Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful
Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
West Hollywood Unveils Powerful Art Installation Advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment
Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video
By Dolores Quintana
Final Impact Campaign by Equal Means Equal Brings a New Photo Installation to West Hollywood
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.
all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a
reposted the video and garnered over 8 million views.
In response to the video, the Libs of TikTok
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
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
Equal Means Equal, a national nonprofit organization, has partnered with the City of West Hollywood, the City Council, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to expand its Final Impact campaign with a large-scale photo installation in West Hollywood. Inspired by French artist JR’s Inside Out Project, this installation, created in collaboration with Branded Arts, will be on display at the West Hollywood Public Library on N. San Vicente Blvd. from October 14 through the end of the year. The installation was photographed by Sonja Nuttall, a board member and lead adviser for Equal Means Equal.
Final Impact aims to highlight the urgency of publishing the ratified Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to address civil
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
and human rights issues affecting women, girls, and the LGBTQ community. The campaign has garnered support from public figures like Patricia Arquette, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Moore, and Cornel West, and follows similar installations in New York City, Colorado Springs, and Traverse City.
“The time for equality is now. Final Impact is about making sure everyone understands how close we are to securing equal rights for all,” said Equal Means Equal founder Kamala Lopez. “We hope our newest art installation will inspire the action needed to finally publish the ERA and guarantee justice for all Americans, regardless of sex or gender.”
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
or the
The organization underscores that only a directive from the President to the U.S. Archivist is needed to publish the ERA, as required for its enactment. Recent statements from the American Bar Association and the League of Women
West Hollywood Election: Preliminary Results
as of
you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what
Voters affirm that the amendment, having been ratified by the required states, awaits only publication for enforcement.
For further details about the installation and the work of Equal Means Equal, visit equalmeansequal.org.
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 security swept the scene and cleared it within Toronto police also clarified that the threat had a general nature
Thursday, November 7, 9:52 a.m.
By Dolores Quintana
Erickson Leads
West Hollywood City Council Race;
Measure WH Approved by Voters
West Hollywood City Council Race:
John M. Erickson is leading in the race for West Hollywood City Council with 27.81% of the vote, followed by Danny Hang at 20.88% and Larry Block at 14.0%. Other candidates include:
• George Nickle: 12.72%
• Zekiah “Z” Wright: 9.48%
• Stefanie Lahart: 5.70%
• Jordan Cockeram: 5.11%
• Rachel Schmeidler: 2.04%
• Dorian J. Jackson: 1.42%
• William West Seegmiller: 0.84%
Measure WH:
Measure WH, which was on the ballot for West Hollywood voters, passed with strong support, receiving 82.25% Yes votes and 17.75% No votes. These results are preliminary and subject to further updates as the vote count continues.
Chef Wes Avila Opens MXO Steakhouse Featuring
Monterrey Cuisine and Wood-Fire Cooking
Celebrate Día de Los Muertos at Mxo
From October 31st to November 2nd
Chef Wes Avila, known for his acclaimed ventures Guerilla Tacos, Angry Egret Dinette, and Ka’Teen, has launched his newest restaurant, MXO Steakhouse, in West Hollywood at 826 North La Cienega Blvd.
MXO, which stands for “Mexican Origins,” is a contemporary Mexican steakhouse that emphasizes wood-fire cooking, inspired by Avila’s recent travels to Monterrey. The bustling culinary scene there ignited the vision for MXO, allowing him to blend his Mexican roots with a modern dining experience.
You can celebrate Día de los Muertos from October 31st to November 2nd at MXO, as a post on their Instagram page says, “Each evening will feature live music and chef specials honoring our loved ones, highlighting the tradition of bringing family together.”
The restaurant is a collaboration between Avila and partners Sam Nazarian, Marc Anthony, and Giancarlo Pagani. After the closure of Angry Egret Dinette earlier this year, fans eagerly awaited Avila’s next culinary chapter. MXO Steakhouse offers an exciting new venture in the heart of West Hollywood’s dining scene
Hours for MXO Steakhouse are Tuesday through Thursday: 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and the eatery is closed on Sunday and Monday.
LADWP to Begin Water Main Replacement on La Cienega Boulevard on November 4
1,300 Feet of Water
Main to Be Replaced, Expect Traffic and Parking Restrictions
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is set to replace a 1,300-foot section of water main along North La Cienega Boulevard between Fountain Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. The project is scheduled to begin the week of November 4, 2024, and is expected to take approximately three months to complete.
Construction will start at Santa Monica Boulevard and proceed northward. Work will occur on weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no activity on weekends or holidays. Parking will be restricted during these hours, and LADWP will post temporary “No Parking” signs in advance. Vehicles parked in the area during work hours may be towed.
