Pride LA - March 2024

Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias

Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video

By Dolores Quintana

High School Faces Questions After They Fail to Call First Responders or Report to Police

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.

Nex Benedict, a non-binary 16-year-old student at Owasso High School in Owasso, Oklahoma, has died after a fight in the school’s bathroom. Local news coverage of the death refers only to the student’s “unexpected death,” yet the article reports testimony from a friend’s parent that details a savage beating by multiple students.

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.

reposted the video and garnered over 8 million views.

Non-Binary Student Dies After Violent Bathroom Fight at Owasso High School in Oklahoma

The article from KJRH.com quotes the mother of the victim’s friend, who states, “I think complications from brain trauma, head trauma, is what caused it.” She went on to say that three older girls were beating the victim and her daughter in the girl’s bathroom, and eventually, a teacher entered the bathroom and broke the fight up.

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.”

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.”

the hospital that the police were informed about the beating. Nex Benedict was taken to the hospital on the day of the fight, February 7, by a grandparent, who was the child’s primary guardian. Released from the hospital that night, Benedict was taken back to the hospital the next day and died on February 8.

News 23.

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.”

The woman goes on to say, as quoted by KJRH, “I know at one point, one of the girls was pretty much repeatedly beating her head across the floor. She couldn’t walk to the nurses’ station on her own, and the staff didn’t call the ambulance, which amazes me.”

Not only did the staff at Owasso High fail to call an ambulance, but they also did not report the violence to the local police. It was only after the child was taken to

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

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.”

No mention of an ongoing investigation is stated on the local police department’s website or social media, and the Owasso High School website and social media are silent on the subject as well. The only tangentially connected communication from the Owasso Public Schools was a letter sent to parents eight days later that “addresses school safety measures.” that have “been on the minds of many parents and students lately.” as reported by Fox

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

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.”

The news report says that Tiffani Cooper, principal of Owasso High School, says, “The safety of students and staff is, and always will be, our top priority.” However, no mention of the death of a student was mentioned in the news report about the letter. Attempts by local news outlets to get comment were turned away by the school, which said there was an active police investigation, and the police, who said that they were “consumed with the investigation.”

Nex Benedict was laid to rest on February 15, and the teenager’s deadname is used in local news reports and in the GoFundMe set up to pay burial costs.

West Hollywood Launches 2024 Drag Story Hour Season with Miss Barbie-Q

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 they referred to as “fake outrage.”

Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” Premiere at TIFF

The City’s Glamorous Storytime Spectacle Returns

World Premiere of Documentary Was Screened After 20-Minute Delay

By Dolores Quintana

The City of West Hollywood invites families to the 2024 season opener of Drag Story Hour on Saturday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m. The event, held at the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room (625 N. San Vicente Boulevard), will showcase drag performer Miss Barbie-Q. Admission is free, and RSVPs are not required.

The 2024 Drag Story Hour season will continue with events scheduled for Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. on the following dates: April 13, June 29, August 10, October 5, and December 7. For updates, refer to the LA County Public Library calendar of events.

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.”

Established in San Francisco in 2015 by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions, Drag Story Hour received City of West Hollywood funding in 2017. The West Hollywood Drag Story Hour series is produced by Pickle the Drag Queen, the recently appointed Drag Laureate, making history as one of only two Drag Laureates in the United States.

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 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

Drag Story Hour, a recurring series of Saturday morning storytelling sessions by drag performers, caters to children of all ages. The City of West Hollywood collaborates with the West Hollywood Library to create an inclusive and welcoming space for families, promoting the values of diversity, acceptance, and self-expression.

The City of West Hollywood actively supports various arts programs, including Art on the Outside, Arts Grants, City Poet Laureate, Free Theatre in the Parks, Library Exhibits, Summer and Winter Sounds, WeHo Reads, WeHo Pride Arts Festival, and the Urban Art Program. For more information, visit www.weho.org/arts.

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.

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. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

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.

