July 4 ICE Raid on WeHo Car Wash Ends in Deportation of Local Resident
Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful
Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
Longtime West Hollywood Worker with Family’s Rent Money Taken in Raid
Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video
By Dolores Quintana
A group of masked men and women, without official identification, grabbed at least three people during a Fourth of July raid at a West Hollywood car wash, including a 65-year-old man who had lived in the community for more than three decades. It was an all too familiar scene in Los Angeles since Trump sent these unidentifiable agents into Los Angeles starting a month ago, but this was the first time, that we know of, that a West Hollywood business was raided.
Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is facing criticism from conservatives following the circulation of a video showing him being spanked by a drag queen during an event on the weekend of September 10. Anthony has responded that some of his critics are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the incident was harmless.
In the video, posted by the Wisenuts podcast, Mayor Anthony is seen being spanked by a drag artist, backed by the Village People’s “Macho Man.” Anthony described the events as “shenanigans” and emphasized that it was
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid occurred around 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Palm Car Wash on Santa Monica Boulevard. According to family members, Silvestre Jiménez Gómez was at work when he was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. He had been carrying money to pay his family’s rent at the time of the incident.
WeHo Times was the first to report the story and posted this video from someone who was at the car wash while the
employees were being taken away. <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@ wehotimes/video/7523326091029777694" data-video-id="7523326091029777694" style="max-width: 605px;minwidth: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@wehotimes" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ wehotimes?refer=embed">@wehotimes</
all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a prominent hate group.
In a post on his Instagram account, Anthony stated, “For several days, extremist right-wing organizations, including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate. I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”
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
a> There was an ICE raid in the city of West Hollywood on 4th of July, at Santa Palm Car Wash at 8787 Santa Monica Blvd. According to reports, 3 people— Possibly 4 were taken. The raid happened at 11am. The manager at the car wash says they were in and out in about 10 minutes. They blocked the driveway and chaos ensued. One man was tackled in the nearby alleyway. The manager says the employees have been working there for many years. Video by @jasonrobert21 <a title="wehotimes" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ wehotimes?refer=embed">#wehotimes</ a> <a title="wehonews" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ wehonews?refer=embed">#wehonews</ a> <a title="wehocity" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ wehocity?refer=embed">#wehocity</ a> <a title="westhollywood" target="_ blank" href="https://www.tiktok.
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.”
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.”
com/tag/westhollywood?refer=embed ">#westhollywood</a> <a title="weho" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok. com/tag/weho?refer=embed">#weho</ a> <a title="lasd" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/ tag/lasd?refer=embed">#lasd</ a> <a title="ice" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ ice?refer=embed">#ice</a> <a title="iceraids" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ iceraids?refer=embed">#iceraids</a> @ City of West Hollywood <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - WEHO TIMES" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/ original-sound-7523326077092907807?re fer=embed">♬ original sound - WEHO TIMES</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok. com/embed.js"></script>
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
Also detained was Juan Carlos DelgadoAbelino, another worker at the car wash. A fourth person may have also been taken into custody, though that has not been confirmed by federal authorities.
Jiménez Gómez’s son, Edgar Jiménez, said the arrest and subsequent deportation devastated their family. He confirmed his father chose to return voluntarily to Mexico rather than remain in U.S. custody.
“He didn’t want to be handcuffed, shackled, and treated like a criminal,”
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
Edgar Jiménez said.
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.”
Jiménez Gómez leaves behind five children and five grandchildren in the U.S., according to his family. With the rent money still in his possession when detained, his wife had to urgently find another way to cover the family’s housing expenses.
In response, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the financial impact.
Broadway Star and Singer Adam Lambert Sells
Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened.
Glam Hollywood Hills Home for $6.2 Million
Lambert Unloads
Customized Estate
With Infinity Pool, Motor Court
By Dolores Quintana
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.”
records. Built in 1952 and extensively renovated since, the 5,028-square-foot residence closed Monday in a deal brokered by Greg Holcomb of Carolwood Estates. Dennis DeWalt and Brandon Meneses of The Beverly Hills Estates represented the buyer.
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 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.
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.
Singer and Broadway performer Adam Lambert has sold his custom-upgraded Hollywood Hills residence for $6.2 million, roughly $1.2 million below its original listing price.
