City of West Hollywood to Host the 2011 West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011 The City of West Hollywood announced that the City to Host Halloween Carnaval!

Hundreds of thousands of ghouls, goblins and other creatures of the night will let loose upon Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood for the 2011 West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval on Halloween night, Monday, October 31, 2011.

One of the world’s largest celebrations on All Hallow’s Eve, the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard. The theme for the Halloween Costume Carnaval is “Become Your Other” and revelers are encouraged to let their alter egos come out to play for the evening.

“What started out as a bunch of gay men in drag stumbling in heels on Santa Monica Boulevard in Boystown has become the largest Halloween Carnaval in the world!” said West Hollywood Mayor John J. Duran. “This year, we will make this as much of a weekend event for our locals as it is a major tourist attraction for visitors from across Southern California,” continued Mayor Duran.

The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval entertainment stages will include three large stages and three smaller stages. The Main Stage located at Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard will feature special, world-class entertainment that will be unveiled on Halloween night!

“Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for young children on Halloween. But let me warn you, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is NOT the place for young children, and especially not a place to bring your animal companions. It’s simply too crowded for them,” said West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Jeffrey Prang. “This is why we have two other exciting events designed just for our young children and our furry friends. The Annual Howl-O-Ween Doggy Costume Contest was held last week and the Halloween Youth Carnival is on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at West Hollywood Park,” continued Mayor Pro Tempore Prang.

The Cabaret De Carnaval stage located at Santa Monica Boulevard and Almont Drive will put a modern day twist on the old supper club show-tunes and burlesque genres. The Cabaret De Carnaval stage will be hosted by actor Jeffrey Damnit. Performers will include the drag punk house band, Transkontinental re-interpreting classic showtunes and modern pop hits; Hells Belles Burlesque, an all girl dance show that blends modern dance styles with classic pin-up burlesque; and Peter Mac, a female tribute artist who will perform as Judy Garland; and the FireGroove Flame Throwing ensemble.
“Everyone is welcome to come and spend another safe and exciting Halloween in West Hollywood,” said West Hollywood Councilmember John D’Amico.

The Butterfly Revue stage will be located at Santa Monica Boulevard and West Knoll Drive and will feature drag art performer Phyllis Navidad as hostess; as well as actress, musician and activist for transgender rights, Calpernia Addams; The Wife Project, a multi media dance performance utilizing projection and sound design; avant-garde dance music artist Pipes; and British dance pop sensation Daniela Brooker.

“I always look forward to Halloween in West Hollywood,” said West Hollywood Councilmember John Heilman. “Every year I’m excited by the creativity of the costumes. I’m also amazed by how many people come together to have a great time and celebrate,” continued Councilmember Heilman.


“The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is one of our great community events,” said West Hollywood Councilmember Abbe Land. “Our residents and people from all over come to Santa Monica Boulevard to celebrate Halloween with incredibly creative costumes, high-caliber entertainment and one of the most incredible parties anywhere in the world. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone out on the Boulevard celebrating and enjoying the event,” continued Councilmember Land.

The three small DJ stages will encourage audience interaction. DJ Max Van Ville will perform at The Morph Stage, located at Westbourne Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard; DJ Aaron Colbert will perform at the Masquerade Stage, located at North Palm Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard; and DJ Zen Freeman will spin at the Muse Stage located on North La Peer Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard.

The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is produced by the City of West Hollywood and the Authentic Agency, a West Hollywood branded entertainment agency.

