Wednesday, August 26, 2009
GENERAL DEMOGRAPHICS
This data was taken from the 2000 Census and data as reported in the West Hollywood Speaks Community Report from 2006, which is a random survey of 4,000 West Hollywood Citizens conducted in November 2005.
Population: about 36,000*
Breakdown by target population
Gay/Bisexual Men: 39%
Seniors: 21%
Families with children: 7%
Immigrants from former Soviet Union: 8%
Women: 43%
Households affected by HIV/AIDS: 10%
People living with disabilities: 23%
Breakdown by ethnicity
African-American: 2%
Latino/Latina: 5%
Other Anglo/White/Caucasian: 87%
Pacific Islander: 4%
Other: 1%
Gender
Male: 57%
Female: 43%
Transgender: 1%
Age
18 - 24: 2%
25 - 34: 18%
35 - 44: 27%
45 - 54: 18%
55 - 64: 14%
65 - 80: 16%
80+: 5%
Income
Less than $25,000: 24%
$25,000 - $49,000: 22%
$50,000 - $99,000: 31%
$100,000+: 23%
* According to 2000 census, the population was 35,716. West Hollywood has experienced an average growth rate of 1.15% each decade since 1980, so the projected population for 2010 would be roughly 36,109.
West Hollywood has large gay, and Russian Immigrant populations. These populations are prevalent in the community. The presence of the gay population is made visible by the display of rainbow flags, the many gay bars, and an empty store front that used to be “A Different Light Bookstore.” “A Different Light Bookstore” carried Gay & Lesbian literature, books, magazines, and movies. The Russian population is made visible by the Russian transcription on store fronts along Santa Monica Blvd and monuments in Plummer Park.
Representation of the two most prevalent populations in West Hollywood:
Population: about 36,000*
Breakdown by target population
Gay/Bisexual Men: 39%
Seniors: 21%
Families with children: 7%
Immigrants from former Soviet Union: 8%
Women: 43%
Households affected by HIV/AIDS: 10%
People living with disabilities: 23%
Breakdown by ethnicity
African-American: 2%
Latino/Latina: 5%
Other Anglo/White/Caucasian: 87%
Pacific Islander: 4%
Other: 1%
Gender
Male: 57%
Female: 43%
Transgender: 1%
Age
18 - 24: 2%
25 - 34: 18%
35 - 44: 27%
45 - 54: 18%
55 - 64: 14%
65 - 80: 16%
80+: 5%
Income
Less than $25,000: 24%
$25,000 - $49,000: 22%
$50,000 - $99,000: 31%
$100,000+: 23%
* According to 2000 census, the population was 35,716. West Hollywood has experienced an average growth rate of 1.15% each decade since 1980, so the projected population for 2010 would be roughly 36,109.
West Hollywood has large gay, and Russian Immigrant populations. These populations are prevalent in the community. The presence of the gay population is made visible by the display of rainbow flags, the many gay bars, and an empty store front that used to be “A Different Light Bookstore.” “A Different Light Bookstore” carried Gay & Lesbian literature, books, magazines, and movies. The Russian population is made visible by the Russian transcription on store fronts along Santa Monica Blvd and monuments in Plummer Park.
Representation of the two most prevalent populations in West Hollywood:
BOUNDARIES
The City of West Hollywood has odd geographical boundaries due to forming from what was an unincorporated area of Los Angeles. To the west is the very affluent Beverly Hills while to the east is the historical lower class Hollywood neighborhood. Upon entering the city, we feel an immediate sense of pride emanating from the small, approximately two square mile city. The atmosphere of West Hollywood transforms from rainbow pride flags in the west of the city to rundown strip malls lettered in Russian store signs in the east.
To the west, West Hollywood appears vibrant and lively with cafes, bars and clubs:
To the east, West Hollywood is primarily a Russian community and is mostly made up of strip malls with small shops:
The city has two very different cultures, one of a strong LGBT community and the other of former USSR immigrants. In the past, the residents were also the same people employed in the community. However as housing prices skyrocket, more and more of the former residents are forced to move east to Hollywood while commuting to their West Hollywood workplaces. The trend appears to be that second generation immigrants move out of West Hollywood to the Valley, leaving behind their elderly parents who then rely heavily on the social services provided by the city.
* Boundaries identified by people who live in West Hollywood
- Doheny to the west, La Brea to the east and Sunset to the north with a bizarre spattering in the south.
- Gay friendly community vs. not as gay friendly community.
- Russian speaking community vs. non-Russian speaking community.