To inform residents of upcoming disruptions, electronic message boards have been placed at key locations, including:
Westbound Santa Monica Boulevard,
Wild Fork Foods: The Next Household Name for Protein
By Susan Payne
Wild Fork Foods, a modern-day meat and seafood market, is changing the way people shop for and eat protein.
Carrying more than 700 products, including 450+ meat and seafood in its stores, Wild Fork Foods seizes flavor and cuts waste using a blast freeze method to preserve food quality, extend shelf life and reduce food waste.
Organic, grass fed, free range, all natural, pasture raised, sustainably farmraised and wild caught protein can be found on the shelves, blast frozen and vacuum sealed for an easy, modern protein shopping experience.
“Frozen food allows us to offer the lowest prices on meat without compromising quality and carry the widest selection of protein in the market,” said Paras Tulsiani, regional director for Wild Fork Foods operations in California.
On average, Wild Fork Foods sells product nearly 20% less than a traditional grocery store and offers more selection because of its blast freezing technique. Wild Fork Foods carries Wagyu, Iberico and Berkshire pork, Black Angus, a variety of chicken, poultry and seafood and more in its many Los Angeles locations.
“The more you carry, the more you’re
at risk of losing, but we don’t have that problem. We preserve quality, have an assortment of product and extended shelf life. We’re a destination for protein, meat and seafood, where you can find great quality and a variety of product that is unmatched,” Tulsiani said.
Walking into Wild Fork Food locations, customers can experience a team of associates who go the extra mile — not just greeting but offering samples and providing recommendations on different cuts and solutions for pairing and cooking the meat.
“It’s an all-encompassing experience, we hire people that are passionate about food and that love providing great customer service — at times, something that is lacking at traditional stores,” Tulsiani said. “We also educate customers on the stigma surrounding frozen food.”
Most people enjoy their meat and proteins fresh, but when the product is going bad, typical grocers marinade the meat to extend its shelf life or slow freeze the products with marked down prices.
“When you blast freeze, it has the complete opposite effect that slow freezing has — it’s less damaging to the product, allows the product to thaw faster and helps the meat retain its flavor and nutrients,” Tulsiani said.
Although the meat comes vacuum sealed, Wild Fork Foods’ method of blast freezing enables faster thawing. Something you buy inside the store can be thawed, cooked and thoroughly enjoyed the same day.
On top of a vast selection of protein products, Wild Fork Foods carries a line of pastas, fruit, vegetables, desserts and appetizers, to pair with your protein. The modern day meat and seafood market sources meat ethically — every product is free from 100 commonly found ingredients that do not meet Wild Fork Foods’ high quality standards.
“Most of our beef comes from Colorado and Nebraska — two states renowned for high quality beef. Pork comes from Iowa,
in fact, Iowa has generations of families that built strong family farms raising hogs, processing and production. We source the products where they are meant to be sourced from, and that extends to some of the ready-made meals and appetizers that we carry,” Tulsiani said.
Within an eight mile radius of its locations, Wild Fork Foods offers deliveries and a membership program for delivery.
“Whether you are shopping online or in stores, you are a priority for us and it’s a pleasure to serve you. We appreciate our customers because we learn as much from them as they do from us,” Tulsiani said. For more information, visit WildForkFoods.com.
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 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.
Legendary Tennis Player Billie Jean King Named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade
The Equality Advocate Will Lead the Tradition
Pasadena Parade
Tennis legend and equality advocate Billie Jean King will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses
announced Wednesday. Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales announced at Tournament House, where King arrived to the tune of Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom,” a song famously written in her honor.
King, a trailblazer in both sports and social advocacy, embodies this year’s parade theme, “Best Day Ever!” which celebrates life’s most memorable moments. Known for her impact on and off the tennis court, King was named one
of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by LIFE magazine and was the first female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is also set to become the first individual woman athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. She has also come out in favor of trans athletes in sports.
“We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Billie Jean King as Grand Marshal,” said Morales. “Her groundbreaking contributions have elevated women in sports and created countless ‘Best Day Ever’ moments for
athletes and fans alike.”
As Grand Marshal, King will lead the parade down Colorado Boulevard and take part in the pre-game ceremony at the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 111th Rose Bowl Game.
“Being from Long Beach and growing up in Southern California, I have fond memories of watching the parade with my family,” King said. “I am deeply honored to be named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade. This parade celebrates joy and community and truly represents the ‘Best Day Ever’ for all who attend or watch.”
King’s legendary career and her advocacy for equal rights continue to inspire people around the world, and the Tournament of Roses is excited to honor her extraordinary legacy.