Public parking for the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval will be available at parking lots throughout West Hollywood. For more information about the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, call the City of West Hollywood’s Halloween Hotline at (323) 848-6503 or visit www.weho.org/halloween


Street Closures

Due to the City of West Hollywood’s annual Halloween Costume Carnaval, the following streets will be temporarily CLOSED as follows:

• San Vicente Boulevard between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard from 12:01am Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011
• Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard including all side streets from 12 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
• Robertson Boulevard between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard from 12 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
• San Vicente Boulevard between Cynthia Street and Santa Monica Boulevard from 12 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
• La Peer Drive eastbound turn lane onto Santa Monica Boulevard from 12 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
• Almont Drive and La Peer Drive are closed from Santa Monica Boulevard to Melrose Avenue from 12 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
• Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and Holloway Drive/Croft Avenue from 4 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
• La Cienega Boulevard between Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard from 4 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011. Northbound La Cienega Boulevard is open between Holloway Drive and Sunset Boulevard.
• Sunset Boulevard eastbound and westbound turn lanes onto La Cienega Boulevard from 4 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 through 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

Parking Information

The City of West Hollywood will suspend permit parking for the Halloween Carnaval from 5 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2011 to 6 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011. Parking meters will be enforced. Carnaval-goers are asked to observe the boundaries of West Hollywood. If parking occurs in the City of Los Angeles and the City of Beverly HIlls, all parking restrictions must be observed.

Public Parking for the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval will be available at the following locations for a fee:

City Hall Parking Lot ($15 fee)
8300 Santa Monica Boulevard
Corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Sweetzer Avenue

Kings Road Parking Structure ($15.00 fee)
8383 Santa Monica Boulevard 
Corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Kings Road

La Jolla/Havenhurst Lot ($15 fee)
1046 Havenhurst Drive
Santa Monica Boulevard and Havenhurst Drive

La Peer Lot ($15 fee)
623 La Peer Drive 
Melrose Avenue and La Peer Drive

Orange Grove Lot ($15 fee)
1114 N. Orange Grove
Santa Monica Boulevard and Orange Grove Avenue

Pacific Design Center ($ 20.00 fee)
8687 Melrose Avenue 
Corner of Melrose Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard

Spaulding Lot ($15 fee)
7718 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica Boulevard and Spaulding Avenue

Sunset Lot ($15 fee)
8775 Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard and Olive Drive

901 Hancock Parking Structure ($15 fee)
901 Hancock Avenue 
Santa Monica Boulevard and Hancock Avenue

Shuttle Information

The City of West Hollywood will offer special CityLine service on Halloween between 5:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. The route will operate along Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and Fuller Avenue. In addition there will be a loop from La Cienega and Holloway to Sunset Blvd. beginning at 9:00 p.m. This service is FREE. Please note that the regular day service will not operate on Monday, October 31.

For more information please visit www.weho.org/halloween or call the Halloween Carnaval Hotline at (323) 848-6503 or call (323) 848-6308.

Source: http://www.weho.org 
Photo poster credit to: City of West Hollywood

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EXCLUSIVE: West Hollywood Makes History Going Fur Free

By JR, Special for Diversity News Magazine

It was a historical night on Monday, September 19, 2011 when around 1:30am (early Tuesday morning) West Hollywood voted unanimously to be the first city in the world to become “Fur Free.”

Business owners, residents and people from other cities spoke out about the ordinance that bans the sale of fur.  Although the city authorities have to refine the ordinance, it will be good to go within in the coming weeks.

Animal advocates and supporters celebrated the moment with cheers, high fives, smiles and hugs. The ban is the first of it’s kind in the nation, prohibiting the sales of fur clothing. For now, the sales of fur accessories and leather items are still allowed.

During the meeting, around 60 people stepped up to the podium to speak. Attorney Steven J. Bernheim said, “Free consumer choice has limits. For example, you can no longer be able to order foie gras, because it’s been deemed too cruel. For example, you can’t watch cock fighting any longer. Those are the reasons why you should pass this ordinance.” Jean Dobrin, a 36 year resident of West Hollywood said she was “horrified” by the selling of fur and went on to say, “Stella, the daughter of Paul McCartney won’t sell one speck of fur in her store.  If I told you the method of killing these animals, you would be revolted.” She continued,  “When I learned 20 years ago that they kill foxes by inserting an electrical charge in their anus, how would you like that? “

On the opposing side, Ester Ban made a good point, “No one has mentioned leather shoes, leather bags. Why not? They just don’t like fur.” She went on to say, “I don’t tell you what to wear, I don’t think you should tell me or the rest of the citizens to wear” She said that she didn’t believe that  animals were killed inhumanly. She said it was “stupid” and just a “tactic trying to scare people like a horror film.” Hecklers from the opposing view clapped in support and were heard saying “lies, it’s all staged, they don’t do the to animals.” A few times during the heated discussion, the gavel rang out to keep the session in order.


