



By Dolores Quintana
Lil Nas X has canceled his headlining performance at the upcoming OUTLOUD Music Festival during WeHo Pride, citing health concerns that require immediate attention. Organizers confirmed the news on Tuesday, noting they have been in direct contact with the artist’s team in recent days as he recovers from a recent hospital visit.
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 a statement shared by festival organizers, Lil Nas X said, “After my recent hospital visit, I, like all of you, must prioritize my health and getting back to 100%. As it currently stands, I would not be able to perform the type of show my fans and community deserve. I am sorry! Even though I can't be there, I hope you all show OUT for Pride. Now more than ever, we need to be seen.”
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
Festival organizers expressed support for the Grammy-winning artist and urged fans to send well wishes. “Please join us in sending Montero all our love and well-wishes for a speedy recovery,” the festival team said in a social media post.
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.”
In Lil Nas X’s place, breakout singersongwriter Remi Wolf will step in as a headliner, bringing her genre-blurring sound to the Main Stage. The Californiabased queer artist, known for hits like “Photo ID” and “Disco Man,” has been praised for her bold style and energetic live shows.
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.”
“We're sending our best wishes for a speedy recovery to @lilnasx and special thanks to queer rising star @remiwolf for stepping in so quickly,” the festival’s announcement continued.
OUTLOUD Music Festival is a centerpiece of West Hollywood’s WeHo Pride celebrations and is known for showcasing top LGBTQ+ talent alongside emerging artists.
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
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.”
Traffic investigators with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station are searching for the driver involved in a felony hitand-run collision that left a pedestrian hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
By Dolores Quintana
The incident occurred near the intersection of Fountain Avenue and Havenhurst Drive, where a white sedan traveling westbound on Fountain Avenue failed to yield to a pedestrian legally crossing in the crosswalk, authorities said. The vehicle struck the pedestrian and fled the scene, continuing westbound and disappearing from view.
Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened.
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.”
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
Deputies said the vehicle is believed to have sustained front-end or left-front bumper damage during the crash. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Investigators believe speed may have been a contributing factor. It is still unclear whether
Soprano Golda Zahra comes home to put on a free concert in her old neighborhood
By Linda Chase
“Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa…”
The young couple was driving home after attending a performance of “The Magic Flute.” Their 4-year-old daughter, Golda, was in the back seat singing the sounds over and over.
“Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa…”
Little Golda was imitating the famous aria she had just heard sung by the character Papageno. Mozart’s colorful fairy-tale opera had awakened something inside her. The car engine had barely cooled when her parents signed her up for piano lessons.
Today, the 25-year-old Golda Zahra is a rising opera star. She chose her middle name for her stage name to honor her Persian heritage. Zahra can mean flower, beauty or princess in Farsi.
Zahra views herself as not only a singer but also a woman on a mission. In many of her performances, such as her free outdoor concert on May 24 in the Beverly Canon Gardens in Beverly Hills, she wants to win over listeners who may think opera is too
highbrow and “not for them.” Her strategy is to let the beauty of the music speak for itself.
Zahra’s mantra is “Put your heart in your hand.” “Emotion is something that a lot of young singers are lacking in, so I really try to move my audience,” she said in a Zoom interview.
Backed up by a six-musician jazz ensemble, she will perform mostly popular Italian-Neapolitan songs, jazz classics and hits from Broadway and film. But in the middle of the show, she’s presenting one of her favorite arias, “Quando me’n vo,” from Puccini’s “La Boheme.”
Sung by the character Musetta in the opera, the lyrics speak of her reveling in the admiring stares of others, particularly men, as she walks down the street. “The scent of desire is all around me, it makes me happy!” she sings. Written in waltz time, the aria ends in a high B flat with a diminuendo — a high-wire act requiring superb vocal command and range. It's not a problem for Zahra, whose upper range reaches F and beyond (octaves above high C).
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.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center issued a scathing rebuke this week following a notice from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health terminating its HIV and STI prevention contracts with community-based organizations, including an annualized $3.8 million allocation to the Center.
The statement says:
“We are sounding the alarm: Los Angeles County’s decision to eliminate HIV prevention services now is a direct threat to public health. It will fuel a surge in new HIV transmissions, deepen existing health disparities, and saddle the County with far greater long-term costs. We demand that the Department of Public Health and the Board of Supervisors immediately reverse these reckless terminations and honor their contractual funding commitments.
