Walking WeHo Wisely…

One of the most important things that we can do to protect ourselves is to be prepared.  West Hollywood is not immune to crime.  And our city’s Public Safety Division, in partnership with the LA Sheriff’s Department, work every day to curb crime and make our city safe.  That said, we are a destination city with lots of restaurants, nightclubs, bars, coffee houses, cultural events and the like driving many people into the city.   (And helping our local economy)

Frankly, we are also sometimes targets.  We’re here, we’re spending money, we have the latest smart phone, lap top, etc.  For the past 8 years, as a member of the Public Safety Commission, we are often at city events, neighborhood meetings, and other local sites educating on Emergency Preparedness, Vehicle Burglary Prevention, Crosswalk Safety and other topics through our Live, Work, Play – Be Safe Public Safety Education Campaign.  It also includes Street Robbery  Prevention.  Here I will list a few ways in which you can take steps to not be a victim of a crime.

Avoid Walking Alone at Night.  There is safety in numbers.

Walk with Confidence.  A little attitude can help.

Stay Alert.  See what is going on around you.

Keep Valuables Hidden.  Phone, Cash, Etc…

Stay Sober enough to take care of yourself.  Don’t be easy prey.

WeHo Sheriff’s Station is 310.855.8850.  Not all cell service connects to our local station by dialing 911.  911 is good, but it may delay depending on service.

Click here to view more information on Street Robbery Prevention.

Click here to view all of the Live, Work, Play – Be Safe brochures.

Together we can support each other and keep ourselves safe.

Sunset Strip Music Festival rocks West Hollywood

August 18 – 20, 2011 brings the fourth annual Sunset Strip Music Festival, which celebrates the music and icons that have made an impact on the legacy of The Strip. The event debuted in 2008 .

MÖTLEY CRÜE is the 2011 recipient of the “Elmer Valentine Award” for their contributions to the history of The Sunset Strip. The Thursday, Aug. 18 award ceremony at House of Blues Sunset Strip will kick off the fourth annual event.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Sunset Strip Music Festival,” said MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee. “It means a lot to us that we are recognized for our contribution to this historic place.”

MÖTLEY CRÜE got their start on The Sunset Strip, as they performed many nights at the Whisky A Go-Go and The Roxy Theatre. The band also filmed their “Kickstart My Heart” video at the Whisky and for a while lived just up the street from the venue on Clark Street, making The Sunset Strip their official home.

For complete information – SSMF 

WeHo’s National Night Out Against Crime

Tuesday, August 2, 2011- It’s America’s Night Out Against Crime! 

List of Events for National Night Out 2011 (West Hollywood)

National Night Out campaign involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 36 million people will participate in National Night Out 2011.

In West Hollywood, twelve Neighborhood Watch groups and the City’s Recreation Services Division will be participating in this year’s National Night Out Against Crime. Groups are planning a variety of events that include block parties with BBQ’s, live musical entertainment, dancing acts and more. Recreation Services is hosting a Movie Night in the Park featuring the film “Despicable Me”. Last year nearly 2,000 people participated in National Night Out, and there was tremendous support from local businesses that donated food and prizes for the event. The events receive strong support and attendance from City Council members, Public Safety Commissioners, Sheriff’s personnel, Fire personnel, and City staff.

As in the past, this year’s slogan is “Give Neighborhood Crime and Drugs a Going-Away Party”.

List of Events for National Night Out 2011 [PDF]

Why Walking WeHo is Wonderful…..

Here’s a snippet of why I love my (unconventional) life and why Walking WeHo has it’s advantages.  One week:

Saturday, April 9 – while finishing up a breakfast meeting at Hugo’s with the amazing Team from The Buddy System, get flagged over to chat for a few minutes (complete with hug) with one of my new favorite people, John A. Perez, the smart and talented Speaker of the California Assembly.  Yeah, that’s right.

Sunday, April 10 – honored to be on the Judges panel of the Miss Queen USA Pageant with amazingly beautiful transgender contestants.  Get seated next to the hilarious Maria Roman who stars in Wild Things on Showtime.