(bik-TAR-vee)

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. © 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0292 04/23

ELIAS SWITCHED TO BIKTARVY

No matter where life takes you, Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Person featured takes BIKTARVY and is compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

Sweet Lady Jane Sparks Hope of Return – Popular Bakery Hints at Reopening Across LA

After Abrupt Closures, Beloved Bakery Hints at a Comeback, Leaving Fans Intrigued

Sweet Lady Jane, a Los Angeles cake bakery institution, shocked cake lovers on January 1 when the bakery abruptly closed all locations and laid off staff without any warning. When we reported on the closure, we noted that the post on the bakery’s social media read that they had made the tough decision to close the bakery after 35 years because “sales are not enough to continue doing business in the state of California, allowing us to service our lease obligations and pay our treasured employees a living wage without passing those costs directly on to you.”

Almost two weeks later, we reported that news broke via the Los Angeles Times that the company had been accused of wage theft by its employees in a class action lawsuit for nearly seven months after blaming the state of California’s policies

for the closure. Sweet Lady Jane had made no mention of this class action lawsuit in their farewell post.

Two days ago, on February 24, Sweet Lady Jane’s social media came back to life, teasing an announcement of some kind. The post read, “Is this thing on? We have some good news to share, but we aren’t quite ready to let the cake out of the box.”

On February 25, a second message appeared on the bakery’s Instagram page which said, “Have you been craving a slice of Triple Berry Cake? Dark chocolate sea salt brownie? What about a curried chicken sandwich? Soup? Same here... We think it’s time for a reunion, don’t you?”

Three hours ago, another message was posted to Sweet Lady Jane’s social media accounts, which seems to confirm a reopening of some kind. The post read, “Can you taste it? Get ready: Encino, Calabassas (sic), Beverly Hills, Larchmont, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.

Comments on the posts seemed wary and suspicious, while some welcomed the bakery back with open arms. No other information is known as of now, and we are attempting to reach out to confirm these posts. We will update readers as soon as we receive a response.

Become Fit ‘N’ Fab Forever With At Home Personal Training

By Susan Payne

“Age is a number, fitness is a lifestyle.”

Santa Monica personal trainer Betsy Mendel truly believes this. Over the last 20 years, Mendel has enjoyed seeing the natural progression of her clients become happier and healthier as they commit to moving their bodies.

This year, Mendel has rebranded her business to encompass a broader spectrum of clients, ages 50 or above, that want to be “Fit n Fab Forever.”

Empowering individuals to unlock their full potential is Mendel’s mission. By providing personalized, results-driven fitness programs, she prioritizes your health and wellness. Through her expert guidance, motivational support and her commitment to a positive and supportive environment, Mendel wants to inspire and guide clients on their journey to achieve fitness goals, enhance their overall health and cultivate a sustainable, lifelong commitment to physical and mental well being.

“Everything starts from moving more. Move a muscle, change a mood. As you start moving your body, you start feeling good, taking better care of yourself and making healthier food choices. It’s a natural progression,” Mendel said.

With personal at-home training, Mendel allows her clients the convenience and comfort of their own home, helping them become stronger and giving them the confidence to rebrand their own lifestyle. Whether that be moving more, making improved choices in their personal diets, or wanting to feel stronger, healthier, or more flexible, Mendel meets clients where they are, designs a plan to reach and exceed their goals, and starts them on a journey to live their best life ever.

“During the initial consultation, we go over their goals, if they have injuries, what they’ve been doing, or want to do, and we get to know each other and see if it’s a good fit,” Mendel said. “I love this part because I can share my passion for fitness and ensure that we are on the path to achieving a happier and healthier lifestyle.”

After a thorough review of health histories, Mendel integrates cardio, weights, flexibility and stretching, into a plan customized for each client, depending on their history and capabilities. With a flexible schedule, Mendel sets aside time with each client and is often an accountability partner for them.

“Most people just want to get in better shape and stay active. They want to be able to play pickleball, or get on the floor with their grandchildren, they just want to feel

better. I’ve seen clients go from lacking confidence, not thinking they can do it, to looking forward to the workout and seeing that lifestyle change and how far they’ve come. It’s a beautiful transformation,” she said.

Although she specializes in ages 50 and above, Mendel welcomes clients of all ages, and even couples who wish to get stronger together.