The County’s decision to terminate all HIV prevention and STI contracts puts lives at risk and threatens to undo decades of hard-won progress in the fight against the HIV epidemic. At a time when local leadership should be standing up to the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle public health infrastructure, the County is instead choosing to act prematurely, defunding life-saving
services for countless Angelenos who rely on them.
County leadership has yet to provide a clear justification for this reckless decision, and the community deserves full transparency and accountability. While there have been modest reductions in CDC funding, the wholesale elimination of HIV prevention contracts raises serious questions. No other major jurisdiction facing similar federal threats has taken such an extreme and damaging step. What is happening in Los Angeles County demands further investigation, and the outcry from the community is wholly justified.
Failure to reinstate funding will result in an immediate and harmful crisis for communities most impacted by public health disparities, especially LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Services like HIV testing, STD screening, PrEP navigation, and community education will likely cease, and the County will undoubtedly experience a resurgence in new HIV cases. This decision will trigger a public health crisis and drive up long-term costs for the County, as investing in HIV prevention is far more cost-effective than the lifelong expense of treating someone living with HIV/ AIDS.
Adding further insult to injury, this abrupt decision puts hundreds of dedicated public health workers at risk of losing their jobs. These are trusted frontline staff—many from the very communities most impacted by HIV—who have spent their careers
building relationships, saving lives, and advancing health equity. Now, because of unclear reasoning, they face unemployment, and the communities they serve risk being abandoned. If the County has truly lost federal funding at a level that warrants terminating all HIV prevention contracts, its leadership should be working overtime with the State, elected officials, and community partners to secure emergency support and fill the gap. Instead, last week’s actions revealed a troubling lack of commitment
to HIV prevention—and to the very communities most at risk for the virus. Rest assured—the Los Angeles LGBT Center community and its partners will not stay silent. We will draw on the full force of our movement’s legacy of resistance, of acting up and fighting back against injustice. This shameful decision will not go unanswered. Lives are on the line, and we refuse to let County leaders turn their backs on the people they serve. Silence will not— must not—equal death.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) is asking for the public’s assistance to locate a 30-yearold man last seen in West Hollywood earlier this month.
Leonid Olegovich Senderovich was last spotted around 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, near the 7000 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, according to LASD. His family has expressed concern for his safety and urges anyone with information to come forward.
Senderovich is described as a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 230 pounds. He has short brown hair, green eyes, and a full beard.
Authorities noted that he has several tattoos, including a lion on his right shoulder, the phrase “EST-1994” on his left forearm, and a rose on his left tricep.
He was last seen wearing black and white track pants, a green button-down shirt, and a sleeveless dark blue denim jacket. Investigators believe he may have been heading toward MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, near 2230 West 6th Street.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Missing Persons Detail is leading the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the unit directly at (323) 890-5500.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visiting lacrimestoppers.org .
Cinco de Mayo, Pride
Shore Hotel, a luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, is inviting locals to monthly coastal experiences at its serene indoor and outdoor event spaces, and newly renovated Shoreside Restaurant & Bar.
Shore Hotel is a LEED-certified, 164key property that hosts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, luxurious comfort and modern amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness center, meeting space, bike rentals and more.
“Shore Hotel gives you a luxury experience close to home with gorgeous views of golden hour off Ocean Avenue. As you plan your upcoming holidays, events and celebrations this summer, we want you to join us and make Shore Hotel your destination for special events and parties,” said Jannelle Hill, Shore Hotel’s Junior Sales Manager.
This year, Hill has contributed to enhancing Shore Hotel’s nightlife by curating special holiday celebrations and special events.
For St. Patrick’s Day, Shore Hotel partnered with Red Bull and created a signature drink menu that made guests feel lucky as they enjoyed green beer, green shots and Irish nachos on the poolside — the event was free to attend and open to the public.
On Earth Day, Shore Hotel curated a plantbased menu for yoga hour with a special guest instructor and celebrated sustainability, one of the hotel’s core values.
Looking forward to the next few months, Hill said she’s excited for what’s to come for guests and locals this summer. In May, Shore Hotel will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration, inviting locals to enjoy food and drinks while celebrating with friends and family.
“June, July and August are a busy season for us, we want to pump something fun out for returning hotel guests as well,” Hill said. “Shore Hotel is an affordable destination for family vacations with guests returning often to enjoy our luxury amenities.”
