The Pride LA News: Feb 2025 by Mirror Media Group

WeHo Deputies Detain Suspected Looting

Suspect Posing as Firefighter Near Getty Villa

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

Mayor

Konstantine

Deputies Apprehend Man Dressed in Firefighter Gear Without Proper Identification

Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video

By Dolores Quintana

West Hollywood Sheriff’s deputies detained a potential looting suspect impersonating a firefighter near the Pacific Coast Highway and Coastline Drive during the Palisades Fire evacuation on Saturday, January 11.

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.

Deputies Mazariego and Herrera, stationed at a fixed post in the area, were alerted by a Getty Villa employee about a suspected burglary in progress. The employee described the suspect as wearing a yellow firefighter-style jacket and black boots, riding a red motorbike, and carrying a crowbar.

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

Deputy Mazariego later spotted two men in a restricted area within the evacuation zone, one matching the suspect’s description. Upon being stopped, neither individual could provide identification

supporting their claims, leading to their detention pending further investigation.

The Los Angeles Police Department

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 they referred to as “fake outrage.”

Bomb Threat Temporarily

West Hollywood Deputies Arrest San Bernardino Homicide

Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened.

Suspect on Sierra Bonita

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.”

authorities said.

By Dolores Quintana

The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a momentary setback on Saturday night due to a bomb threat.

Routine Patrol

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

Deputies from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station apprehended a homicide suspect wanted in San Bernardino County while on patrol in West Hollywood,

On Jan. 27, deputies were patrolling the 1000 block of Sierra Bonita Avenue when they observed two individuals they believed were involved in narcotics activity. During their investigation, a records check revealed that one of the men had an outstanding homicide warrant issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The deputies notified San Bernardino County authorities, and the suspect was taken into custody.

The suspect was wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred on Jan. 10 in Fontana. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly attacked a 79-year-old man with a baseball bat at a local business. Authorities said the attack was unprovoked. The victim was hospitalized and later died on Jan. 21.

San Bernardino County investigators had notified surrounding law enforcement agencies, including those in Los Angeles County, that the suspect had known ties to the area.

was referring to the Twitter account, now known as X, called “Libs

(LAPD) has since taken over the case, as the Getty Villa falls within its jurisdiction. Additional support was provided by the

California Highway Patrol (CHP) and other Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) stations during the response.

West Hollywood’s Drag Story Hour Returns for 2025 Season This Week

Family-Friendly Storytelling Series

Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion

The City of West Hollywood will launch its 2025 season of Drag Story Hour on Saturday, Feb. 8, continuing its commitment to celebrating diversity, acceptance, and self-expression through storytelling.

Presented in partnership with the West Hollywood Library, Drag Story Hour features drag performers reading to children of all ages in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The program, originally created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in San Francisco in 2015, first came to West Hollywood in 2017 with funding from the city’s Arts Division.

The West Hollywood series is produced by Drag Arts Lab and Pickle the Drag Queen, who serves as the city’s first Drag Laureate and is only the second Drag Laureate in the United States.

The 2025 season opener will feature drag performer Miss Barbie-Q and take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 8 in the West

Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. The event is free and open to the public, with no RSVP required.

Upcoming Drag Story Hour Dates

• April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. – Featuring Queen Angelina, winner of the 2023 Harvey Milk Day José Sarria Drag Pageant

• June 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. – Featuring West Hollywood Drag Laureate Pickle

• Aug. 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. – Reader to be announced

• Oct. 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. – Reader to be announced

• Dec. 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. – Reader to be announced

West Hollywood offers a variety of arts programs, including temporary and permanent public art installations, grants for artists and nonprofit organizations, and cultural events such as the WeHo Pride Arts Festival and WeHo Reads. More information is available at www.weho.org/ arts.

Quiet Luxury: What’s Inside the New Regent Boutique and Sweet July

The Regent Santa Monica Beach, known for its perfect Santa Monica getaways, or local dining at its Mediterranean-based restaurant Orla by Michael Mina, is home to two of the resort’s luxurious gems: The Regent Boutique and Sweet July.