“I have couples that train together and they really enjoy the togetherness and bonding experience,” Mendel said.

“It’s important to stay in shape as you get older. A lot of people want to work out, but don’t feel comfortable in a gym. Some are lacking accountability, but they have it coming now with Fit n Fab Forever. Being able to work out from home, I strive to make them feel at ease.”

With 20 years of experience, Mendel has culminated a wealth of success stories and testimonials from her clients:

“All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you! You’ve made such a difference in my life!”

To get in touch with Betsy Mendel and get a custom workout schedule in place, visit fitnfabforever.com, or email westsidebetsy@gmail.com. Better yet, call or text 310-980-1477.

Downtown Wellness Center Bridges Gap Between Psychedelics and Meditation

By Zach Armstrong

The solution isn’t OUT there. It’s IN there… Somewhere deep within yourself.

In the field of alternative therapies, there is an emerging interest in psychedelics and deep meditation. However, those practices have their own limitations. Even the most fundamental forms of meditation require patience on top of long-term periods of practice in order to hone the skill. And while LSD, psilocybin, DMT and other psychoactive drugs offer an eye-opening journey (your third eye that is), users may be vulnerable to negative episodes and loss of control to exit the trip when they want.

Reality Center, a Santa Monica-based startup bridges these gaps with what the founders term, “digital psychedelics.” Located at 1428 2nd Street, Reality Center has the calming feel of a therapist’s office, quietly removed from the bustle of the Promenade, just outside.

At one end of the treatment chamber, a relaxing space reminiscent of a massage area within a recording studio, enhanced with lysergic decor, clients meet the one who synchronizes all of the elements of a treatment, a ’Reality Manager’ who directs the session from behind a set up of controls. This person takes on the dual role of therapist and DJ. Based on co-founder Don Estes’ theory of ‘Sensory Resonance,’ which posits that the autonomic nervous system can be reset by harmonizing its various senses,

the reality manager mixes the sound and visuals of the technology just right for the client to enter a nearmeditative state.

During 30 minute to hour-long sessions, a client lies on a wave table, which is basically a massage tablesize waterbed filled with minerals which regulate the vibrating impedance of two 15-inch transducers (akin to subwoofers) embedded at the base. A pair of noise-canceling headphones are placed over the client’s ears, an additional small transducer (in the form of a stuffed animal dolphin) is placed over the heart and two LED visor lights are placed over the eyes. All of these elements are synchronized to the same frequency, manifesting a psychedelic-style journey for the client, while he or she closes their eyes, exuding no effort for the experience to come.

I underwent a one-hour session. I can’t recount every single emotion or interpretation I felt. But what I envisioned was a non-stop exhibition of ornate patterns featuring every shape with every shade of every color; rapidly morphing and spiraling before my eyes. At one point, it appeared as though I was propelled down a tunnel walled in colorful symmetries. At another, I hovered above what seemed like a planet surrounded by a billion specks of dust. For whatever reason, I interpreted these specks as the individual souls of every breathing organism of the universe. That we are all one, together, connected in complex ways.

But no two clients have the same experience. Often, their emotional reactions, and resulting shifts

in mentality, correspond to their particular trauma or stress. For example, if a client has difficulty connecting with others, they may no longer feel that struggle after a session. These experiences often trigger tears of relief, said Reality Center Co-Founder Jonathan Chia.

A combat infantry veteran of the Iraq War, Chia founded Reality Center two years ago alongside partners Tarun Raj, Don Estes and Benji Tucker. After obtaining a degree in digital photography, he enjoyed a career photographing and directing multimedia content for some of the world’s biggest brands, celebrities, thought leaders and politicians. Like many veterans, he initially turned to drugs and alcohol as a path to self-medication. His business partner, Raj, introduced him to a better way of alleviating pain: Reiki; an energy healing technique using soft hand motions. Concurrently, he was documenting and working with nonprofits that provide experiences like - hiking with psychedelics, golf with meditation and various equestrian programs. He saw how those organizations integrated mindfulness practices that fast tracked his own well-being and did the same for entire communities. Eight years later, he made the entrepreneurial move to foster more of that healing with Reality Center.