While more parties and events hosted by Shore Hotel are to be determined, follow Shore Hotel on Facebook for upcoming promotions.
For locals looking for flexible indoor and outdoor spaces to hold business meetings, celebrations and special occasions, Shore Hotel invites you to submit an online proposal request to host your upcoming event.
Near the pool, Shore Hotel features four exclusive shaded cabanas for rental. Enjoy complimentary bottled water, access to WiFi, poolside service and a selection of food and beverages for your small gathering up to six people.
Perfect for unwinding or hosting small gatherings, the cabanas are available to both hotel guests and locals. To reserve, please email info@shorehotel.com.
Immerse yourself in a sanctuary where nature’s tranquility meets the vibrancy of city life. Urban Jungle is more than a plant store it’s a communitycentered oasis bringing a lush slice of paradise to your urban lifestyle. Here, we passionately believe in the power of plants to transform spaces and elevate well-being.
Actress Sarah Paulson has sold her renovated trailer home in Malibu’s exclusive Paradise Cove Mobile Home Park, closing the deal for $1.45 million— significantly below her original $2 million asking price.
The sale, finalized on April 16 according to property records, comes nearly a year after the “American Horror Story” star first listed the property for sale. Despite the price cuts, Paulson, 50, still managed to turn a substantial profit. She purchased the double-wide trailer for $860,000 in March 2021 and later carried out an extensive renovation with the help of designer Nickey Kehoe.
Realtor.com was the first to report on the sale.
The trailer was described in the listing in glowing terms, "The kitchen is beautifully anchored by milky-stone countertops shot through with emerald veining that evokes the crashing waves just moments away. The wide-plank engineered pine floors and brass fixtures suggest an understated nautical inspiration - intimate and
welcoming.”
The stylish mobile home, marketed as a "jewel box," boasts high-end finishes that are uncommon in traditional trailer living. Notable design touches include seafoam and emerald-veined marble countertops in the kitchen, brass fixtures throughout, and blush-pink tiles covering the bathroom from floor to ceiling. Transom windows flood the interior with natural light, while a lofted area provides additional sleeping space. The property also includes a private backyard and a golf cart, which was bundled into the sale.
Paulson initially listed the home in May 2024 for $2 million but dropped the price multiple times, settling at $1.57 million before finalizing the sale. She briefly pulled the listing earlier this year after the Palisades Fire severely impacted parts of Malibu, including neighboring mobile home communities like Tahitian Terrace, where real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran lost her $1 million trailer.
Paradise Cove, where Paulson’s former home is located, has long been known for its celebrity residents, including Stevie Nicks and Matthew McConaughey. Despite selling for less than hoped, Paulson’s investment yielded a considerable return in just three years.
In-home safety issues that go unnoticed — cracked sidewalks, broken railings or uneven flooring for example — are often the root cause of trips, slips or falls that can cause serious damage and injuries.
A witness to many of these preventable safety hazards, Madeline Fry, MHA, NHA, SHSS, founder of Safely Home Again, says seniors are a primary concern for in-home safety issues, but younger individuals recovering from athletic injuries, car accidents or elective procedures are also at risk.
Despite their age differences, these two groups share a common aspiration: the desire to live independently, safely, and
comfortably in their home, for as long as possible.
What if you could prevent a fall before it happens? Having a certified safety expert assess you or your loved ones’ home for hazards is the best prevention for serious injuries like broken hips, dislocated shoulders or concussions. Prevention can make a big difference, especially, if your loved one desires to age in place.
Here are some of the most common questions in Madeline’s line of work:
Q: My mom wants to stay in her home as she ages, but I worry about her safety since she lives alone. As part of the sandwich generation caring for loved ones, what are my options?
A: You’re not alone — many caregivers in the sandwich generation face the same concerns. There are two great options offered through Safely Home Again. One way to support your mom is to have a care manager visit her weekly who can assist with needs such as finding caregivers, delivery of medical equipment, keeping track of her health, safety, and overall wellbeing; giving you peace of mind and better rest at night.
The second way is to avoid potential accidents from happening by scheduling a Fall and Home Safety Assessment. Taking care of small hazards like missing bathroom grab bars, or unsecured floor throw rugs can prevent major falls and injuries. A few simple changes can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved one safe and independent at home.
