



personnel, several of whom are sergeants. These sources spoke anonymously, as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
By Dolores Quintana
A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy has agreed to plead guilty to a federal civil rights violation for using excessive force on a transgender man in a high-profile 2023 incident, leading to the suspension of multiple deputies. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed on Dec. 18 that Deputy Joseph Benza III had been removed from duty. The following day, the department announced that several other deputies involved in the incident were also relieved of duty.
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.
According to six internal sources cited by The Los Angeles Times, the number of deputies suspended includes eight
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.
The case centers around Emmett Brock, a transgender man, and schoolteacher, who was arrested by Benza two years ago. Brock was driving past Benza, who had pulled over on the side of the road. Brock gave Benza the middle finger, a gesture protected under the First Amendment.
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.”
Benza reportedly pursued Brock for two miles before pulling him over in a 7-Eleven parking lot, where he proceeded to physically assault him. Brock screamed and pleaded for help and was taken to Norwalk station, where he alleged he was forced to expose his genitals so deputies could decide where to detain him. You can watch the body cam footage here:
https://youtu.be/alAW7b_ P8Qg?si=2E7uhgoXu_S8-R4w
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
reposted the video and garnered over 8 million views.
In response to the video, the Libs of TikTok account claimed that children were present at the event. Mayor Anthony disputed this assertion, stating that “actually, there weren’t any children at this private 21+ event. But of course, lying is totally on brand for you.”
Brock was initially charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor, mayhem, resisting arrest, obstruction, and failure to obey a police officer, he was released on $100,000 bail and lost his job. However, Los Angeles County prosecutors dismissed the charges after media reports brought attention to the case. A judge has declared Brock innocent.
their communications and the sergeant’s order to erase evidence.
According to federal prosecutors, after news outlets began reporting on the case in July 2023, Benza and two other deputies exchanged group text messages discussing the need to delete text messages on their personal phones in anticipation of a federal investigation.
While the account correctly pointed out that individuals aged 15 and older were permitted to attend, the event’s organizer, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats, released a statement clarifying that no individuals under the age of 18 were in attendance.
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.”
Three days later, one of the deputies relayed a sergeant’s directive for Benza to “toss the phone,” which prosecutors interpreted as an order to delete data from the device. Benza and another deputy later discussed lying to federal investigators about
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
By Dolores Quintana
Troy Masters, the publisher of the Los Angeles Blade and an icon in LGBTQ media, has died at the age of 63, the publication announced Wednesday. The Blade described Masters' death as "unexpected.”
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.
Masters launched the Los Angeles Blade in 2017 as a sister publication to the Washington Blade, the nation’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper. Before his work in Los Angeles, he founded Gay City News in New York City, solidifying his legacy as a champion of LGBTQ representation in media.
Troy Masters’ family members, including his mother Josie Kirkland, and sister Tammy
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
Masters, released a statement, “We are shocked and devastated by the loss of Troy, He was a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community and leaves a tremendous legacy of fighting for social justice and equality. We ask for your prayers and for privacy as we mourn this unthinkable loss. We will announce details of a celebration of life in the near future.”
statement.
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.”
“All of us at the Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague. Troy Masters is a pioneer who championed LGBTQ rights as well as best-in-class journalism for our community. We will miss his passion and his tireless dedication to the Los Angeles queer community.
We would like to thank the readers, advertisers, and supporters of the Los Angeles Blade, which will continue under the leadership of our local editor Gisselle Palomera, the entire Blade family in D.C. and L.A., and eventually under a new publisher.” wrote the Los Angeles Blade in an online
Masters was widely respected for his dedication to amplifying LGBTQ voices and covering issues critical to the community. His publications became vital resources for news, advocacy, and cultural coverage, shaping the conversation around LGBTQ rights for decades.
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
Tributes to the publisher were published on social media throughout the day, underscoring his importance to the community and his powerful impact.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles is deeply saddened by the passing of Troy Masters, publisher of the Los Angeles Blade. Troy was not only a steadfast supporter and partner of the Chorus for many years, but also a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His unwavering commitment to social justice and equality leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts are with Troy’s loved ones, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
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.”
During interviews with federal investigators, Benza falsely claimed he had not seen anyone flip him off, repeated allegations that Brock had bitten him, and denied discussing the contents of his incident report with others. It has been alleged that the report was written by one of the other deputies, a sergeant, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Emmett Brock filed a federal lawsuit in 2024 alleging false imprisonment, civil rights violations, and assault and battery. The FBI is continuing to investigate the case.
