today, we proudly present our unique cafe to Venice Beach. Now our dream has become reality & we are catering to fulfill yours!
Pacific Park’s Famous Pacific Wheel Just Got a Fun (and Educational) New Upgrade
Riding the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park just got even more enjoyable. Now, along with the incredible views of the Pacific coastline, riders will get fun map installations showing exactly what they’re looking at.
Imagine sitting at the very top of the Pacific Wheel with the city and the coast stretched out below you. As you gaze at the sights you wonder, “What is that island over there? Where is the Hollywood sign? What is that amazing building?”
Pacific Park has created a fun way to answer these questions. As part of a new creative project, the Park has installed specially illustrated, artist-designed maps around the inside rim of each of the Pacific Wheel’s gondolas. Now, all guests can get ride-enhancing information on what they’re looking at once they’re at the top of the Ferris wheel.
Of course, these are not just any old maps. To create something unique and reflect Los Angeles’ colorful creativity, Pacific Park collaborated with Chepe Daniel Báez, a renowned graphic artist based in Mexico City. Daniel Báez gorgeous illustrative ‘maps’ show all the landmarks and points of interest surrounding Pacific Park, including Point Dune, Malibu, Getty Museum, the Hollywood sign, the original Muscle Beach, the Pacific Coast Highway, and of course the Santa Monica Pier.
Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, said his team was thrilled with the collaboration.
“Daniel Báez’s award-winning graphic design expertise made him the ideal choice for this unique gondola mapping project. Now, when guests ride the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, they’ll not only enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape but also have reference points to some of Los Angeles’ most iconic and popular landmarks.”
The Pacific Park team came up with the idea for the gondola maps in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2023 that the project was put into action. Then, the process for completing the project was meticulous. Daniel Báez made multiple drafts of the drawings and visited Pacific Park several times. Each time, the design team would print out the drafts, ride the Pacific Wheel, and discuss changes that could be made to enhance guests’ experience. Once the images were completed, large-format print specialists Verve Printing transferred them to durable ‘wraps’ and installed them inside the rim of the gondolas.
Daniel Báez says he wanted to make the images as accurate as possible, but still with a good amount of abstraction.
“There are so many historic things you can see from the Pacific Wheel, and the
idea was to make them really stand out so visitors can play a little game trying to locate them all.”
The artist spent several months in LA during the Pacific Park project, staying with part of his mother’s family. He says his favorite part of the trip was exploring Santa Monica and all the landmarks he needed to represent. “I had a ton of fun drawing a part of the city that I love walking through and exploring, always with perfect weather.” Recognized as a Latin American Young Talent by the Latin
American Design Festival in Lima, Peru, Daniel Báez also loved being able to leave his footprint in such a historic part of California. “Getting to ride the Ferris wheel while honing every iteration was the coolest way to have meetings,” he adds.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is open daily and features 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Visit pacpark.com for more details.