Q: I’ve heard that home modifications can be expensive, and I’m worried about the cost of making changes to my parents’ home. Can you give me an idea of what to expect?
A: Absolutely! That’s a common concern, but you might be surprised at how affordable most modifications can be. We’re not talking about major renovations — just practical updates to improve safety. The typical modifications recommended by Safely Home Again are much more budget friendly. In fact, most suggested improvements cost less than $200 per modification, with many coming in under $100.
Q: What indicators should I be aware of in my parents’ daily routine that suggest a home safety assessment would be
beneficial?
A: Pay attention to signs, like your loved one holding on to furniture for support or struggling with balance when walking outside. Also, check if they are consistently wearing their hearing aids, as hearing loss can contribute to imbalance. Are they taking their medications consistently? Other red flags include using towel bars for support instead of proper grab bars or isolation, such as avoiding social outings. These behaviors may indicate an increased risk of falls, making hiring a care manager and having a fall and home safety assessment conducted from Safely Home Again a valuable step in ensuring their safety.
I have the education, professional experience, licenses, certifications, and commitment to keeping you safe at home, so you can age in place and remain independent for the long run.
Go to SafelyHomeAgain.com or call 310-405-5758 for more information.
The front window at the Queen Violet restaurant was shattered late last Thursday night in what staff described as an act of late-night vandalism. Surveillance footage captured two intoxicated individuals damaging the storefront around 11 p.m., according to a statement from the restaurant. The restaurant posted their camera footage to their Instagram account on Friday: https://www.instagram.com/p/
DJKVu2Ny9Og/
The footage shows the suspects tampering with potted plants outside the restaurant before one of them punched through the glass window, in an act that the restaurant described as being “just for fun.” No injuries were reported during the incident.
While the motive remains unclear, the restaurant said it is now focused on repairing the damage and resuming regular operations. Queen Violet staff expressed gratitude to their neighbors who witnessed the act and promptly contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
“We truly appreciate your support and quick action,” the restaurant shared in a public statement.
From soil to sanctuary, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, is celebrating one year of business this spring.
Sprouting from a deep-seated love for horticulture shared by founders Tracey and Mark Marriott, this community-centered oasis brings a lush slice of paradise to urban lifestyle.
Hosting a unique variety of indoor and outdoor plants, in addition to a collection of globally sourced pottery, Urban Jungle is a place where plant lovers gather to share stories, tips and their love for all things green.
Most of the outdoor plants found at Urban Jungle started from the soil of the couple’s 14-acre farm in Los Angeles. An unrivaled selection from exotic rarities to familiar favorites, Urban Jungle’s collection is diverse and hand-picked for its health and vibrancy.
“My husband grows a large selection of the plants we carry. We opened this brick-and-mortar to house the plants and
share them with the community. We gutted the previous nursery design and made it our own with a lot of hard work. We’re confident Urban Jungle has turned into a wonderful place for the community,” Tracey said.
Beautify your balcony, terrace or garden with Urban Jungle’s curated selection of outdoor plants tailored for urban environments and green retreats in the heart of the city.
Succulents, perfect for the urban dweller, offer beauty with minimal maintenance while filtering air quality, ideal for adding a touch of green to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Low watering plants, designed for the eco conscious urbanite, add a beautiful touch of greenery while saving water.
Pairing perfectly with plants, Urban Jungle offers unique and stylish pottery ranging from sleek modern designs to timeless classics, globally and locally sourced.
Urban Jungle welcomes customers traveling near and far for its selection, but also for its monthly events, such as Earthly Elixirs on Thursday, April 24. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., attendees are invited to enjoy
garden-inspired cocktails or mocktails and plant their own windowsill herb garden.
“Lavender infused mojito, or mint mojitos, we are excited to open the space for more events like this in the future, bringing people together to share their love for green,” Tracey said. “These events are all inclusive, and people will walk away with a plant or succulent or something they will craft with their hands.”
Urban Jungle plans to host monthly events throughout the summer for everyone to experience the sanctuary — a thriving community of nature enthusiasts, urban gardeners, and advocates for a greener, more sustainable world.
Going into its second year of business, Tracey said Urban Jungle would like to explore helping businesses flourish with plants and creating good energy in workspaces.
“We’re looking forward to more growth, more customers and continuing what we have for years to come,” Tracey said.