* Boundaries identified by people who do not live in West Hollywood
- Colorful, flashy nightclubs
- Very affluent area
- High end retail shops
- Sex shops
- Lack of awareness to the prevalent Russian community
A map of West Hollywood:
To the west, West Hollywood appears vibrant and lively with cafes, bars and clubs:
To the east, West Hollywood is primarily a Russian community and is mostly made up of strip malls with small shops:
The city has two very different cultures, one of a strong LGBT community and the other of former USSR immigrants. In the past, the residents were also the same people employed in the community. However as housing prices skyrocket, more and more of the former residents are forced to move east to Hollywood while commuting to their West Hollywood workplaces. The trend appears to be that second generation immigrants move out of West Hollywood to the Valley, leaving behind their elderly parents who then rely heavily on the social services provided by the city.
* Boundaries identified by people who live in West Hollywood
- Doheny to the west, La Brea to the east and Sunset to the north with a bizarre spattering in the south.
- Gay friendly community vs. not as gay friendly community.
- Russian speaking community vs. non-Russian speaking community.
* Boundaries identified by people who do not live in West Hollywood
- Colorful, flashy nightclubs
- Very affluent area
- High end retail shops
- Sex shops
- Lack of awareness to the prevalent Russian community
A map of West Hollywood:
MUTUAL AID
The city of West Hollywood has a great and extensive Social Service Guide that is available to all residents. This Guide is always current, reprinted several times a year as service providers and volunteer opportunities are added or deleted. In this guide, community members are given a list of services ranging from financial support to mental health services. Unfortunately, many of these services do not have offices within West Hollywood. Examples include financial assistance from the Department of Public Social Services and mental health services such as Cedars Sinai Mental Health Although the printed guide is English only, contact numbers are provided for information in Russian and Spanish.
Residents can also seek out services or assistance at the West Hollywood City Hall. City Hall is open to the general public and residents of West Hollywood to aid in areas such as public housing assistance and business permits. The city also houses several community centers including the West Hollywood Community Center at Plummer Park. The Gay and Lesbian Center that sits just outside West Hollywood’s borders also provides endless services to “WeHo” residents. Both of these centers offer a gamut of services for all ages, from children to the elderly.
Aside from formal services, residents of West Hollywood turn to their neighbors and friends for mutual aid. Word of mouth is an excellent form of aid used among the Russian-speaking community of senior citizens. They inform each other of important dates and when food coupons are available at the West Hollywood Community Center.
Residents can also seek out services or assistance at the West Hollywood City Hall. City Hall is open to the general public and residents of West Hollywood to aid in areas such as public housing assistance and business permits. The city also houses several community centers including the West Hollywood Community Center at Plummer Park. The Gay and Lesbian Center that sits just outside West Hollywood’s borders also provides endless services to “WeHo” residents. Both of these centers offer a gamut of services for all ages, from children to the elderly.
Aside from formal services, residents of West Hollywood turn to their neighbors and friends for mutual aid. Word of mouth is an excellent form of aid used among the Russian-speaking community of senior citizens. They inform each other of important dates and when food coupons are available at the West Hollywood Community Center.
LOCAL FACILITIES
Few of West Hollywood’s social service agencies are located within city limits, but instead are located in nearby areas of Los Angeles, such as western Hollywood. Although these locations are less convenient for some clients than locations in West Hollywood would be, they are largely accessible by bus. Some agencies, such as the West Hollywood Comprehensive Service Center, provide services so rare (Russian-speaking case managers for seniors, in this case), that they draw clients from as far away as Long Beach, so a location within West Hollywood proper is perhaps less critical.
West Hollywood features a number of shopping areas, including along Robertson Boulevard, Melrose Avenue, and Santa Monica and Sunset boulevards. Much of the retail along these corridors comprise high-end clothing and furniture retailers, along with restaurants and bars with outdoor sidewalk seating. Storefronts along Santa Monica Boulevard, and especially along the western half of, around Robertson Boulevard, offer goods and services specifically targeted to the LGBT community.
The supermarkets in town include Ralph’s Fresh Fare and Bristol Farms on Beverly Boulevard, and Pavilions and Gelson’s on Santa Monica Boulevard. We visited the last two, and found them to have a good selection of food. Much was made of the Pavilions in our conversations with local residents and others in the community; it opened last month to much fanfare (and free food giveaways), and it is very attractively designed. Notably, all four of these supermarkets are upscale brands, with higher-priced groceries. The lack of more economically priced stores might be a hindrance to lower-income residents moving to the city, or to seniors and others on a fixed income.
There is a public library in central West Hollywood, near the Sheriff’s Station, and it is in good repair, and offers free WiFi. Banks/ATM machines are located along Santa Monica Boulevard as well. West Hollywood has two public elementary schools (which have a total enrollment of less than 500), but for junior high and high school, students attend LAUSD schools in the surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located in the heart of West Hollywood on Beverly Blvd. and is first class, comprehensive medical and wellness facility. There are over 2,000 physicians at cedar Sinai from almost every clinical specialty. The hospital employs a total of 10,000 people and consistently recruits 2,000 volunteers. The Cedars-Sinai website has a page outlining how it cares for the vulnerable and underserved populations in and around Los Angeles. The hospital also has extensive services for seniors which it outlines on its website as well.