The modern home, perched above the Sunset Strip, entered the market in early May for $7.375 million and found a buyer earlier this week, according to property
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
Lambert, 43, purchased the fourbedroom, six-bath property in 2018 for $6.5 million. Known for his breakout on American Idol and recent stage role as the Emcee in Broadway’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, the singer had personalized the home with high-end upgrades to match his glam-rock persona.
The white-stucco home embraces open-concept design, maximizing
indoor-outdoor flow with pocketing glass walls and a layout centered around entertainment. A large chef’s kitchen with a striking eight-seat stone island leads to a backyard complete with an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and L-shaped infinity-edge pool overlooking the city. A motor court, considered rare for the hills, accommodates guest parking.
Each bedroom features an en suite bathroom, while a gym space offers potential for conversion into a fifth bedroom. The primary suite, described by Holcomb as “pure rockstar glam,” includes dual walk-in closets and a glass-walled shower with panoramic views of Los Angeles.
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The Third Place Reinvented: Why Kavahana Is Becoming LA’s New Favorite Hangout Spot
In a city full of coffee shops that close too early and bars that don’t cater to the sober (or sober-curious) crowd, Kavahana is carving out something new: a place to be. More than just a spot for drinks, work, or weekends, Kavahana is quickly becoming Santa Monica's go-to "third place" for any occasion—from morning coffee to date nights.
Tucked on Pico Boulevard just blocks from the beach, Kavahana blends cozy café comfort with the spark of a community hub. It opens early, stays open late, and draws everyone from sunrise surfers to midnight creatives. But it’s not just the hours that make it special.
Kava Nectar: The Tingly Drink That Actually “Works”
At the center of the Kavahana experience is Kava Nectar, a natural, non-alcoholic beverage made from the root of the kava plant. Long used in ceremonial settings across the South Pacific Islands and Hawaii, kava is a family drink known for its relaxing, smile-inducing properties. Kavahana’s version, Kava Nectar, is cold-pressed, potent, and one-of-a-kind in the United States.
You’ll feel it. Most people notice a gentle tingle on the tongue, followed by a wave of relaxed energy and ease. Some describe it as “a mental massage” or “a hot tub for your mind.” Others just say it helps them feel genuinely happy, social, and present without alcohol or anything synthetic. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the feeling doesn’t fade.
Kavahana’s signature cocktails showcase kava nectar with real, natural ingredients like mango, ginger, spirulina, and coconut cream. They’re delicious, effective, and zero-proof. This is one wellness drink you can actually feel working.
Not Into Kava Nectar Yet? No Problem. Kava not your thing (yet)? Kavahana’s menu goes beyond. Their Hawaiian-sourced Kona coffee is low-acid, smooth, and bold without bitterness. Or try hojicha, a roasted green tea from Japan that’s rich, nutty, and
naturally low in caffeine.
The team is friendly and happy to walk you through the options. You’ll probably try something new, and you’ll probably love it.
Food-wise, Kavahana offers island-inspired snacks that hit the sweet spot between satisfying and light.
Where You Can Hang Past 5 PM
With plenty of seating, fast Wi-Fi, and an unusual abundance of power outlets, it’s ideal for remote work, studying, or just posting up with a book. The vibe is welcoming and relaxed, with just the right level of background buzz. And unlike most cafés that close by late afternoon, Kavahana stays open late, often until 1 AM on weekends.
It’s one of the only places on the Westside where you can hang out after dark without
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drinking alcohol.
Every week, Kavahana hosts free events like Open Mic Night (Tuesdays) and Comedy Night (Wednesdays). Regulars say it’s one of the most welcoming crowds in town.
Whether you’re there to perform, support a friend, or just unwind after work, there’s a sense of shared energy and presence that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Visit Kavahana
306 Pico Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90405
Open daily (morning to late night)
Tuesdays: Open Mic Night
Wednesdays: Comedy Night
Website: Kavahana.com
Instagram: @kavahanabar
Going for the throat
Coach Bill Schuman expects protégé Golda Zahra to hold back nothing
By Linda Chase
World famous competitors hire special coaches to make sure they are ready for critical events. These experts concentrate on specific muscles that are vital for success.
Bill Schuman focuses on “two pieces of gristle in the throat.”
That’s how Schuman described vocal cords in a recent interview. For his young client, Golda Zahra, they aren’t for chatting on her phone or making Tik-Tok videos. She will need them to be flexible and powerful for her performance in Puccini’s Turandot in Disney Hall on Aug. 16.