While the center is available to the general public for a fee, it has played somewhat of a charitable role within the community. Since undergoing her own session, Dr. Gina Gallivan, Lead Clinical Psychologist for over 60 local agencies, has partnered with the

center to refer clients (police, first responders, firemen, etc). According to Chia, 500 veterans in the last two years have been provided free sessions through partnerships with organizations like Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and Veteran Care Group.

One segment of clientele which Reality Center has seen results from are those suffering the loss of a loved one, hoping to connect with them on the other side, but never feeling their presence or energy. Chia says one client, the widow of a police officer, couldn’t sleep since her partner was killed in the line of duty. When her session finished, she felt rejuvenated but didn’t feel she could connect with her husband. The next morning, however, she texted Chia ebullient news: Not only had she slept through the entire night, she dreamt. Not only did she dream, she dreamt of her husband. In her dream, she explained, he looked happy and told her, “I love you.”

“All of the work we have done in the Veteran community has enabled us to reach the front door of other communities like police, firefighters, first responders, doctors and clinicians,” said Chia.

Future plans include selling individual devices for customers to replicate the experience within the comfort of their home. An annual subscription for an App, along with purchases of goggles and transducers (controlled by the App), may be offered as soon as Winter of 2025. An expansion of Reality Centers is also anticipated soon across major U.S. cities.

One Whole Life: Health Starts in Your Gut

Los Angeles-based broth company, OWL Venice,

is on a mission to heal the world. OWL stands for One Whole Life and they believe that to heal the world, you must first heal yourself, which is where their Reset cleanse comes in.

The OWL Reset combines the wisdom of Chinese medicine, ayurveda and chronobiology. On the Reset, their broth elixirs and plant-based shakes work synergistically to provide a simple, powerful way to maintain your gastrointestinal health and digestion.

Broth is an effective way to treat intestinal permeability, but OWL Venice bone broth elixirs aren’t like other traditional stock.

They are free of inflammatory foods like onion and garlic, and simmered with healing herbs that reduce inflammation, heal the gut and aid in digestion. They are formulated to be sipped like tea and provide healing benefits from both the plants and bones.

While other cleanse programs deplete the body of essential nutrients, the OWL Reset is formulated to nourish the body, heal the gut and promote holistic wellness. Packed with healing herbs, minerals, collagen, protein and key superfoods, this is a modern day cleanse that helps people curb cravings and manage weight while restoring and repairing the gastrointestinal system, commonly known as the gut.

But, why reset?

OWL founder Lindsey Wilson says the word cleanse implies that you may not already be clean to begin with, but your body is actually healing itself all the time.

“Our body uses about 60% of its energy on digesting food. So, the idea of switching to an all-liquid reset is that the body is able to spend less energy digesting food and more energy doing what it does best, which is repairing and healing the body,” Wilson says.

Currently, OWL offers chicken, turkey, beef, bison and vegan mineral broth elixirs in a four-, six- and eight-day reset cleanse program to heal and seal the gut. Each day of the Reset comprises three broth elixirs and three organic mylkshakes, a nourishing blend of hemp hearts, veggies, roots and functional herbs designed to improve digestive performance and reduce inflammation.

“Resetting helps you re-establish healthier habits and reconnect you with those hunger cues so you realize when you’re eating because you’re hungry versus when you’re eating because you’re tired, lonely, stressed or sad,” Wilson said.

A beneficial time to detoxify the body and

tap into increased energy and confidence, clearer skin, reduced stress, stable adrenals and a healthier lifestyle, is spring, right around the corner.

“Spring and summer are the best times to have a lower caloric intake. A traditional reset I would recommend only in summer because it is hotter and the body is better able to digest raw foods,” Wilson said. “However, the OWL Reset is designed to be done year-round because of its warm broths and whole fruit and vegetable shakes.”

OWL products are void of common food allergens such as gluten, dairy, garlic, nuts, onion, added sugar and inflammatory ingredients. Using chronobiology, the idea of eating foods at a specific time of day based on a living organism’s utilization of light as indirect energy, each ingredient in the reset intentionally considers alignment with circadian rhythm. This supports prime digestion and absorption of nutrients morning, afternoon and evening.