The West Hollywood city hall is the go-to place for residents and business owners in Los Angeles. The city hall has an active schedule of advisory board and committee meetings. Agendas from these boards are posted on a regular basis. The city services offered through the city hall range from information on animal control and care, to information on domestic partnerships, recycling and a host of social service agencies.
There does not appear to be a courthouse within the city of West Hollywood. During the Community Immersion program the West Hollywood sheriff mentioned that people arrested or charged in West Hollywood were then sent to the Beverly Hills or the Los Angeles courthouse.
It appears that every single gas station chain has representation in the city of West Hollywood. The Sunset strip, Santa Monica Blvd and Melrose Ave are all destination points. Therefore, gas stations are in high demand in West Hollywood. Finally, there are two public bus transportation systems in the city of West Hollywood. There is the Metro Rapid Line that just travels East and West along Santa Monica Blvd. There is also the City Line that travels East and West but also veers off into smaller side streets. This line travels to Cedar Sinai Medical Center. Both lines seem to go as far East as Highland and continue to travel west past Doheny. A complete map of the West Hollywood public transit system can be found here. There is also a free transportation service called “Dial a Ride” for senior citizen and disabled residents of West Hollywood.
West Hollywood features a number of shopping areas, including along Robertson Boulevard, Melrose Avenue, and Santa Monica and Sunset boulevards. Much of the retail along these corridors comprise high-end clothing and furniture retailers, along with restaurants and bars with outdoor sidewalk seating. Storefronts along Santa Monica Boulevard, and especially along the western half of, around Robertson Boulevard, offer goods and services specifically targeted to the LGBT community.
The supermarkets in town include Ralph’s Fresh Fare and Bristol Farms on Beverly Boulevard, and Pavilions and Gelson’s on Santa Monica Boulevard. We visited the last two, and found them to have a good selection of food. Much was made of the Pavilions in our conversations with local residents and others in the community; it opened last month to much fanfare (and free food giveaways), and it is very attractively designed. Notably, all four of these supermarkets are upscale brands, with higher-priced groceries. The lack of more economically priced stores might be a hindrance to lower-income residents moving to the city, or to seniors and others on a fixed income.
There is a public library in central West Hollywood, near the Sheriff’s Station, and it is in good repair, and offers free WiFi. Banks/ATM machines are located along Santa Monica Boulevard as well. West Hollywood has two public elementary schools (which have a total enrollment of less than 500), but for junior high and high school, students attend LAUSD schools in the surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located in the heart of West Hollywood on Beverly Blvd. and is first class, comprehensive medical and wellness facility. There are over 2,000 physicians at cedar Sinai from almost every clinical specialty. The hospital employs a total of 10,000 people and consistently recruits 2,000 volunteers. The Cedars-Sinai website has a page outlining how it cares for the vulnerable and underserved populations in and around Los Angeles. The hospital also has extensive services for seniors which it outlines on its website as well.
The West Hollywood city hall is the go-to place for residents and business owners in Los Angeles. The city hall has an active schedule of advisory board and committee meetings. Agendas from these boards are posted on a regular basis. The city services offered through the city hall range from information on animal control and care, to information on domestic partnerships, recycling and a host of social service agencies.
There does not appear to be a courthouse within the city of West Hollywood. During the Community Immersion program the West Hollywood sheriff mentioned that people arrested or charged in West Hollywood were then sent to the Beverly Hills or the Los Angeles courthouse.
It appears that every single gas station chain has representation in the city of West Hollywood. The Sunset strip, Santa Monica Blvd and Melrose Ave are all destination points. Therefore, gas stations are in high demand in West Hollywood. Finally, there are two public bus transportation systems in the city of West Hollywood. There is the Metro Rapid Line that just travels East and West along Santa Monica Blvd. There is also the City Line that travels East and West but also veers off into smaller side streets. This line travels to Cedar Sinai Medical Center. Both lines seem to go as far East as Highland and continue to travel west past Doheny. A complete map of the West Hollywood public transit system can be found here. There is also a free transportation service called “Dial a Ride” for senior citizen and disabled residents of West Hollywood.
SOCIAL CONTROL
The types of social control exhibited within West Hollywood are very similar all the other services within the city. The city of West Hollywood contracts out its police services to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. They are the main social control facilitator from a law enforcement standpoint. The area is also governed by a set of and laws. With the vibrant nightlife and revenue associated with it there is some leeway as far as some laws are concerned. Therefore another factor of social control are the people and inhabitants of the city itself.
In West Hollywood, the local law enforcement officials at the Sheriff’s Department maintain social control. They are contracted with the city of West Hollywood to be the main police enforcement agency within the city. Additionally, neighborhood watch, community policing and outreach, and a high number of non-profit and community groups all serve and protect various populations within West Hollywood's city limits. Many populations also have their own set of norms and policies to police their territory. In particular, some of the elderly and Russian immigrant groups are very close knit and use social pressure to maintain control over their turf.