Matt Rosell stated he went undercover for 4 months at a fox farm in Illinois and assured the audience that he saw “500 killed by anal electrocution.” He said “The public has a right to know what really happens to these animals. The fur industry is only able to sell these products by not sharing these facts.” Mary Cummins, president of animal advocates who rescues wildlife, stated that she had an “educational raccoon” that she almost brought to the meeting who loves to play with dog toys and watches tv. She pleaded,  “I can assure you that they feel pain and sadness just like our cats and dogs. An animal is a living, breathing being. “

Retailers expressed their concerns stating that they could “lose 15% or more” of their revenue.  To this, hit recording artist Fawn responded in a matter of fact tone, “Banning smoking in restaurants, has not stopped people from going to restaurants. 15% is not that big of a loss, compared to the loss of a life. There are plenty of alternatives that look like real fur.” She continued to say “I’m part of the entertainment industry, where fashion is at the fore front. Fashion is important for what I do. If West Hollywood continues to sell fur products, I will not shop here any more.” Fawn commented on the fact that President Obama would be visiting West Hollywood this coming Monday, and pointed out,  “The First Lady Michelle Obama, refuses to wear fur.” Fawn proclaimed that “fear” was leading people to oppose the ban and used Rosa Parks as an example of overcoming fear.  She asserted, “When Rosa Parks said no to the back of the bus, she was afraid, but stood up because it was the right thing to do. The thing about it is we have a choice.  I ask that we make the right choice for humanity. West Hollywood leads, it doesn’t follow.”

Shannon Keith, Animal Rights attorney and award-winning producer of “Skin Trade,” affirmed,  “I have seen undercover footage of what goes on, on fur farms” She said she went “door to door” to speak to business owners in West Hollywood and when they were shown the footage, they actually took the fur products off their shelves themselves.” She continued to say, “People are concerned about their sales, but what concerns us it the right not to torture animals.”


Ellen Lavinthal, one of the leaders of Fur Free West Hollywood said “It’s just the beginning of what’s to come in the humane treatment of animals and how we view fashion.”

Ed Buck, another leader of Fur Free West Hollywood stated, “West Hollywood is just more than this city, we are a beacon – the city on the hill and when we do something here, it does reverberate around the country and around the world. This is a reverberation that will be felt around the world.”

About Fur Free Weho Campaign: 
Each year more than 50 million animals are killed for fur, whether raised in factory farm-like conditions or trapped in the wild. Recent investigations also show domestic dogs and cats are killed for fur, especially fur trim on garments imported from China, often improperly labeled “faux.” Last month, President Obama signed the Truth in Fur Labeling Act to require all real animal fur to be correctly labeled.

In 1989, West Hollywood passed Resolution Number 558 proclaiming the city a “Cruelty Free Zone for Animals.” The fur-free WeHo campaign makes good on the city’s promise.

“West Hollywood has the opportunity to once again be a leader for animal welfare by becoming the first Fur Free city in the nation,” said campaign supporter D’Amico. “We have pledged to be a place that is free of cruelty to animals and we can no longer support the barbaric fur trade by selling the products of that cruelty in our city.”

“This frivolous luxury can be stopped with consumer and civic action,” said campaign leader Ellen Lavinthal. “This will be another historic campaign showing the nation that West Hollywood is a leader in the protection of animal citizens.”

Shannon Keith, Ellen Lavinthal and Ed Buck, three animal advocates, have come together to BAN the sale of fur in West Hollywood. To find out more go to www.furfreeweho.com & www.weho.org

Sources: www.furfreeweho.com

Photos credit to: http://wehonews.com, Gary Smith

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