Zahra is playing the role of Liu in a concert version of the opera being presented by Pacific Music Festival. The cast also features Nina Warren in the title role, Alfred Kim as Calaf and Andrew Potter as Timur, plus the Opera Chorus of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Dream Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Suk.
Schuman looks at Zahra’s voice as an instrument she plays, but which she can never put away. “She carries that Stradivarius around with her all day,” he said.
Nedra Zachary, who runs the prestigious Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition, introduced Zahra to Schuman, and he discovered, “Her voice was beautiful.”
But that’s just the beginning for an aspiring performer, according to Schuman, a vocal coach who’s worked with opera stars Marcello Giordani, Lisette Oropesa, Stephen Costello, Michael Fabiano and Angela Meade -- and also with singers from the worlds of Broadway and pop music, such as Judy McLane, Anne Crumb, Michael Jackson and Michael Bolton.
Did Zahra have the three essential qualities that he knows are the keys to success — humility, discipline, and curiosity? “Not everyone has the openness to learn,” he noted. As he began to work with her, he found that Zahra was willing to put in the work and make the necessary sacrifices.
“Bill cleaned up the rough edges,” Zahra said in an interview. “He has the magic touch.”
Schuman’s approach asks the singer to seek out the emotion in music and make each aria unique. For Turandot, he’s preparing her for a role that requires fragility as well as vocal beauty. “She will be stunning as Liu,” he asserted.
The story of Turandot’s first performance is as dramatic as the opera itself. Puccini was interested in Asian motifs – one of his most famous operas is Madame Butterfly –and he chose a play with a Chinese setting by German writer Friedrich Schiller to set to
music. “I have placed, in this opera, all my soul,” he told a friend, and then he died of throat cancer before he could finish it.
Another composer was hired to fill in the missing work, but on opening night at La Scala in 1926, conductor Arturo Toscanini dropped the baton in the final act and turned to the audience, announcing, “This is the end of the opera, because the Maestro died here.”
The version at Disney Hall will be minus elaborate opera sets and stage effects, but the unamplified singers will have the benefit of the venue’s world-renowned acoustics. Curved walls of vertical-grain Douglas fir and terraced vineyard-style seating create a space where someone sitting in the top row can hear a pin drop on stage.
It will be the third time Zahra has appeared at Disney Hall. In 2015, she sang there in the Spotlight Awards competition and became the youngest winner in the Classical Voice category. In 2024, she performed Liu there in a different production of Turandot.
Schuman supports Zahra’s goal of bringing new audiences to opera. “The music world has changed,” he asserts. “Opera needs to be made more accessible, especially for the younger generation.”
Recalling the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti being criticized for singing in different genres before wider audiences, Schuman notes that “he helped to increase the popularity of opera.” It was Pavarotti who popularized the aria “Nessun Dorma”
(none shall sleep), which will be sung by Alfred Kim as Calaf in the third act.
Even though there isn’t a lot of action in a concert presentation of an opera, audiences can expect Zahra, who is a huge fan of horror films, to come up with something special when she sacrifices herself to love. It’s probably not exactly what Schuman has in mind when he tells his singers to “bring the drama.”
He has high hopes for his protégé. “She can go to the very top, if she wants it,” he said, because “that mystical thing that we call charisma: Golda has it.”
Linda Chase is a freelance writer based in Santa Barbara specializing in the arts, travel and lifestyle. This feature is produced by the Journalism Arts Initiative, which is underwritten by donations from arts organizations and others interested in supporting excellence in arts journalism.
INFO BOX
“Turandot in Concert,” presented by Pacific Festival, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Ages 9 and older. Tickets, $33 to $105, including all fees, are available at www.TurandotConcert.com
The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration
After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah
We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator of The Dinah, the weekend music festival in Palm Springs held in September, which welcomes, primarily, lesbian and non-binary people. For 34 years, The Dinah has been a beacon of visibility, joy, and community.
After the announcement that Hanson would end her responsibilities and leadership of The Dinah, we spoke with her about her legacy, the festival, and what she sees in the future for the community, as well as the possibility of The Dinah’s return.
Dolores Quintana: I was surprised to learn that you're stepping away from running The Dinah, which you created. I'd love to ask you a few questions about that decision.
Mariah Hanson: Sure, happy to talk about it.
Dolores: I know you've been at the helm of this for decades, but let’s get right to it—why have you decided to step back now? What was your thought process?