West Hollywood has a very noticeable police presence within the city. They cruise Sunset Blvd. to control drag racing, but they are also viably accessible from places like the downtown shops to the new Target/Best Buy Center. During city events, the West Hollywood Police come out to maintain order. Because the area that their Sheriff's Department serves is only 1.9 square miles wide, the WHSD is able to maintain a strong visual and community presence within West Hollywood.
Notice the city's unique shape and rainbow-colored logo on the car door.
In West Hollywood, the local law enforcement officials at the Sheriff’s Department maintain social control. They are contracted with the city of West Hollywood to be the main police enforcement agency within the city. Additionally, neighborhood watch, community policing and outreach, and a high number of non-profit and community groups all serve and protect various populations within West Hollywood's city limits. Many populations also have their own set of norms and policies to police their territory. In particular, some of the elderly and Russian immigrant groups are very close knit and use social pressure to maintain control over their turf.
West Hollywood has a very noticeable police presence within the city. They cruise Sunset Blvd. to control drag racing, but they are also viably accessible from places like the downtown shops to the new Target/Best Buy Center. During city events, the West Hollywood Police come out to maintain order. Because the area that their Sheriff's Department serves is only 1.9 square miles wide, the WHSD is able to maintain a strong visual and community presence within West Hollywood.
Notice the city's unique shape and rainbow-colored logo on the car door.
SOCIAL NETWORKS
The city of West Hollywood is comprised of a number of social networks. In our walks around the city and meetings with city officials and community leaders, we found there to be three major groups that stood out as representative of West Hollywood: The LGBT community, the elderly Russian immigrant community, and the homeless population. These networks are somewhat interwoven yet also segregated in some ways. We noticed an obvious divide between stores and restaurants that seemed to be owned and frequented by the LGBT community and those associated with the Russian community as we rode the bus along Sunset Boulevard. However, we also noticed homeless people sharing space in a local park with a number of older Russian men who were engaged in games of cards and dominoes. These groups are interwoven into the identity of West Hollywood in more complex ways as well. Several local residents mentioned that the city's population more than doubles on weekend nights because of the large number of people who are drawn there by the nightlife, a good percentage of which caters to the LGBT community. The nightlife has also helped West Hollywood to become a desirable place to live, and property values have increased accordingly. This increase has affected the homeless population because of the increased pressure on law enforcement to regulate the presence of homeless people in an affluent community. The Russian population is also shifting, as the original immigrants are aging and their children have grown and left the community for the most part. West Hollywood seems to be a complex and interesting place and it will be interesting to see how the social networks that form the community mature, develop, and interact, and how these factors shape the future identity of West Hollywood.
IDENTITY, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, AND COMMON FATE
In the City of West Hollywood, there are two distinct groups of the population that are the dominant cultures. Politically, it is a very active and emotional time for the LGBT community due to the passing of Prop 8 in November 2008 elections.
We spoke with city officials of West Hollywood and they expressed their disappointment about this issue. Local businesses, including the community center, are continuing to explore options to have the ruling overturned.
The LGBT community of West Hollywood appears to be very connected to each other and committed to the same issues. The passing of prop 8 highlights the need for unity within the community because it shows that many outsiders unfortunately still do not recognize them as equals.
Many storefronts displayed signs in support of the repeal of prop 8.
We spoke with city officials of West Hollywood and they expressed their disappointment about this issue. Local businesses, including the community center, are continuing to explore options to have the ruling overturned.
The LGBT community of West Hollywood appears to be very connected to each other and committed to the same issues. The passing of prop 8 highlights the need for unity within the community because it shows that many outsiders unfortunately still do not recognize them as equals.
Many storefronts displayed signs in support of the repeal of prop 8.
ASSETS AND RISKS
Assets of West Hollywood:
In addition to a wealth of Social Services, West Hollywood provides many other assets to the community, including public parks, a large public library, shopping centers and markets, and child care programs and schools for children.
Parks
West Hollywood has a number of parks spread throughout the community and is committed to creating more green space for its residents:
Havenhurst Park
Kings Road Park
Plummer Park
West Hollywood Park
William S. Hart Park & Off-leash Dog Park
Map of West Hollywood Parks
WeHo Park Master Plan
Schools
Currently, there are no elementary, middle, or high schools located in the city of West Hollywood. However, there are nine private pre-schools and one public preschool within the city limits. Additionally, there are a number of programs that reach out to children of all ages and their families to provide health care services, child care, and counseling.
For a list of these programs, click here.
Public Libraries
The West Hollywood Library is getting a major renovation, due to be complete in 2011. In addition to books and multimedia for checkout and computers and meeting rooms available for public use, the Library will also host a number of community services.
For more information about the West Hollywood Library plan, click here.
