WEST HOLLYWOOD: 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.