Mariah: That’s a great question—and one I’ve been asked more than any other in recent years. People were always asking, "When will you pass the torch?" And then when I finally announced I was doing it, the reaction was: "Wait, what?" [Laughs] But really, I’m turning 65 this year. I've been producing The Dinah for 34 years and working in events for 36. I feel it’s time to pivot toward other priorities in my life.
Dolores: That makes sense.
Mariah: It also feels like the right time for someone else to bring fresh energy and ideas to the event—someone who understands our community as it evolves and can move it forward in an inclusive, thoughtful way.
Dolores: Could you elaborate?
Mariah: I wouldn’t say it changes a lot, but it is always in motion—just like all of us. Growth is constant, and I think it’s essential for The Dinah to reflect that fluidity. I’ve done my best to honor that, and now I hope someone else can bring their own vision to it.
Dolores: That’s a very forward-thinking perspective, especially when so many leaders struggle to let go of power. You’re putting the community and the future of the event above personal control.
Dolores: Absolutely. Five days of joyful community really does make a difference. It might just seem like a party to some people, but it builds connections in meaningful ways.
Mariah: I agree completely.
Dolores: Do you have anyone in mind to take over the event?
Mariah: We’ve received some strong inquiries, and we’re still in the early stages of figuring out the right fit.
Dolores: And what can fans expect from this year’s Dinah in September?
Mariah: This year’s event is going to be special and personal. We’re going back to the core of what The Dinah is—community celebration. Tanisha will be joining us. They’ve been huge advocates for the event and have appeared on The L Word and The Real L Word, where The Dinah was featured. That kind of visibility helped us grow from a national to a global event, and I’m forever
grateful.
Dolores: That’s huge.
Mariah: We're also showcasing regional queer talent—artists we think are on the brink of being signed. It’s a mix of musical surprises, legacy, and looking forward. People who haven’t attended in years are returning, and our longtime fans are coming to celebrate what’s next.
Dolores: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the community?
Mariah: Yes—there’s currently a flash sale on hotel rooms through the property itself, and we’re passing those savings along to our guests.
Dolores: Great to know. I’ll get this story out soon to help spread the word. Thank you so much, Mariah. Your leadership and thoughtful approach are why this event has thrived, and it’s clear how deeply you care about the community.
Mariah: Thank you. That means a lot. But
don’t worry—I’m not running for office! [Laughs]
Dolores: You don’t have to. You’re already a leader.
Mariah: There’s definitely power in producing The Dinah. Whoever steps into this role will step into a very public life and a meaningful responsibility. Power, in itself, isn’t bad—but it has to be managed with integrity. I’ve always been more focused on empowering others than holding power for its own sake. That’s been the goal— empowering my staff, our guests, and the artists. The Dinah is about joy, community, and celebration.
Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV
ATV Plummeted
350 Feet After RearEnding Vehicle in Malibu
Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime friend of Caitlyn Jenner, died on the morning of July 2 in a crash while driving an ATV in the Malibu hills, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on July 2 along the steep and winding Decker Canyon Road, about a quarter mile south of Decker Edison Road. Investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Hutchins was traveling southbound in a 2013 Polaris side-by-side ATV when she collided with the rear of a 2016 Mazda 6.
After the impact, the ATV veered off the roadway and plunged approximately 350 feet down a cliff. Hutchins was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was recovered by a sheriff’s department search and rescue team.
The two women inside the Mazda were uninjured and remained at the scene to cooperate with investigators. One of the occupants, a local real estate agent, had reportedly been in the area for a showing.
Sergeant Eduardo Saucedo of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, based at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, said, ‘It looks like she may have been speeding and rear-ended the other car, the other party, and then that caused her to veer to the right and go off the cliff…‘So it looked like she tried to
maneuver to go around it, but she was going too fast and just ended up clipping the rear end of that Mazda, causing her to veer off and go off the cliff there.”
Sources close to the investigation said Caitlyn Jenner was seen at the crash site while deputies were present. Jenner, 75, later told reporters she was enduring “tough times.”
The damaged ATV remains in the canyon due to its inaccessible location. Authorities stated that the tow company lacked the necessary equipment to retrieve it.
Hutchins, 29, who was transgender, met Jenner in 2015 around the time of Jenner’s gender transition. The two developed a close personal and professional relationship, with Hutchins appearing on Jenner’s reality series I Am Cait and eventually leading her nonprofit foundation.