Heading the boutique is highly experienced curator Regina Cherepinsky, a former brand manager and vice president of marketing for the Kardashian Kollection, who has specialized in luxury retail management for beauty, lifestyle and fashion brands for nearly two decades.

“Those experiences along with my love for travel and understanding the shopping experience while traveling helped me mindfully curate the Regent Boutique

and its focus on female-owned designers, minority-owned brands and local brands that give back or have done good work within the fashion industry,” Cherepinsky said. “Our boutique is specific to Regent and the hotel, but the wonders inside could standalone.”

From jewelry to clothing and keepsakes, Regent Boutique offers a unique, approachable and shoppable experience comprising a number of beloved brands and stories behind each one.

“We carry jewelry from beautiful designers that use raw materials and diamonds to craft the most excellent pieces, and another brand we adore is Love is Project that creates beaded bracelets that in turn, empower women in developing countries to get fair wages,” Cherepinsky said. “Every item and story behind the brands we carry struck a chord with us in some way.”

Regent Boutique is open to the public and resort guests.

“I’ve curated this for the traveler who wants to shop for cozy cashmere or swimwear on her travels, or for locals who’d like to dine at Orla and take a peek at what’s inside the boutique, or the other beautiful outlets within the resort, we have something special for everyone,” Cherepinsky added.

A LOCAL FAVORITE, SWEET JULY

Another Regent Santa Monica Beach outlet that hosts a number of surprises is Sweet July, a grab-and-go cafe brand founded by Ayesha Curry, an entrepreneur, chef and wife of Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry.

The café offers a full espresso menu, coffee bar, pastries, wine, kombuchas, fresh-pressed juice, snacks and more. Ayesha’s hope for the brand Sweet July is to encourage everyone to find their own version of it — whether it’s a feeling, a thought, or phrase, she hopes it will become a movement. Sweet July at Regent Santa Monica Beach is the first cafe location outside of Oakland, California, where the brand’s flagship store is located.

In partnership with renowned Chef Michael Mina, whose newest culinary venture is Orla, also located at Regent Santa Monica Beach, the two have created restaurant concepts in several locations in California and Nevada.

Regent Santa Monica Beach is proud to offer an extension of Curry’s Sweet July brand, which leans into the coffee perspective with crafty syrup, different than traditional syrups. The brand integrates her background into the menu with Jamaican beef patties and Jerk chicken, some of the local favorites.

To experience Santa Monica from a beachfront oasis, visit SantaMonica. RegentHotels.com.

A WELLNESS VOYAGE TO ELEVATE ALL YOUR SENSES

Reserve your first service and receive a complimentary Percussion Gun Massage Enhancement or LED Therapy Facial Enhancement, a $45

Now through January 31, 2025. Not valid with other offers, other restrictions may apply.

Pacific Park Joins Effort to Support Wildfire Relief

Although the devastating Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires that took lives and scorched over 40,000 acres didn’t touch Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier, the impact was close to home for the amusement park.

Nearly two miles from the Pacific Palisades, evacuations were close to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

Although still open, Pacific Park has turned its focus on helping wildfire victims and spreading the word on how to donate to the American Red Cross, The California Community Foundation and Santa MoniCARES — three organizations that are helping Southern California wildfire victims find relief.

In addition, they are assisting Palisades Charter High School to raise funds for building replacement and repairs. Immediate needs include restoring the tech infrastructure, finding temporary space for in-person instruction, funding additional buses for sports and team competitions (none can happen on campus), and replacing lost equipment. To donate directly to Pali High, please go to go.PaliHigh.org/RaisePali.

Looking toward the Ferris wheel, Pacific Park has activated a campaign to support wildfire relief in view of thousands of amusement park visitors. The nine-storytall Pacific Wheel illuminates with direct contact information on how to donate to relief organizations and find resources and information about the wildfires.