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
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur: “I am terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Troy Masters. A pillar in the LGBTQ+ community in his many roles, he has covered life in our community & the challenges of our fight for civil rights & social justice. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family & friends.”
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 target any individual or entity.
Los Angeles County Supervisor, Lindsay Horvath: “My heart breaks hearing this news. Troy Masters was one of a kind, relentless in his journalistic pursuits, and devoted to educating & uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. We will miss his humor, his wit, and his huge heart. Rest in power, my friend.”
Cyd Zeigler, Outsports: “Very sad to hear of the passing of The Los Angeles Blade publisher Troy Masters. Thinking of his family and friends, and everyone at the Blade.”
The cause of death and details about memorial services have not yet been released. We will update the story should more information come to light.
The City of West Hollywood is reminding residents about adjustments to trash and recycling services during the holiday season.
Athens Services, the city’s solid waste hauler, will not collect trash on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, or New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Trash collection services will resume one day later than the regular schedule for the remainder of those weeks.
Residents can recycle holiday trees through Athens Services on regular pickup days from Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, through Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. To ensure collection:
• Remove stands, ornaments, lights, and tinsel.
• Place trees at the curb.
• Cut trees longer than six feet in half.
• Do not place trees in plastic bags, as they can damage chipping equipment.
• Trees treated with flocking or fire retardants will not be accepted.
After Jan. 11, trees must be cut up and
placed in yard waste containers for disposal.
Residents are encouraged to recycle gift boxes, wrapping paper, and other paper packaging with their regular paper and cardboard recycling.
For electronics being replaced during the holidays, residents can:
• Take items to the UCLA S.A.F.E. DropOff Center by calling 1-800-773-2489 for more information.
• Schedule an e-waste pickup with Athens Services by visiting the city’s Trash and Recycling page at weho.org/trashrecycling.
Bulky items, such as refrigerators or carpeting, can be picked up at no charge, with a limit of two items. To schedule a pickup, call Athens Services at (888) 3366100.
For households generating more trash than usual, Athens Services offers extra trash and recycling services. Residents should avoid placing excess trash or recycling on the ground and instead contact Athens Services to schedule additional bin pickups.
For more details or to arrange extra services, contact Athens Services’ Customer Service Office at (888) 3366100. For those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) for California Relay Service assistance.
The City of West Hollywood is promoting the economic benefits of the San Vicente-Fairfax alignment for the Metro K Line North project, based on an economic impact analysis conducted by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) in partnership with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. The findings highlight substantial local and regional economic growth if this route is chosen. You can read the full report on Supervisor Horvath’s website.
A video outlining the benefits of the San Vicente-Fairfax route is available on the City of West Hollywood’s WeHoTV YouTube channel.
The report estimates that the San Vicente-Fairfax route would generate $22.5 billion in total economic output, create over 123,000 jobs in Los Angeles
County, and generate $9.7 billion in labor income. Additionally, the project would support more than 3,400 jobs in the tourism sector and contribute over $300 million annually to the County’s gross product. Ongoing operations of the K Line North are expected to create over 4,000 additional jobs across the economy.
In West Hollywood, the economic impact is also significant. The construction phase alone is projected to generate $5.7 billion in economic output, create nearly 35,000 jobs, and generate $2.8 billion in labor income within the city.
These findings are expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming Metro Board decision on the project’s alignment and support efforts to secure funding for its implementation. In October 2024, Metro allocated $2.3 million for further technical analysis and conceptual engineering. This funding will address public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), with a focus on strategies to minimize the impact on homes in South Los Angeles. Additionally, $550,000 was approved for increased public outreach as part of the environmental review process.
For years, West Hollywood has
partnered with various local groups, including West Hollywood Advocates for Metro Rail (WHAM) and the All on Board Coalition, to build support for the K Line North project. The city aims to expedite the project’s completion by up to 20 years, offering better regional connectivity and access to underserved communities.
The K Line North project will significantly improve mobility, particularly for residents of underserved areas, by providing a faster and more
convenient connection between Los Angeles International Airport, West Hollywood, Central Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley. If the San VicenteFairfax route is selected, the K Line will also improve access to major healthcare facilities, such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and cultural landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl and the Grove.
For more information on the Metro K Line North project or to sign up for updates, visit www.weho.org/metro.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a warning to pet owners after a voluntary recall of Northwest Naturals Brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food. Samples of the product tested positive for the H5 bird flu virus, prompting concerns about the safety of raw pet food.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed that a house cat contracted H5 bird flu and died after consuming the recalled product. The affected pet food is sold in California, and a list of retailers carrying the product is available on the company’s website.