If you feel hungry during the reset,

OWL includes a list of cleanse-approved foods that won’t negate the benefits of the Reset. Because there’s no one-size-fitsall approach to health and nutrition, OWL encourages listening to your body and finding routines, practices and preferences that work for you.

“The OWL Reset is designed for bioindividuality, taking into account those who have to follow various restrictive diets or protocols to heal digestive issues, those with autoimmune conditions, or anyone that has a compromised gut. We work with a specific list of ingredients to make the reset as approachable as possible,” Wilson said.

OWL Venice products are sold throughout Los Angeles county and OWL’s brick and mortar location in Venice at 1613 Abbot Kinney Boulevard. To explore bone broth elixirs, mylkshakes, supplements and skincare products and learn more about the OWL Reset, visit owlvenice.com.

Silence Surrounding Tragic Death of Nex Benedict Sparks Outrage, While Local Authorities React Belatedly

International Attention Forces Authorities to Address Non-binary Student’s Death

The disturbing death of 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict in Owasso, Oklahoma, after a vicious fight in a school bathroom, which we reported on earlier this week, has become international news. Authorities in Owasso, the school, the school district, the police, and the superintendent of schools in Oklahoma, Ryan Walters, remained suspiciously silent since Benedict’s death on February 8 and the child’s burial on February 15.

It wasn’t until multiple stories from many different news outlets throughout the country started publishing stories questioning what really happened and the city’s silence that both the Owasso Police and Owasso Public Schools finally chose to release statements regarding Benedict’s death nearly two weeks after Nex Benedict’s death.

After The Independent from the United Kingdom published an interview with Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, which detailed the

severe head injuries suffered by the teen, according to the Owasso Police Department, and the bruising that Sue Benedict saw on her child’s face, the Owasso Police issued further updates. While both of the original statements expressed that a student’s death was tragic and devasting, it still doesn’t explain their long silence that was only broken after national news reports began to appear. Local members of the community had been reacting angrily on authorities’ social media pages, but it took national and then an international furor to prompt what would be a somewhat normal reaction to such a tragedy.

While the investigation update from the Owasso Police has stated that the coroner’s autopsy is complete, they have declined to release the results, citing pending toxicology reports and other ancillary testing results. They have claimed that Nex Benedict’s death was not the result of trauma and stated that the investigation is ongoing.

However, a report from The Oklahoman has revealed that the Owasso Police sought a warrant to collect evidence from Owasso High School, including traces of blood and student property like cell phones and laptops. As quoted by The Oklahoman, Penny Hamrick, Owasso Police detective, the warrant said, “Owasso police officers suspect foul play

involved and need to initiate an in-depth investigation into the death.”

The Oklahoman and The Independent both quote Nex’s family’s statement that they plan to conduct an independent investigation, and The Independent confirms that the other student with Nex was transgender. Nex Benedict had been subjected to bullying for a year that started shortly after the passage of a state bill that required students to use bathrooms that corresponded to their “sex at birth.” The bullying turned into violence on February 7.

The Owasso Police Department, Owasso High School, Owasso School District, and Superintendent Ryan Walters have not responded to our multiple attempts to contact them for comment on this story. Chaya Raichik, the former real estate agent who created the Libs of TikTok social media account, was appointed to the Oklahoma State Library Advisory Committee by Ryan Walters, even though she apparently lives in New York. Raichik has been vocal on Twitter and denies that her social media posts had anything to do with this tragedy after being accused of inflaming LGBTQ+ hate. She has most recently posted a gleeful photo on Twitter where she gives the peace sign and states, “Good afternoon everyone! Even the

haters, losers, and liars.” while making duck face.

Ryan Walters, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Schools, finally issued a statement on Wednesday that does not mention Nex Benedict’s name, “The safety and security of our students is my top priority as well as the first responsibility of Oklahoma schools. I mourn the loss of our student in Owasso and pray for God’s comfort for the family and the entire Owasso community.