“That’s the most important thing for us right now, we want to help the community, that is so important to the Pier. These are people who grew up coming to the Pier and people who work here. The biggest thing we can do for them is raise money,” said Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Pacific Park.

Residents and guests are invited to a special “Locals' Night for Fire Relief” on Thursday, January 23 from 3:30-10 p.m.

The Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park and KTLA will host a fundraiser for LA fire relief to support Palisades Charter High

School, Red Cross, Santa MoniCARES and other local efforts during the evening. In addition to much needed fundraising, it’s a night of music, connection, and care for the community. Guests will enjoy amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and so much more.

“Non-profit organizations are on the front lines working directly with schools, businesses, and families who have lost so much”, Smithson said, “We hope to amplify the message that the most impactful way to help our neighbors is through monetary contributions to the organizations on the ground directly helping those affected by this disaster.”

Working over the weekend with Trumpia, an automated texting software company, messages were activated on the Ferris wheel this week to ensure maximum exposure.

“Trumpia’s sales manager was very helpful in making this happen, they offered tremendous support for us and this fundraising campaign,” Smithson said. “Usually, text codes take up to 14 weeks to create, but we had to expedite the process because of the fires and Trumpia was understanding of that.”

While setting up this campaign, Pacific Park is also working with Santa Monica Travel and Tourism on additional resources. Updating often, the organization compiles a

list of resources available to those in need, including special hotel rates for wildfire victims and first responders. The list can be found here.

“We’re going to try to make this campaign as citywide as possible.” Smithson said. “There are incredible organizations in Los Angeles and Santa Monica doing food and clothing donations for victims and we’re thankful to see the community, nonprofits and businesses stepping up and supporting one another.”

Pacific Park recommends a few trusted resources for information including the City of Santa Monica and Los Angeles County, regularly updated with information on closures, impacts and resources, as well as critical updates and summaries of activity related to the fires.

“As this dynamic situation continues to unfold, there will be more opportunities to collect and distribute in-kind donations and services. At this time, the most impactful way to help those in need is through monetary contributions to organizations with the infrastructure to get those funds to those in need quickly and efficiently,” Smithson added.

Open Arms Art Show Runs Through Mar. 22 in Burbank

Opening Exhibition

Saturday Feb. 8 from 12 to 8 p.m.

More than an art show, the Open Arms Exhibition is an experience of Los Angeles’ cultural history of theater, performances, songs, art and more, that now runs through March 22nd.

Held at Ambience Doré, celebrating 25 years in business, Open Arms is a retrospective show featuring two artists whose symbiotic lives have been dedicated to art and creative exploration.

Foremost, this powerful exhibition showcases the life and fascinating career of Native American Latino SoCal playwright, producer, and artist Josef Rodriguez White Cloud, who goes by “Doc” and contemporary visual artist Mar Dorè, known as M3.

Doc’s “When Quasars Suck and Black Holes Blow,” “Songs of the Singing Glyphs” and “Wormholes Rock in Dead Tattoos” depicts alternative realities of ethnic life: lucha libre figures, mythic cultural symbols, a mother earth figure and skulls moving through the multiple wormholes of alternate parallel worlds.

During the show, guests will take a step back in history to see grassroots theater and hear songs with lyrics and scripts still pertinent to today’s time. You’ll find a fascinating story of how Doc emerged from the farming community in Fowler, California. In high school, he won the National Forensics’ Original Oratory Championship in 1962 which led to more opportunities.

Six years later Doc produced one of the first minority-written plays, “El Manco” produced in American Theater at the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center

in 1968. From there, Doc worked with Luiz Valdez in the early ‘70s in San Juan Bautista with his Native America version of “La Virgen de Tepeyac.” In the San Francisco Bay Area, Doc did performances and theater including work at the Hatley Martin Gallery.

Doc carried on the tradition of the theater through his 1992 production of “The Get Lost Again Columbus Opera” premiering for the National Indigenous People’s Days Protest in Berkely. Written in history as the first native American Opera, you can discover the full history in person including his new Sci-Fi Opera script at the Open Arms Exhibit.