The recalled pet food is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags labeled "Best if used by" dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/26 B1. Public Health advises pet owners to
dispose of the product immediately to prevent potential harm to their pets.
H5 bird flu can cause severe illness in cats, with symptoms including respiratory distress, neurological issues, liver disease, and rapid deterioration leading to death.
Public Health recently confirmed H5 bird flu in four house cats that consumed recalled raw milk. All four cats became ill and died.
An ongoing investigation has also identified three additional suspected cases of H5 bird flu in house cats from another household. One cat tested positive for Influenza A, a rare finding in cats that suggests potential exposure to bird flu.
Two others, who died from worsening respiratory symptoms, are presumed to have been infected.
Residents are advised to avoid feeding pets raw pet food, raw milk, or raw meat products, as these can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses, including H5 bird flu.
Public Health emphasizes that consuming raw milk and meat is never recommended due to associated health risks. The current bird flu outbreak has heightened these concerns, with the virus spreading among
dairy cattle and being detected in raw milk products.
Pet owners who fed their pets the
recalled product or any raw food and notice symptoms of illness should contact their veterinarian immediately.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has launched the Los Angeles County Medical Debt Relief Program, an initiative aimed at addressing the mounting crisis of medical debt that disproportionately affects low-income and vulnerable communities across the region.
The program, developed by the Medical Debt Coalition, will initially wipe out $500 million in medical debt using a $5 million investment approved by the LA County Board of Supervisors through a motion introduced by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Holly Mitchell. By purchasing medical debt for pennies on the dollar, the program targets past-due bills for qualifying low-income residents.
The coalition’s broader goal is to eliminate $2 billion in medical debt for LA County residents, with support from philanthropic partners, health plans, and hospitals. L.A. Care Health Plan
has contributed $2 million to the effort, while the Los Angeles County Medical Association has funded an additional $1 million in debt relief.
Participating hospitals include MLK Community Hospital and Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital. These hospitals will partner with Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit, to retire medical bills for qualifying residents—those earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Residents do not need to apply; they will receive notification by mail when their debts have been canceled.
“There are thousands of people in our communities who could work for the rest of their lives and never get out from under the debt they incurred from seeking the care they needed,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This opportunity to relieve that burden is County government at its best.”
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the LA County Department of Public Health, called the launch “a critical step forward,” adding, “We are deeply grateful to our many partners who share our commitment to tackling the devastating damage of medical debt. Together, we are working to ensure that every resident has a fair and just opportunity to achieve and maintain good health.”
Medical debt impacts roughly 785,000
adults in LA County—about one in 10 residents—creating barriers to essential healthcare and forcing families to choose between medical treatment and basic needs like housing or food. The issue disproportionately affects low-income households and communities of color, including Latinx, Black, American Indian, and Pacific Islander residents.
In 2022, medical debt in the county surpassed $2.9 billion, up $300 million from the prior year. Even insured residents
face risk due to high out-of-pocket costs that can accumulate quickly, undermining financial stability and contributing to delays in necessary medical care.
Residents struggling with unexpected or unmanageable medical bills can visit the LA County Public Health website at publichealth.lacounty.gov/hccp/ medicalDebt for resources, including applications for discounted hospital services, legal assistance, and consumer counseling.
A call at 3:40 a.m. jolts you from a deep sleep.
What day is it? What time is it?
A few short hours from now is the time you’re supposed to wake up, hurry the kids to school and yourself to work. But you know from the pit in your stomach, that call is important.
It’s the one no one wants to get — your father, in his 80s, had a fall. Luckily, he wore an emergency alert system that notified responders immediately.
“We’re transferring him to the hospital. A broken hip and dislocated shoulder,” responders say, as your body responds to the incident before your mind does, awakening a deep sorrow and your will to sit up. At the hospital, dad is headed into surgery. The waiting, and the racing thoughts begin as dad — blissfully under anesthesia — enters the operating room. What happens next? Is he safe at home? Does he need a caregiver? Who will prepare meals for him? Does he need mobility equipment? How can I prevent my father from falling, but also care for my immediate family.
This is what you call a “perfect storm,” scenario that happens so often and anticipated by families with aging loved ones. These is the moment that Safely Home Again becomes your resource: to help you and assist you. A small business that assures you and your family have a home that is as hazard-free as possible, and the management of your loved one is underway.