As part of Oklahoma’s comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Implementation, I have committed all available resources from OSDE to assist Owasso Public Schools during this tragedy and await the full results of the ongoing investigation of the incident by law enforcement.”

Governor Kevin Stitt also issued a belated statement: “Sarah and I are saddened to learn of the death of Nex Benedict, and our hearts go out to Nex’s family, classmates, and the Owasso community. The death of any child in an Oklahoma school is a tragedy— and bullies must be held accountable.

As we await the results of the investigation, I urge Owasso Police and Owasso Public Schools to be forthcoming and transparent with the public.”

Find Harmony at IntoMeSea: Unveiling Santa Monica’s Quantum Wellness Hub

A Look Into the Healing Studio and Interview with Owner Jen Williams

IntoMeSea, a healing wellness studio located at 1812 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica, radiates peacefulness and calm in a turbulent world. Owner and creator Jen Williams opened the studio in November of 2021 and is having a bit of a pop culture moment since the studio and its services were featured in the February 20 episode of Vanderpump Rules.

The building was designed by environmental architect David Hertz, a leader in sustainable architecture and regenerative design. He has decades of experience in the practice and innovation of green building; the building itself is steeped in beautiful and environmentally conscious design. If it can be said that a building has an aura, IntoMeSea’s studio has one, which is noticeable as you approach it.

I spoke with owner Jen Williams about the studio and all it offers to residents of Santa Monica and beyond.

Dolores Quintana: Tell me a little about IntoMeSea

Jen Williams: We call it Quantum Wellness Studio because we tap into wellness aspects that aren’t typically common in most other places. We have floatation therapy and energetic soaking in crystal tubs, gigantic quartz crystal tubs. We have infrared saunas. We have a halotherapy salt chamber, which is great for the microbiome of our lungs, which is on everyone’s minds since so many people are getting sick. It’s great for that and the immune system and so forth.

We also have fire and ice, which is contrast therapy with the cold plunge and the infrared sauna. We also have a cool light called a Lucia number three; it’s technically a hypnagogic light, which will put a person into the state of hypnagogia, which is the state between wakefulness and

sleep, which actually stimulates alpha and theta brainwaves. It activates the pineal gland. It’s great for insomnia, anxiety and depression. It boosts serotonin levels and increases melatonin output. It’s not to be mistaken with what people think of light therapy as red light therapy; we do have red light in the infrared saunas. If needed, that’s where someone can get the red light, their boost of red light.

Dolores Quintana: So IntoMeSea has a lot of therapies that are centered on wellness, as well as events, correct? Please tell me more about the wellness events.

Jen Williams: We have an event space, and we call it the labyrinth room. There’s a gigantic labyrinth that’s been hand-painted on the floor. The events range from a Full Moon monthly Tarot ceremony with a local tarot reader, Fabio, who is amazing, to past life regression and tea ceremonies to sound baths and breathwork.

We do a weekly breath church on Sundays. There are embodiment and movement classes inspired by movement and dance, breath work, and cacao ceremonies. It really ranges the gamut of energetic work and spirituality work. We don’t prescribe to any one type of spirituality; we like to include everything. It’s a great complement to the services because the services help integrate the work that’s done in a lot of the events.

Dolores Quintana: So you find that the events and services work together harmoniously.

Jen Williams: Very harmonious, and many times, somebody could come and have this fantastic breathwork event and experience these breakthroughs. Then, they can try a float tank and integrate that or in the crystal tub, and many of the services also work well together.

Say somebody wants to work on manifestation. They can do the Lucia Light followed by a session in a crystal tub so that whatever comes up for a person in a Lucia Light service, they can then integrate into the crystal tub service, which is about manifestation and intention setting.

Dolores Quintana: Some of the services might be useful in dealing with issues that someone has in their lives from past events.

Jen Williams: I mean, yeah. If somebody wants to work through clearing blockages or feels stuck somewhere, the Lucia lights are great for that, as well as the crystal tub. We are not therapists; we’re not doctors. We can’t diagnose or treat any particular thing; we want to create a space to allow a person to move through their own experiences.