Doc and Mar traveled to Indigenous communities. Doc was instrumental in connecting Engineers without Borders to the Indigenous community of Nueva Catalina De Ixtahuacan, Guatemala. The community was relocated after mudslides from Hurricane Mitch.

The combined art of the two is charged with an unspoken energy. Doc’s theatrical performances, scripts, drawings, paintings and photos are juxtaposed with M3’s abstract contemporary sculptural wall art in metal, rock and mixed media from large to small handheld wearable art.

M3, an MFA graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute, is premiering her original Metal Giest series of 3D paintings and contemporary explorations. This art has been intentionally kept off the internet and out of public exposure. For M3, it represents a lifetime of development and discovery.

Recently, Doc has experienced some medical issues that inspired M3 to celebrate his life through the Open Arms exhibit.

“I want Doc to feel honored for his creative life’s work. Now is the time for him to shine,” M3 said.

“Doc has titled all our shows and my works of art, including this show,” she added. “We welcome all with open arms to see the work and be inspired to celebrate your own history, try new things and keep dreaming.”

Open Arms Exhibition is open for viewing Tuesday- Sunday 3-8pm thru

March 22, 2025 & by appointment at Ambience Dore, 831 S. Main Street, Burbank, CA 91506.

To read Doc and M3’s full biography, visit AmbienceDore.com/open-arms-artshow.

For appointments, call 310 213-9951 or email mar@ambiencedore.com

Quake Strong Steps Up to Help Rebuild Los Angeles

The recent wildfires in greater Los Angeles have left a devastating mark, claiming lives and destroying entire neighborhoods.

For more than 180,000 residents forced to evacuate, the loss is unprecedented. Amid the communitywide the heartbreak, Quake Strong, Inc., a construction and investment firm, has stepped forward to help rebuild.

The company’s principals — Paul Kalt, Michael Bitton, and Jason Green — bring more than 100 years of combined Southern California construction experience to the table. Through this devastation, Quake Strong’s mission is clear: to help restore what’s been lost and provide a fresh start for their community.

“We have very deep roots in this community, and it’s horrible to see so many families lose everything,” said Green. “But we’re in a great position

to help. From design plans and permits to construction, we can handle all of it, which will be especially important for those who don’t know where to start after a disaster like this.”

A Full-Service Rebuilding Partner

Quake Strong specializes in highend custom home builds, multifamily properties, and beachfront developments. The company’s approach is comprehensive while managing every detail of the rebuilding process, including navigating complex city regulations, obtaining permits, and even coordinating with the California Coastal Commission for affected properties. Quake Strong is well suited to guide homeowners through the often daunting process of working through insurance claims.

“Insurance companies have their own processes, which can sometimes leave homeowners feeling unsure about what they’re entitled to,” explained Bitton. “I went through this myself after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. That’s why we have private adjusters on our team — to advocate for homeowners and help them get the support they need.”

The Road Ahead

Rebuilding after a disaster of this

1173 Norwich Lane, Ventura

• Custom Comfort at the Beach $3,750,000

• Beautifully designed, 4 Br + 5 Bth, incl. 2 Bedroom guest suite.

• One block to ocean at 1173 Norwich Lane, Ventura.

• Built in 2022. Move-in Ready with Designer Furnishings.

• Gorgeous kitchen, top-of-the-line appliances: LaCornuFe, Fisher and Paykel, and True. Master suite with fireplace and soaking tub;

2 Bedroom guest suite; 3rd floor bonus room with ocean view.

• Elevator, off-street parking, multiple decks and private yard.

scale is never quick. Under normal circumstances, a full rebuild might take 18 months to two years with all the complex building requirements and special clearances. However, natural disasters often lead to expedited permitting and zoning approvals.

“We’ve seen cities fast-track the approval process to help communities recover,” said Kalt. “That said, there are still hurdles, especially for those juggling work, family, and rebuilding their lives. Our goal is to make this as seamless as possible, so homeowners don’t have to stress about the details.”

