UPDATE: Due to the extended heat emergency, the West Hollywood Library is activated as a cooling center. West Hollywood Library will be open until 9 PM from Friday, Sept 1 to Labor Day, Monday, Sept 4. Because of forecasts of continuing high temperatures, the City of West Hollywood will extend the opening of its cooling center at Plummer Park’s Community Center Senior Lounge until at least next Monday.
The center, at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. between Vista and Fuller, will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open hours will be extended for additional days if high temperatures persist.
The cooling center is intended to provide a respite from those without air conditioning given the forecast of hot weather this week. The National Weather Service projects a high of 83 degrees today, growing to 100 degrees on Tuesday and 99 degrees Wednesday and 98 degrees Thursday.
High heat can make the weather dangerous as well as uncomfortable. The city reminds residents and community members to take precautions to keep as cool as possible during hot days. If possible, stay out of the sun; avoid strenuous activity; drink plenty of water and wear lightweight clothing.
The cooling center is available for quiet activities. People using the cooling center are encouraged to bring books or board games. Staff members at Plummer Park are available to direct people to the Senior Lounge.
Community members also may visit the West Hollywood Library, which serves as a Los Angeles County cooling center. Regular hours for the West Hollywood Library are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Additional information about Los Angeles County Cooling Centers is available online at www.colapublib.org/coolingcenters.
The City of West Hollywood provides free transportation to Plummer Park and to the West Hollywood Library through its CityLine service. CityLine is an accessible alternative to the larger bus system and all shuttles are ADA-accessible. CityLine operates Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and shuttles arrive approximately every 30 minutes. For additional information and a detailed route map, visit www.weho.org/cityline. Route maps are also available on CityLine shuttles and at West Hollywood City Hall, located at 8300 Santa Monica Blvd.
Pets and children are particularly vulnerable to high-heat conditions. Every year, children and pets suffer and die when left unattended in parked vehicles. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can soar to 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes — even with windows cracked open. Think twice before ever leaving a child or a pet in a parked vehicle, even for just a moment.