Supermarkets and Restaurants
There are a number of upscale supermarkets in West Hollywood, as well as some smaller stores catering to the Russian community, and some health food stores. Additionally, there are a large number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering food and drink across the spectrum of price ranges and menus.
For a list of eateries in West Hollywood, click here.
Grocery stores located in the city: Gelson's, a more upscale grocery store and Odessa, a Russian grocery store.
Risks/Deficits of West Hollywood:
Although the community of West Hollywood has many assets thanks to their flourishing businesses and hotels, it does have some deficits. The common deficit mentioned by city leaders as well as social service providers was housing. West Hollywood has a decent number of single person dwellings, mainly 1 bedroom apartments or studios, but little to no multiple-family dwellings. Although West Hollywood is known for being home to singles and young couples, it is beginning to have more and more families, but limited space for them.
In addition to the lack of housing, some West Hollywood residents also have to face the lack of housing. This is more of an issue for elderly in the community who often live on a fixed income and cannot afford the increase in rent. According to city leaders, the waiting list for government housing, Section 8, is in the thousands and is estimated to be 8+ years long.
Another need that was addressed by service providers is financial aid for seniors. Some senior citizens in the West Hollywood community report they do not have enough money to both pay for rent and eat healthy, so they often times go hungry. Although the city provides free meals at some of their community centers like at Plummer Park, some seniors still report going hungry.
In addition to a wealth of Social Services, West Hollywood provides many other assets to the community, including public parks, a large public library, shopping centers and markets, and child care programs and schools for children.
Parks
West Hollywood has a number of parks spread throughout the community and is committed to creating more green space for its residents:
Havenhurst Park
Kings Road Park
Plummer Park
West Hollywood Park
William S. Hart Park & Off-leash Dog Park
Map of West Hollywood Parks
WeHo Park Master Plan
Schools
Currently, there are no elementary, middle, or high schools located in the city of West Hollywood. However, there are nine private pre-schools and one public preschool within the city limits. Additionally, there are a number of programs that reach out to children of all ages and their families to provide health care services, child care, and counseling.
For a list of these programs, click here.
Public Libraries
The West Hollywood Library is getting a major renovation, due to be complete in 2011. In addition to books and multimedia for checkout and computers and meeting rooms available for public use, the Library will also host a number of community services.
For more information about the West Hollywood Library plan, click here.
Supermarkets and Restaurants
There are a number of upscale supermarkets in West Hollywood, as well as some smaller stores catering to the Russian community, and some health food stores. Additionally, there are a large number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering food and drink across the spectrum of price ranges and menus.
For a list of eateries in West Hollywood, click here.
Grocery stores located in the city: Gelson's, a more upscale grocery store and Odessa, a Russian grocery store.
Risks/Deficits of West Hollywood:
Although the community of West Hollywood has many assets thanks to their flourishing businesses and hotels, it does have some deficits. The common deficit mentioned by city leaders as well as social service providers was housing. West Hollywood has a decent number of single person dwellings, mainly 1 bedroom apartments or studios, but little to no multiple-family dwellings. Although West Hollywood is known for being home to singles and young couples, it is beginning to have more and more families, but limited space for them.
In addition to the lack of housing, some West Hollywood residents also have to face the lack of housing. This is more of an issue for elderly in the community who often live on a fixed income and cannot afford the increase in rent. According to city leaders, the waiting list for government housing, Section 8, is in the thousands and is estimated to be 8+ years long.
Another need that was addressed by service providers is financial aid for seniors. Some senior citizens in the West Hollywood community report they do not have enough money to both pay for rent and eat healthy, so they often times go hungry. Although the city provides free meals at some of their community centers like at Plummer Park, some seniors still report going hungry.
INSIDER PERSPECTIVE
The Russian community views the neighborhood as a safe haven. West Hollywood provides services for the Russian population in Los Angeles County. Most of the residents in West Hollywood are very proud of their city. There is a tight-knit community between the people who serve the community as well as those that are residents of the neighborhood. The main assets the city of West Hollywood possesses are that it is a popular destination for people to come visit. By having many tourists as well as L.A. County locals visit areas of West Hollywood, the city is able to accumulate revenue through parking tickets, hotel and restaurant revenue, and much more. Due to the fact that the city of West Hollywood is focused on serving the needs of the community it also has a well rounded social services program that serves many different populations including youth, LGBT, the homeless, and the Russian Community. The main risks of the city are a lack of housing, an increase in homelessness, and lack of food. Unfortunately the risks apply mainly to the elder populations in West Hollywood. With the large LGBT community in West Hollywood another risk that is a concern to the city is the HIV/AIDS epidemic and STI’s. Although the city does their best to incorporate outreach to the community about awareness, there are also many health services that are provided by the city’s social service program in order to help those that are already affected or are at risk of a health scare.