For properties under the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission, like most homes in the Pacific Palisades, Quake Strong’s experience in navigating these nuanced regulations will be invaluable.

“It’s a little more complicated, but we know the system well and have worked on these types of projects before,” Kalt added. “We’re ready to help rebuild the city we love.”

A Commitment to Community Quake Strong isn’t just about construction — it’s about community. The partners emphasize their commitment to standing by homeowners

from start to finish, providing complete solutions to rebuilding, every step of the way.

“Rebuilding is more than just construction; it’s about giving people hope and helping them move forward,” said Bitton. “We’re honored to be a part of that.”

To learn more about Quake Strong, Inc., or to connect with their team, visit QuakeStrong.com.

LIC #:1037437 | (310) 507-9849 | INFO@QUAKESTRONG.COM QUAKESTRONG.COM | 1213 SOUTH LA BREA AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA 90019

To Our Beloved Community,

As the winds settle and the fires subside, we find ourselves reflecting on the deep impact this disaster has had on all of us. For those of us who grew up in this city, these streets, neighborhoods, and beaches aren’t just familiar, they are part of who we are. We are friends and neighbors, sharing in both the beauty and the heartache of this place we call our community. When something like this happens, it shakes us to our core.

Seeing familiar places, homes, local shops, or a favorite spot for a quick meal, destroyed by fire is difficult to process. It’s a loss that feels personal, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can feel overwhelming. But if there’s one thing that gives us hope, it’s the strength of our shared spirit and our willingness to come together in times of need.

Our work is centered around helping people where they live. In moments like these, it’s not just what we do, it’s how we can help. As the process of recovery begins, please know that you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we will rebuild not only the physical spaces we’ve lost but also the sense of community that makes this place so special.

We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the courageous first responders. Your bravery and selflessness in protecting us all is something we will never take for granted. Thank you for your tireless service.

This is where we belong, and we’re committed to standing with you through this journey of rebuilding and restoring what makes our community truly one of a kind.

With heartfelt solidarity, Quake Strong, Inc

(310) 507-9849 | INFO@QUAKESTRONG.COM | QUAKESTRONG.COM

Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist at the 2025 GRAMMYs,

Queer Pop Star Delivers Heartfelt Speech on Artist Wages and Healthcare

Chappell Roan won the Best New Artist Award at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. In a time when LGBTQ residents of the United States faced discrimination and loss of their human rights, it was heartening to see the music industry celebrating a queer pop star.

Roan was grateful to the other artists who had filled her life with joy in the last year. She charmingly lost her Hennin hat and narrated it falling from her curls. In the artist’s outspoken and thoughtful manner, she then spoke directly to the music industry and asked them to “offer a living wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists” while they profited millions of dollars from musicians' work. She related her experience as a developing artist who was signed by a label and then dropped during the pandemic without job experience. Roan stated that she was devastated to be so committed to her art and felt so betrayed after losing her contract. She gently asked labels and the industry to treat musicians as “valuable employees” and said, “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”

Taylor Swift was seen in the crowd giving Roan a standing ovation for her bravery.

Chappell Roan performed her song Pink Pony Club, a tribute to the freedom of dancing at West Hollywood clubs at the ceremony.

City of West Hollywood Opens Applications for WeHo Pride 2025

Community Groups, Exhibitors, Performers Can Apply Now

The City of West Hollywood has officially opened applications for participants in the 2025 WeHo Pride Street Fair and Pride Parade, inviting community groups, exhibitors, and performers to be part of the annual celebration.

Applications for both events are now open, with a submission deadline of April 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

The WeHo Pride Street Fair will take place on Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, along Santa Monica Boulevard. The free event will feature exhibitor booths, sponsor activations, live performances, and entertainment on the Community Stage.

The WeHo Pride Parade will march through West Hollywood on Sunday, June 1, beginning at Crescent Heights Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. The parade will showcase floats, marching bands, drill teams, dancers, entertainers, and special guests in a vibrant display of LGBTQ pride and solidarity.

To apply or learn more, visit wehopride.com.