Dolores Quintana: Could it be used for people who may be at a place where they feel like they want to make some kind of breakthrough? Maybe they want to get through a stagnant period, say they’re low energy, or there may be a specific issue they can’t resolve. If they have repetitive thoughts about something that happened and it is bothering them, but they want just to get away, not get away from it, but help themselves process it because our brains are part of our bodies, so they affect how our body feels and functions.

Jen Williams: Absolutely. The space helps people break through old patterns or old belief systems. We also have an intimacies co-creator. Her name is Martha Lockie, and she does Akashic Records readings. You can book a reading with Martha, especially if they have repetitive patterns or something keeps showing up in their life—a type of relationship or job or, specific thought patterns, and so forth. Martha can do an Akashic Records reading, and Martha has been trained in Akashic Records readings and has been accessing it for many years. She provides a mantra that’s practiced and so forth, and she can guide the person to pinpoint those specific things they might need assistance with. Then, they can integrate it either in a float tank in the crystal tub, with the Lucia light, or a combination of them. Some of the services have physical health aspects, but we also have energetic health aspects as well.

Dolores Quintana: Is there anything else that you might like our readers to know?

Jen Williams: We’re a green business. Everything we do is green-certified with the City of Santa Monica. We really care about the planet, and so forth, sustainability and all our, you know, as much of our packaging as we can do possibly is, you know, either biodegradable plastics or you know, like even when it comes to like our little cellophane wrappers for our Q tips and cotton, cotton pads and so forth, you know, we try to keep everything as green as possible. And if anybody wants to book, they can book directly on the website.

When I originally came up with the concept of IntoMeSea, it was really important for me to create a space where people could come and find their authenticity and connect to their authentic selves. Those people could then collectively take that sense of authenticity into the world.

West Hollywood Initiates Crosswalk Safety Upgrades in Citywide Pedestrian Safety Push

New Local Crosswalk Improvements Have Begun to Bring Safety to the Streets

Demonstrating the city’s ongoing commitment to bolster pedestrian safety citywide, the City of West Hollywood has begun construction of a comprehensive crosswalk improvement project on N. San Vicente Boulevard and Rosewood Avenue.

Scheduled to commence construction activities in February 2024, the project aims to enhance safety features along the chosen intersections, incorporating various upgrades. These include the installation of new curb ramps, pedestrian/bicycle refuge islands, re-grading, and re-paving of existing asphalt pavement. Additionally, the initiative involves striping and signage improvements, relocation of EV charging

stations, and the implementation of pedestrian/bicycle crosswalks equipped with a pedestrian hybrid beacon activated by pedestrians and/or bicyclists.

Anticipated to conclude by July 2024, weather permitting, the crosswalk improvement endeavor aligns with the City’s ongoing commitment to explore diverse measures addressing pedestrian safety. The challenge of managing dense vehicular traffic and pedestrians in close proximity is not unique to West Hollywood but resonates with cities nationwide.

These upgraded crosswalks represent a segment of the City’s comprehensive plan, focusing on three critical areas to enhance pedestrian safety: Engineering, Enforcement, and Education. To learn more about other pedestrian safety updates within West Hollywood go here.

For those seeking additional information about the City’s engineering efforts to enhance safety, please contact the City of West Hollywood’s Department of Public

Gunfire Erupts at Hollywood Hills Super Bowl Party, Two Injured

LAPD Detains Suspects and Recovers Weapons

Gunfire erupted during a Super Bowl party at a residence in the Hollywood Hills, resulting in injuries to two men, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The shooting occurred in the early morning hours of Monday in the 1600 block of N Crescent Heights Blvd. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but both victims, identified as individuals in

their 20s, were transported to the hospital in stable condition.

Two potential suspects have been apprehended and are currently undergoing questioning by authorities. Additionally, law enforcement officers discovered two loaded firearms at the rear of the rental property.

Neighborhood residents have expressed concerns about the location, noting past disturbances associated with the residence. “Something’s got to change,” remarked a local resident during an interview with ABC7. “We don’t want this to continue. We want the city to do something.”

Photo by Ed Gandara