Monday, April 11 – Chair the televised meeting of the City of West Hollywood Public Safety Commission.

Tuesday, April 12 – A full day (12 hours) of working with the amazing team producing LA PRIDE.

Wednesday, April 13 – Barge in on Ru Paul‘s breakfast meeting to discuss some opportunities.   He, told me, to send her a She Mail.  (Ooh Girl!)

Thursday, April 14 – Post on Facebook about the use of the F word by an LA Laker (no name here, yuck) and among those that comment on my post, one of my heroes who changed my life, Mr. Kevin Jennings, founder of GLSEN and now Assistant Deputy Secretary of Safe & Drug Free Schools for the US Dept of Education.  (yah, huh!)   Later a quick dash into Marix for a “walking homo drink” brings face time with some of my favs including; Miss Misty Cooper, 1/2 of the genius behind Yogurt Stop; Mister Jeffrey “the Huff” Huffer, man of all things Economic Development for the City of WeHo; Madame Lynn LeMay, needs no intro; and sweet Nelson, Server Extraordinaire (and former MA resident) at the Cafe D’Etoile.  These folks were all there separately, for the record.

Friday, April 15 – Running late afternoon/early evening errands in The Village (I don’t, and won’t, call it Boystown), and Romper-Bomper-Stomper-Boo I see; Keith Hoffman, Some of the Trevor Project Boys, David McFarland, Sean McManus, Chris Hernandez, and then the Cafe D boys, Randy Medina,  Sean Chandler, Kent Wilson, Tom Roush, among others.

Saturday, April 16 – Off to the office to work on the magazine and Ru Paul waves and shouts good morning.  Walking back later end up walking (weho) with WeHo City Councilmember, Jeff Prang.

And this is why one of the titles being kicked around for my book is Tales of a Fortieth Grade Something.   Life is interesting.

Don’t Smoke on my Food, West Hollywood

On February 7, 2011 a Draft Ordinance will be presented at the West Hollywood City Council to create smoke-free environments on outdoor patios where food is served.  Click here to read the Draft Ordinance.   A few facts to get us quickly up to date:

1. This item came before the Council in December of 2009 and will not go into affect until January 2012.
2. The original intention was to create healthier environments decreasing the public’s exposure to second-hand smoke by prohibiting smoking on all outdoor patios.
3. A Task Force was formed to give input on how this would affect businesses and provided an open forum for public comment.
4. After months of meetings and having a draft reviewed by the council the new ordinance would now be for restaurants only and allow some restaurant/bar hybrids to create plans to limit smoking during certain hours.
5. Eleven designated establishments will have until October 1st to present a plan provide a plan where they would be able to offer smoking.
6. Bars and Nightclubs would be EXEMPT from this ordinance.
7. There will be an education campaign created to awareness of the dangers of smoking and to offer smoking cessation options.

Here’s what I know.