To learn more about Urban Jungle and follow its journey, follow @ urbanjungleplantsandpottery on Instagram.
Visit the nursery at 3113 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica, open Monday through Friday 11 to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 6 p.m.
Right around the corner from Main Street, Kavahana is redefining how people hang out in Santa Monica. Part kava nectar bar, part Hawaiian coffee shop, and part community stage, this laidback oasis is quickly becoming a go-to spot for locals and tourists to relax, recharge, and connect.
It’s not a bar, and it’s not your average coffee shop either. Kavahana offers something different: handcrafted drinks, live events, and a tangibly calming, opendoor vibe. At the center of it all is a drink most people haven’t tried yet: kava nectar.
Kava Nectar might be new to you, and that’s the point.
(310) 591-6454 (818) 535-7715
Made from the root of a pepper plant native to the South Pacific, kava has been used in ceremonies for centuries to promote relaxation, connection, and clarity. Kavahana’s version is called kava nectar, made by cold-pressing fresh kava root juice and gently drying it into a fine powder. You might feel a tingle on your tongue, followed by a calm in your body and mind. It’s subtle, natural, and doesn’t come with a hangover or mental fog.
Founders Hannah Wilen and Neil Bhatia refer to it as “a hot tub for the mind.”
Favorites like the Beach Nectar and Paradise Nectar feature ingredients like blue spirulina, coconut foam, mango, and fresh pineapple. The drinks are functional, zero-proof, and genuinely tasty. They’re a great option for anyone who wants to relax without checking out.
Beyond kava nectar, there’s plenty to come back for.
Kavahana’s single-origin Kona coffee isn’t your typical cup of joe. Sourced from the volcanic slopes of Hawaii’s Big Island, Kona coffee is known for its naturally low acidity, smooth body, and rich, slightly nutty flavor. If you’re used to the sharp bite of high-acid or over-roasted blends, Kona offers a gentler and more balanced experience that packs a satisfying boost.
Kavahana also serves a thoughtful selection of ceremonial matcha and
roasted hojicha drinks, giving guests a range of options whether they’re looking for focus, calm, or something in between, like their new Zenergy Nectar. The space includes a peaceful back patio and a few cozy corners inside where regulars post up with laptops, books, or just a drink and a breather.
Evenings at Kavahana are communitycentered. Tuesday nights feature the Santa Monica Open Mic, with local musicians and poets performing for an engaged and supportive crowd. Wednesdays are for Comedy Night, where stand-up comics bring a mix of smart sets and casual
energy. These events are free to attend. Just show up, grab a spot, and enjoy. Kavahana is a welcome place to discover something new, meet people, and take a break from the usual. Whether you’re here for the tingly drinks, the music, or the chill vibes, you’ll leave feeling a little more grounded.
Kavahana
306 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Open daily
Tuesdays: Open Mic Night
Wednesdays: Comedy Night
Follow @kavahanabar on Instagram
If you’re looking for something fun and different to do, the Brewery Artwalk is holding its Spring Artwalk on May 3rd and 4th, with two days of open studios on Main Street in Lincoln Heights, just east of the LA River.
A venerable institution, the Brewery Artwalk is in its 41st year of welcoming the public to this twice-yearly event. It is a truly unique opportunity to explore the campus – a fascinating jumble of former industrial buildings which were once home to East Side Tap Brewery, and later Pabst Blue Ribbon – now home to hundreds of artists and creatives, many of whom will be opening their studios during the weekend.
You’ll find nearly every discipline represented here, and the pleasure of meeting the artist in their studio is a wonderful way to fall in love with original art. Start your collection with a connection to the person who made it, and you will have a story to go with the artwork that adds layers of meaning to the experience and your memories of your visit.
This event is for everyone! From families to first time buyers, collectors to curators, experienced art denizens to young kids experiencing the art world for the first time.
Get a jump on starting your art collection, or add to it with new work, by visiting the Brewery Artwalk. It’s a free event, and is sure to be a great day of exploring and seeing!
There will be a beer garden in the middle of the complex with a menu of on- the-go food, plus an array of food trucks on Moulton and Avenue 21. Free
parking is available at the UPS facility on Moulton Avenue. Open Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd & 4th, from 11am to 6pm.
1920 N. Main Street, Los Angeles 90031 www.breweryartwalk.com info@ breweryartwalk.com