Many residents love living in the city of West Hollywood, it is a landmark for the LGBT, Russian, Jewish, and celebrity communities. Due to the fact that there are so many smaller enclaves within the city, many people feel more comfortable in a city in which they are able to interact with people that they are familiar with. In this case it also creates a very diverse environment by having different groups of people interact with one another. Residents gave many reasons for wanting to stay in the community, what seemed to be a recurring theme in conversation was that West Hollywood is absolutely beautiful. In addition to aesthetic reasons, social cohesion is also apparent when walking through the parks and community centers. One senior stated that the reason he stayed in the community was that he felt a sense of connection to other seniors who were also Russian. He felt be belonged there.
This utopian framework does not come without cost. With this beauty comes the reality of rent costs and property values skyrocketing. One male pointed out that even with all of the social services offered to West Hollywood residents, sometimes it’s still too expensive. City Hall is extremely proactive in responding to the needs and wishes of the community. For example, West Hollywood holds monthly meetings to collaborate with agencies in West Hollywood specifically designed to serve this very diverse population. The city generously financially supports agency efforts that focus on the community’s needs and wants. A few of these agency programs include CONNECT located at the West Hollywood Community Center designed to connect community seniors with a younger mentor. And WEHO Streets implemented by Friends Research that engages in outreach designed on a harm reduction model to bring awareness to MSMs (males who have sex with males) who engage in high-risk sexual activity.
The Village and Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center.
West Hollywood Community Center, located in Plummer Park.
Elderly, mostly Russian, men gather to play chess and other games at Plummer Park.
At Plummer Park, a monument honoring Russian veterans from WWII.
Many residents love living in the city of West Hollywood, it is a landmark for the LGBT, Russian, Jewish, and celebrity communities. Due to the fact that there are so many smaller enclaves within the city, many people feel more comfortable in a city in which they are able to interact with people that they are familiar with. In this case it also creates a very diverse environment by having different groups of people interact with one another. Residents gave many reasons for wanting to stay in the community, what seemed to be a recurring theme in conversation was that West Hollywood is absolutely beautiful. In addition to aesthetic reasons, social cohesion is also apparent when walking through the parks and community centers. One senior stated that the reason he stayed in the community was that he felt a sense of connection to other seniors who were also Russian. He felt be belonged there.
This utopian framework does not come without cost. With this beauty comes the reality of rent costs and property values skyrocketing. One male pointed out that even with all of the social services offered to West Hollywood residents, sometimes it’s still too expensive. City Hall is extremely proactive in responding to the needs and wishes of the community. For example, West Hollywood holds monthly meetings to collaborate with agencies in West Hollywood specifically designed to serve this very diverse population. The city generously financially supports agency efforts that focus on the community’s needs and wants. A few of these agency programs include CONNECT located at the West Hollywood Community Center designed to connect community seniors with a younger mentor. And WEHO Streets implemented by Friends Research that engages in outreach designed on a harm reduction model to bring awareness to MSMs (males who have sex with males) who engage in high-risk sexual activity.
The Village and Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center.
West Hollywood Community Center, located in Plummer Park.
Elderly, mostly Russian, men gather to play chess and other games at Plummer Park.
At Plummer Park, a monument honoring Russian veterans from WWII.
OUTSIDER PERSPECTIVE
In analyzing West Hollywood from an "outsider perspective," we have decided to approach this from our own unique viewpoints – those of queer people who do not find WeHo's community resources, nightlife, and lifestyle brand to be wholly comforting. We acknowledge that, for the purposes of this post, we are only referring to WeHo's LGBT community, and not West Hollywood as a whole. As you have read about in the other posts, there are many different communities and people that reside in and frequent the various parts of the city. We believed that our own experiences would provide the greatest insight into the LGBT community. Luis, a group member, explains his own relationship with WeHo:
In talking to youth from an LGBT Latino organization, Luis found that many of them have a similar relationship and views of WeHo. For them WeHo is a place to be open about sexuality, but it is not home. Many travel up to an hour by bus from communities like East Los Angeles and South L.A. to visit WeHo, but find resources and support groups far outside the city limits. Although the city of West Hollywood itself offers a variety of resources to its various communities and residents, WeHo’s nightlife ultimately overshadows and shapes the image to most outsiders. There is no denying that to the LGBT community as a whole, West Hollywood represents a step toward greater acceptance and understanding of LGBT issues, but this is something that should not be restricted to a two square-mile area.
The queer community in Los Angeles consists of many groups of people that do not identify with the mainstream, white, male, wealthy, gay consumerist culture of West Hollywood. Since WeHo represents the most visible form of queer culture in Los Angeles, however, that is how many people view queer life in LA. Outsiders view WeHo in many different ways. Some people think it represents a much-needed community space for LGBT people to socialize, live, and work, while others believe that gay culture does not need to be as visible as it is on Santa Monica Blvd, and some queer people do not believe that they are represented by or welcome in the culture of WeHo.