Through case management and home and fall safety assessments, Safely Home Again, founded by Los Angeles native Madeline Fry, helps aging adults maintain their independence and live worry-free in the comfort of their home.
Safely Home Again assesses fall risks and hazards in the home, recommending safety measures that families can take to prevent accidents. The 240+ point assessment tool, which requires a certification to conduct, looks for hazards that exist in and around the living space. Hazards may include poor outdoor lighting, inadequate wheelchair ramp, unsafe staircases and more. Once the hazards are found, Safely Home Again provides solutions and vendors who can then be available to complete the actual modifications.
“We become your consultant, advocate and family member,” Fry said.
Caring for aging parents and loved ones is a weight few can carry, but with Safely Home Again, you aren’t doing it alone.
“We’re here for you, so you can get back
to what you need to do. Whether that’s your family time, anniversary celebration, piano recitals or basketball games. To see you through those moments — the good and the bad — Safely Home Again’s services are the assurance you and your family needs.
Safely Home Again also aids with discharge planning upon leaving a hospital, skilled or rehabilitation facility; orders and schedules lifestyle services such as the delivery of medical mobility equipment, meal delivery; and choosing of caregivers.
Safely Home Again is the simple solution for complex issues that, in scenarios like the one above, are hard to navigate without professional help.
“If you find yourself in a similar situation, reach out to us. We’ve got your back, we’ve got your loved ones’ backs, and most importantly, we’re here for you,” Fry said.
To learn more about Safely Home Again and to schedule a safety assessment, visit SafelyHomeAgain.com.
Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity Review, an ambitious journal dedicated to capturing the narratives of urban life from around the world. Founded by Genaro Trejo, a former investor turned arts advocate, Megacity Review has emerged as a platform for voices often sidelined in mainstream media, including those from LGBTQ+ communities. With roots in East Los Angeles and a career spanning continents, Trejo merges his local insight with a global vision, celebrating the diversity of urban life.
Trejo’s journey to creating Megacity Review is one of passion and purpose. Raised in East LA, he studied political science and Chicano Studies at UCLA and earned a master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago. His career led him through Latin America and Asia as a private investor, where he observed the challenges and complexities of urban landscapes in cities like Mexico City and Shanghai. Eventually, he shifted his focus to nonprofit work in Los Angeles,
serving as COO of Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) while partnering with groups like the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Weingart Foundation. Now, Megacity Review blends Trejo’s business expertise with his commitment to the arts, creating a platform for voices seldom heard.
“Cities are filled with dynamic people and untold stories,” Trejo says. “My goal with Megacity Review was to create a space that captures urban experiences from every angle. Cities are rich, complex spaces, and we want the journal to reflect that.”
A Fresh, Inclusive Voice in LA’s Westside Literary Scene
The debut issue of Megacity Review demonstrates the journal’s commitment to diversity in both content and contributors. With pieces by New York Timesrecognized artist Lauren Halsey and Vietnamese American writer Lynn Lieu, the issue delves into themes of identity and culture. Lieu’s story, “Eyebrows,” explores body dysmorphia and cultural pressures, offering readers a candid, authentic perspective.
Other contributors include Lisa McKamy, a managing editor at the University of Chicago Press, and Robinne Lee, author of The Idea of You, whose presence underscores Megacity’s mission of inclusivity. Inspired by The Paris Review, the journal combines uncoated text pages with semi-gloss inserts to elevate its art features, giving readers an immersive experience that’s both visually and tactilely engaging.
From Global Investment to Local Impact
Trejo’s career path, from global investment to community work in Los Angeles, gives him a unique lens through which he views urban life. His years as an investor in Latin America and Asia brought him a deep understanding of urban challenges. Now, he applies this knowledge locally, serving on boards like The Survivor Center (formerly The Center for Law and Justice) and PS Science, where he channels his expertise into community work.
“After years in business, I wanted to bring that experience to the literary arts,”
Trejo says. “Megacity Review allows me to support both emerging and established voices, showcasing stories that shape city life.”
A Platform for Urban Arts and Global Perspectives
Available for pre-order at megacityreview.org, Megacity Review invites readers across Santa Monica, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and the broader Westside to engage with the diverse realities of city life. Trejo hopes the journal will become a staple for those interested in urban stories that matter, whether they’re readers in Los Angeles or global citizens.
With its debut, Megacity Review is more than just a publication; it’s a movement. Advocating for free expression and connecting people through stories, it reveals the depth, beauty, and resilience of urban communities. Megacity Review is a vital new presence in arts and literature, inviting readers into a world where every city’s story matters.