1. The Surgeon General recently released a report titled: The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke.  The report included the line, there is no safe level of smoking, not even one per day.  (This is where the smoke advocates will say, don’t be around it)
2. A recent LA Times article showed that only 13% of Californians smoke as compared to 21% across the country.  The article goes on the say that CA has lead the nation in policy shifts to decrease smoking.  (This is where smoke advocates say that WeHo is unique and should not be like other place.)
3. Smoking advocates demand their right to smoke but would like to take away others’ right to enjoy an outdoor patio. (This is often where they bring up the smog and other pollutants in the air.)
4. Business and Smoking Advocates fear that patrons will go elsewhere but don’t take into account that the city of LA will have a similar ordinance in effect beginning in  March of this year.  Beverly Hills already has an ordinance and some businesses here have already begun this with no negative effect.  (And I argue, WeHo is still unique and we have not only survived the horrible economy, in some areas we have thrived)
5. An education campaign is great and needed.  It will not, however, change everyone’s behavior.  People still text and drive, don’t pick up after their dog’s and leave their valuables unsecured in cars, in bars, and in their shopping carts.
6. Allowing a year for education and preparing is unnecessary.  The original indoor smoking ordinance took effect within 75 days and WeHo was unscathed.  There has already been a lot of publicity about this since it first came from council in Dec, 2009.  A health hazard doesn’t stall for a year.
7. 5 feet buffer zone is not enough.  Not nearly enough.  Just walk 15 or 20 feet behind a smoker.
8. I have lightened my personal position on this somewhat.  I went in agreeing that this needed to be a city wide, bar-nightclub included ordinance.  Having the opportunity to go through the process I do think that, as much as I don’t like it, as long as there is no food service, allow the bars-nightclub, for now, to offer a smoking patio.  The advocates for no new ordinance have not budged as has everyone else.
9. If you can wait out a 2, 3, 6, 10 hour plane ride without a cigarette, why can’t you wait out the length of a meal?
10. Smoking kills.  Second-hand smoke is dangerous.  Enjoying a meal outside is a wonderful thing.

Please let the council know your position on this important community issue.

I am sure to take some hits here and that’s okay.  What I know for sure is I barely leave the city and I barely drive.  I support the local economy and the some.  I support cleaner air by sharing a vehicle with my partner and walking to most places.  I understand that we have a healthy night life and rely on it but I also know that of the 38,000 or so residents that live here rely on the council to balance that with neighborhood livability.  I’m Sam Borelli and I wrote this post.

National Night Out – Tuesday, August 3

National Night Out Against Crime is one of the best events in the city.  It is a chance to meet your neighbors, local officials, law enforcement and fire personnel.  Taking place on the first Tuesday in August, the city has won multiple awards over the years for it’s active participation.  See below for more details and a list of event.

From the City of West Hollywood Web Site:

The “27th Annual National Night Out” (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 36 million people participated in National Night Out 2009.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to:

Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness

Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;

Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and

Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

In West Hollywood, eight Neighborhood Watch groups and the City’s Recreation Services Division will be participating in this year’s National Night Out Against Crime. Groups are planning a variety of events that include block parties with BBQ’s, live musical entertainment, dancing acts and more. Recreation Services is hosting a Movie Night in the Park featuring the film “Up”. Last year nearly 2,000 people participated in National Night Out, and there was tremendous support from local businesses that donated food and prizes for the event. The events receive strong support and attendance from City Council members, Public Safety Commissioners, Sheriff’s personnel, Fire personnel, and City staff.

As in the past, this year’s slogan is “Give Neighborhood Crime and Drugs a Going-Away Party”.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Laura Manukian (323) 848-6831.

List of Events for National Night Out 2010

Plaisir brings Pleasure to West Hollywood

I was up and about last Saturday morning trying to get all my errands in before noon when I decided to make a dash into Plaisir to check out this new WeHo Hot Spot.  My neighbor, Heidi, had given me the tip to check it out. Boy/Girl, was I happy that I did.  I was quickly welcomed by a smiling Marco who proceeded to give me the full flavor of the shoppe.  According to the website, Plaisir creates tantalizing bits of paradise.  Oh yes they do!

Located right under Trader Joe's near the Big Gay Starbuck's!

While Marco was giving me the rundown on all the deliciousness, Philippe, the co-founder, came out from the back with a new tray of good looking treats!  The two of them taking the time to talk to me about the Plaisir experience.  The original Plaisir is creamy and smooth and light and yummy!  They also offer savory fare; sweet crepes, croissant sandwiches, belgium waffles, quiche, and Marco made me a most amazing Latte that I didn’t have to add sweetener to.

Hmmmmmmmmm

I asked Philippe, “Why West Hollywood?”   He explained that he worked/ran restaurants in the area, including Beverly Hills, but that “West Hollywood was the place to be!”   Clearly he knew that launching an innovated, unique business would benefit him by being here but also be good for the community.  I have since seen Philippe on his bike and on foot in the area, always with a smile.  Check it out soon.  And yes, I did take some delicious puff pastry filled with Plaisir with me but it was for a birthday dinner and it was good!