"Being queer and growing up in a Latino-immigrant community, I always hoped to find a space where being gay would be accepted. When I “came out” in college I began to find groups and other social spaces where I felt comfortable being open about my sexuality. Soon enough I began to hear about West Hollywood (or WeHo for short), although strangely it was usually from my straight female friends who painted WeHo as a sort of Mecca for gays. In WeHo the men were gay, loved to drink and knew how to party. When I was finally able to visit I found that the gay men in WeHo were also mostly white, thin, and seemingly financially well off. WeHo, to me, was nothing more than an extension of the materialistic and self-involved “West Side.”
In talking to youth from an LGBT Latino organization, Luis found that many of them have a similar relationship and views of WeHo. For them WeHo is a place to be open about sexuality, but it is not home. Many travel up to an hour by bus from communities like East Los Angeles and South L.A. to visit WeHo, but find resources and support groups far outside the city limits. Although the city of West Hollywood itself offers a variety of resources to its various communities and residents, WeHo’s nightlife ultimately overshadows and shapes the image to most outsiders. There is no denying that to the LGBT community as a whole, West Hollywood represents a step toward greater acceptance and understanding of LGBT issues, but this is something that should not be restricted to a two square-mile area.
The queer community in Los Angeles consists of many groups of people that do not identify with the mainstream, white, male, wealthy, gay consumerist culture of West Hollywood. Since WeHo represents the most visible form of queer culture in Los Angeles, however, that is how many people view queer life in LA. Outsiders view WeHo in many different ways. Some people think it represents a much-needed community space for LGBT people to socialize, live, and work, while others believe that gay culture does not need to be as visible as it is on Santa Monica Blvd, and some queer people do not believe that they are represented by or welcome in the culture of WeHo.
EVIDENCE OF DIVERSITY
WeHo brands itself as a proud and vibrant open community where tolerance, acceptance, and ‘cultural sensitivity’ are key to admission. ‘Openness’ does not necessarily connote or lead to ‘diversity,’ however, and WeHo is still predominately a destination community for gay, lesbian, bi and transgender individuals who skew white, single-adult, educated, well-off, gay or bisexual, and male. WeHo does, however, also comprise a very large subset of seniors, Jews, and Russian-speaking immigrants. We were not necessarily aware of this prior to our visit.
Following is a 2006 Survey and Census Data breakdown, which we received from the City of West Hollywood. It compares well to whom we observed and spoke to:
Gay or Bisexual men (39%)
Seniors (21%)
Families with children (7%)
Immigrants from the former Soviet Union (8%)
Women (43%)
Households affected by HIV/AIDS (10%)
People living with disabilities (23%)
White/Caucasian/Other Anglo (87%)
Latino/Latina (5%)
Asian or Pacific Islander (4%)
African American (2%)
WeHo also embraces a strong artistic community (music, film, theater, fine arts, antiques, fashion, architecture, graphic design, interior design, restaurant/bar/club, body art, holistic health, etc). It’s a close-knit, nicely-scaled “small town in a big city,” valued for its cultural panache, gay-friendly environment, care for its own, charm, sense-of-style and fun. We got the vibe in speaking with city leaders and residents that this community works together to get along. The people who live here want to and choose to. Those who can afford to stay, will...
The "Advocate & Gochis Galleries" at The Village: LA Gay & Lesbian Center
A shop in the "trendy" area of West Hollywood
Following is a 2006 Survey and Census Data breakdown, which we received from the City of West Hollywood. It compares well to whom we observed and spoke to:
Gay or Bisexual men (39%)
Families with children (7%)
Immigrants from the former Soviet Union (8%)
Women (43%)
Households affected by HIV/AIDS (10%)
People living with disabilities (23%)
White/Caucasian/Other Anglo (87%)
Latino/Latina (5%)
Asian or Pacific Islander (4%)
African American (2%)
WeHo also embraces a strong artistic community (music, film, theater, fine arts, antiques, fashion, architecture, graphic design, interior design, restaurant/bar/club, body art, holistic health, etc). It’s a close-knit, nicely-scaled “small town in a big city,” valued for its cultural panache, gay-friendly environment, care for its own, charm, sense-of-style and fun. We got the vibe in speaking with city leaders and residents that this community works together to get along. The people who live here want to and choose to. Those who can afford to stay, will...
The "Advocate & Gochis Galleries" at The Village: LA Gay & Lesbian Center
A shop in the "trendy" area of West Hollywood
HOMELESSNES OR RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
According to City officials, the homeless population in West Hollywood has been steadily increasing over the past couple of years. They have also noted the homeless population is getting a lot younger. There is more evidence of younger, homeless individuals roaming the streets of West Hollywood, a lot of them LGBT youth who have runaway from home due to issues of coming out to their parents and drug use. Most of the homeless population reside on the east side of West Hollywood, specifically near Plummer Park. A strong presence of people in need is visible on the corner of La Brea and Santa Monica. Police say cases of mugging and theft occur there which are sometimes linked to the homeless. Homeless in the city can sometimes be identified by the many bags of belongings they carry,or transport by other means such as bicycles. Storing personal belongings is often a challenge to them. There are also people within the cities homeless population that aren’t as recognizable. Some homeless blend into the scene more easily while others struggle with identifiable issues such as poor hygiene and mental illness.