Plaisir 8613 Santa Monica Blvd, WeHo. 310-855-7177

My guess is that a celebrity will hit this place soon and it will explode into another WeHo-born success story!

Shop WeHo this Thursday!

The 2nd Annual Avenues of Art & Design Holiday Shopping Night is this Thursday, December 10, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Participating businesses will stay open for extended hours and offer shoppers special discounts, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and signature gifts. Visitors can expect a festive atmosphere complete with decorations, lights, music, and carolers and Santas roaming the district.

The Avenues of Art & Design, which consists of Melrose Ave., Robertson Blvd. and Beverly Blvd. in West Hollywood, is considered the West Coast’s premier high-end destination for fashion, interior design, art, and cuisine. Combining fashion and design with a warm neighborhood vibe, the district boasts pedestrian-friendly streets and more than 300 exclusive, unique businesses, with the Pacific Design Center as the district’s anchor.

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This free evening provides the perfect dose of holiday glamour and exceptional hospitality.  New additions for 2009 include personal shoppers to help gift givers navigate their way through the “Avenues” with their shopping lists. Gift wrapping stations throughout the district will wrap shoppers’ purchases for a small charitable donation.  Last year’s featured businesses included: Crystalarium, Sheila, Co Co de Mer, Kreiss, Beckley, Alpha, Alberta Ferretti, Soolip, Hamilton-Selway Fine Art, Robert Kuo, John Varvatos, Makeup Mandy, B. Boheme, Kitson Studio, Kitson Men, Platt Boutique Jewelry, Ed’s Coffee Shop, Bel Bambini, H-L-N-R, SUNSTYLE, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Le Bra Lingerie, Marco Pelusi Hair Studio, Inc., Steven Alan, 655 Home, and DIVA/B&B Italia. For the latest news and information on the Holiday Shopping Night, please visit www.avenuesartdesign.com.

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The Avenues of Art & Design was established through a West Hollywood City Ordinance as a Business Improvement District (BID) in 1996. Home to more than 300 of the world’s finest art galleries, antique shops, furniture showrooms, fashion boutiques, salons, elegant eateries and fine restaurants, the Avenues of Art & Design is known worldwide for its selection of luxury products and services. The Avenues of Art & Design is affiliated with the West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau. For more information, call 310-289-2534.

New Businesses still flocking to West Hollywood…

Even in these tough economic times more businesses continue to see West Hollywood as a great opportunity.  Among others, in the past six months both Tender Greens and Yogurt Stop, have thrived in WeHo.  Both businesses are frequently at capacity.  Later this week, GYM Sportsbar is set to open where the Normandie Room was at Santa Monica & Hancock.  According to their press release,

GYM New York has won numerous accolades including being voted NYC’s Best Happy Hour for several years running, New York’s best gay bar by AOL City Guides and one of the five coolest places to watch the Super Bowl by the New York Post and Time Out.

GYM Sportsbar West Hollywood will be THE place to gather with friends to watch all of your LA sports teams, hang with your buddies or swing in by yourself and make new ones.  GYM West Hollywood will bring the same commitment to amazing customer service, low prices and warm, welcoming environment that has made GYM New York such a fixture in the NYC GLBT nightlife community.

America’most popular gay sports bar, GYM Sportsbar of New York City is opening it’s brand new West Hollywood location on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.

The night will start with a private VIP Grand Opening Party open bar from 7-9 pm and will welcome the public at 9pm sharp.  Featuring a front outdoor patio, 9 huge state of the art High Def TV’s, a  projection wall and new sound system.

GYM Sportsbar West Hollywood will be THE place to

gather with friends to watch all of your LA sports teams, hang with your buddies or swing in by yourself and make new ones.  GYM West Hollywood will bring the same commitment to amazing customer service, low prices and warm, welcoming environment that has made GYM New York such a fixture in the NYC GLBT nightlife community.