Many factors contribute to the problem of homelessness in the City of West Hollywood and beyond. One such problem in West Hollywood is the rise in rent and living expenses for those in the area. People that have lived there for years, especially the elderly, Russian immigrant population, know the struggle of making rent. On one occasion, a resident had to resort to eating cat food due to the lack of money to buy food on account of high rent costs.
Affordable housing is a major issue facing the city today. Inclusionary housing and Section 8 programs have not been sufficient for the growing number of people in need. The current wait for Section 8 housing is 7-10 years. Many people, who can no longer afford to live in West Hollywood, escape homelessness, by moving to neighboring Hollywood or the Valley.
In recent years, West Hollywood has been seen as a “trendsetter” in their approach to homelessness. The city contracts out a number of their services to agencies that have worked hard at reaching out to those in need and connecting them to resources. The city does its best to meet the needs of all its residents, even those who sleep on benches. Part of the City’s Ongoing Strategic Goals includes supporting legislation that “addresses the need for shelters and for supportive services. (e.g. health, mental health and social services) for the City's homeless population.”
Although the City has no homeless centers or shelters within its boundaries, agencies such as People Aiding the Homeless (P.A.T.H.) in Hollywood and the SOVA Food Pantry in the Beverly-Fairfax area of Los Angeles are accessible. West Hollywood even host an event in conjunction with the two mentioned organizations called “Connect Day.” During this event, volunteers go on a 1 day outreach effort to transport homeless to a central location where over 60 public and private social service providers are available to them. Some of the services include essentials such as haircuts and other needed services. Plummer Park is a major resource center for homeless. The West Hollywood community center there opens its doors to the homeless daily, allowing them to take a nap in their common area and stay out of the heat on those really hot Southern California days. Recently, the city has made a great stride to address the affordable housing issue by developing the Sierra Bonita low income apartments for people in need. Housing will be awarded in the near future through a lottery system to the disabled. In coming years, the city hopes to make further efforts to reduce the homeless population and help develop lower income housing for its residents.
P.A.T.H. Homeless Shelter located in Hollywood is the closest homeless shelter for West Hollywood's homeless population:
The SOVA Pantry sponsored by the Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles
Representation of the homeless population in West Hollywood:
Many factors contribute to the problem of homelessness in the City of West Hollywood and beyond. One such problem in West Hollywood is the rise in rent and living expenses for those in the area. People that have lived there for years, especially the elderly, Russian immigrant population, know the struggle of making rent. On one occasion, a resident had to resort to eating cat food due to the lack of money to buy food on account of high rent costs.
Affordable housing is a major issue facing the city today. Inclusionary housing and Section 8 programs have not been sufficient for the growing number of people in need. The current wait for Section 8 housing is 7-10 years. Many people, who can no longer afford to live in West Hollywood, escape homelessness, by moving to neighboring Hollywood or the Valley.
In recent years, West Hollywood has been seen as a “trendsetter” in their approach to homelessness. The city contracts out a number of their services to agencies that have worked hard at reaching out to those in need and connecting them to resources. The city does its best to meet the needs of all its residents, even those who sleep on benches. Part of the City’s Ongoing Strategic Goals includes supporting legislation that “addresses the need for shelters and for supportive services. (e.g. health, mental health and social services) for the City's homeless population.”
Although the City has no homeless centers or shelters within its boundaries, agencies such as People Aiding the Homeless (P.A.T.H.) in Hollywood and the SOVA Food Pantry in the Beverly-Fairfax area of Los Angeles are accessible. West Hollywood even host an event in conjunction with the two mentioned organizations called “Connect Day.” During this event, volunteers go on a 1 day outreach effort to transport homeless to a central location where over 60 public and private social service providers are available to them. Some of the services include essentials such as haircuts and other needed services. Plummer Park is a major resource center for homeless. The West Hollywood community center there opens its doors to the homeless daily, allowing them to take a nap in their common area and stay out of the heat on those really hot Southern California days. Recently, the city has made a great stride to address the affordable housing issue by developing the Sierra Bonita low income apartments for people in need. Housing will be awarded in the near future through a lottery system to the disabled. In coming years, the city hopes to make further efforts to reduce the homeless population and help develop lower income housing for its residents.
P.A.T.H. Homeless Shelter located in Hollywood is the closest homeless shelter for West Hollywood's homeless population:
The SOVA Pantry sponsored by the Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles
Representation of the homeless population in West Hollywood:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