GYM New York has won numerous accolades including being voted NYC’s Best Happy Hour for several years running, New York’s best gay bar by AOL City Guides and one of the five coolest places to watch

the Super Bowl by the New York Post and Time OutThe night will start with a private VIP Grand Opening Party open bar from 7-9 pm and will welcome the public at 9pm sharp.  Featuring a front outdoor patio, 9 huge state of the art High Def TV’s, a  projection wall and new sound system.

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According to the sign, Healthy Spot, kind of a swanky doggie-care “spot” is coming to Santa Monica Blvd also, just east of La Cienega.

We know that West Hollywood is a more-than Dog Friendly Community.  A pampered dog is a happy dog?   According to their web site:

Healthy Spot is committed towards unleashing our customers’ passion for their dogs by being the leading provider of the finest products, premium services, quality information and highest care while breeding social awareness of compassion and canine education for the community.

Now if we can get all dog guardians/owners/walkers to pick up their dog droppings from the sidewalks and grassways, we’d be in good shape!

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The last one that I saw this week is Block Party We Ho in the location that long house A Different Light Bookstore!  BTW – if you wish to continue to support ADL you can order from them online:  http://www.adlbooks.com/ The poster reads Fun Fashions, Cool Cards, Books and Selected Magazines.  I couldn’t find a web site so stay tuned.

Block Party WeHo

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So that I don’t appear to be focused on SMB only, recently the SoHo House was approved for development on Sunset.  SoHo House has a few worldwide locations including NYC and London and bills itself as a Members’ Only Club.

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As always, I strongly encourage supporting local businesses (as long as they are being a good community member).

Live, Work, Play… and Stay in West Hollywood!

Walking WeHo Favorites – Restaurants!

Look, I exercise to eat!  Here are some of my top restaurant choices and why I Live, Work, Play and Stay in West Hollywood.

Marix Tex Mex is probably one of the most popular around.  If it is Monday, tomorrow must be Taco Tuesday!   The Healthy Bean is a great little coffee shop and a nice place for a quiet meeting.  On the flip side, Java Detour is another fun coffee house to chill and meet people.  If you haven’t tried the Oh My God Roll at Ari-Ya then you are missing out.  Cafe D’Etoile does not have a web site but it is a fixture in the community and has a long history of consistently yummy food from prime rib and scallops to the “oops, I drank to much and need the d’etoile hamburger!”

Sur on Robertson is an excellent restaurant.  They have the best lunchtime chop salad around, delicious sangria, scrumptious appetizers and just about the best looking waitstaff in all of LA County.  The B-Man and I love to get Poquito Mas when we want a quick, healthy and fresh Mexican meal.  I have recently become a fan of St. Felix on SMB.  At Happy Hour you can get a yummy slider (with blue cheese) and a small portion of sweet potato fries for $5.00.  Yup!   Cafe La Boheme is divine!  Champagne Bakery for a nice, quick breakfast croissant.

The Flavor of India has amazing cuisine.  You can’t beat Hamburger Mary’s for fun food.  I love, love, love Joey’s Cafe for breakfast or lunch.  Our pizza likings have bounced around over the years but lately Panini on Sunset has been fulfilling my east coast pizza tastes.  Tango Grille has great steak and my favorite Italian meat sauce.  Sweet Chili is my favorite Thai place.  They are so nice.  The food is fresh and delicious.  When I am sick I must eat their Glass Noodle Soup with Chicken and extra red chili sauce.  I am convinced that it has magical powers.

And, of course, Yogurt Stop.  Yes, I was one of the neigh sayers.  I would walk by every night on my way home and think, “ha, just what we need, another mostly empty yogurt place!”  And then they opened.  My theory, everyone like to pump it themselves.  It’s all in the control factor.  Great flavors, fun staff, awesome ambiance, perfect location and Marta and Misti are delightful.  Trust me all the cool kids are there!

Live, Work, Play and Stay in West Hollywood!