Danny Rivas, West Hollywood’s Director of Community, gave a detailed update Monday night to the Public Safety Commission on the extensive preparations underway for the Halloween Carnaval in West Hollywood.
Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed from Doheny to La Cienega to accommodate the festivities, and there will be additional traffic measures in place just east of La Cienega up to Holloway. These measures are designed to enhance pedestrian safety, a critical factor given the expected crowd sizes.
To ensure the event runs smoothly and safely, the director said that the city’s event services team has been actively coordinating with multiple public safety agencies. This includes the West Hollywood Sheriff Station and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Emergency Operations Bureau, a specialized unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, will also be involved. These organizations will provide increased manpower and resources, including a medical tent equipped for emergencies, much like the resources deployed during the city’s Pride events.
Security measures will be notably enhanced, particularly during the evening when a higher volume of attendees is anticipated. The director specifies that road closures will begin to be noticeable as early as 10 a.m. on the day of Halloween, and they will be fully implemented by noon. An additional point was made about a specific street segment on San Vicente between Melrose and Santa Monica Boulevard. This particular segment will be closed starting at midnight on Halloween day, affecting traffic patterns.
While the event will have fewer stages compared to past years, there will still be various entertainment options. These include DJs and decorative installations along Santa Monica Boulevard. Food trucks and vendors will also be part of the event’s offerings. In a first-of-its-kind move, the city is in the final stages of approving a special cannabis event activation that will take place between La Peer and Robertson, adding another layer of uniqueness to this year’s carnival.
Businesses operating in the area have been strongly encouraged to file for special event permits, which would allow them to extend their activities and operations beyond the usual limits for the duration of the event. The city has waived the fees usually associated with these permits as an added incentive for business participation.
The city’s code enforcement staff will be fully mobilized to ensure that all rules and regulations are adhered to. This includes monitoring occupancy levels in establishments, ensuring security protocols are followed, and maintaining the structural integrity of temporary outdoor dining spaces. They will also tackle the issue of illegal street vending, a common challenge during large-scale events. Moreover, in collaboration with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, they will be prepared to respond to any noise complaints, particularly in residential areas that might be affected by loud parties or gatherings.
After Rivas’ presentation, the commission brought up an important query regarding the electronic signage scattered throughout the city. These signs typically inform the public about which streets will be closed for special events. Given that there have been issues with pickpocketing and similar incidents during events that attract large crowds, the commission proposed embedding public safety messages within these electronic signs. The aim would be to remind people to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings to mitigate risks.
Responding to this, Rivas acknowledged the merit in the idea but pointed out certain logistical challenges. Specifically, the electronic signs have limitations when it comes to the number of lines of text that can be displayed and the frequency at which these messages can flash. Rivas didn’t have the exact specifications at hand but suggested that adding more content might compromise the sign’s primary function, which is to quickly inform drivers about upcoming street closures as they enter the city.
Despite these challenges, Rivas agreed that the idea is worth exploring. He mentioned that changeable message boards, or CMS boards, are usually placed at strategic locations to maximize their impact, especially for drivers who would be affected by street closures. Therefore, incorporating public safety messages could be considered in these strategically important locations.
Rivas also touched on existing safety measures, specifically mentioning businesses in the Rainbow District. Many of these businesses are already proactive about public safety; they use posters and even changeable electronic signs in restrooms and other areas to remind patrons to be vigilant. Some venues also have security staff positioned at the entrances who verbally remind people to keep their belongings close and be aware of their surroundings.
Rivas underscored the sheer volume of attendees expected at the upcoming Halloween event, suggesting that the crowd could number in the tens of thousands or even exceed 100,000. Given these massive numbers, effective public safety messaging becomes even more crucial. Rivas revealed that there are already plans to hold a virtual meeting that would include the business community, the sheriff’s station, and the city’s community safety department. The objective of this meeting would be to reinforce the importance of public safety measures.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The City of West Hollywood’s iconic Halloween Carnaval, one of the most unique Halloween gatherings in the world, returns in 2023. Halloween in West Hollywood is anticipated to draw many thousands of costumed revelers to the City’s Rainbow District along Santa Monica Boulevard on October 31. In addition, there will be Halloween celebrations at West Hollywood’s one-of-a-kind bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, entertainment venues, and more on Halloween and during the preceding weekend.
The City of West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnaval is free to attend and open to the public. It will take place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on a one-mile stretch of Historic Route 66 along Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard. The event will feature a stage at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and N. San Vicente Boulevard with a live DJ set, food trucks, and thousands of wildly dressed people in Halloween costumes for a one-of-a-kind experience.
First launched in 1987, West Hollywood’s celebration of Halloween is rooted in the City’s diverse culture and community. Year by year, what became known as the City’s Halloween Carnaval grew into an annual gathering of phenomenal costumes, entertainment, culture, and self-expression with a myriad of observers, revelers, exhibitionists, and performers with many thousands of people in attendance each year. People come from all over the region – and, in fact, the world – to take part in the Halloween fun!
The City invites Halloween Carnaval-goers to get into the spirit and show-off costumes by uploading photos to social media sites with the hashtag #wehohalloween and don’t forget to tag @wehocity.
To ensure a safe Halloween Carnaval for everyone, the City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station remind attendees about important safety guidelines:
- No alcohol or public drinking will be allowed;
- No backpacks, camera cases, tote bags, etc. will be permitted (clear plastic bags will be allowed);
- No weapons, fireworks, or drones will be tolerated;
- Children and pets are strongly discouraged; and
- Halloween Carnaval-goers remember: If You See Something, Say Something.
To support the City of West Hollywood’s bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, entertainment venues, and more in hosting small-scale Halloween celebrations with patrons, the City has approved a process for review and waiver of special event permit and encroachment permit fees, as well as waiver of basic Los Angeles County Fire Department site plan review fees, for businesses in West Hollywood that aim to host events from Friday, October 27, 2023 through Tuesday, October 31, 2023 in celebration of Halloween. Interested business may submit a Special Event Permit application by the deadline of Monday, October 16, 2023. For details, please contact the City’s Neighborhood and Business Safety Division at [email protected] or by calling (323) 848-6437.
Halloween revelers are reminded not to drive under the influence; even one drink can impair safe driving. The City recommends ride-sharing services and transit options. The PickUp, the City of West Hollywood’s free weekend ride, runs on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to its regular service, The PickUp will also run Special Service on Halloween (Tuesday, October 31, 2023) from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Details are available by visiting www.wehopickup.com. Details about modifications to Cityline Local and Cityline Commuter service will be posted at www.weho.org/halloween as soon as information is available. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) bus lines that connect to the City of West Hollywood include 4, 10, 30/330, 105, 212/312, 217, and 218. More information regarding lines and route changes is available at www.metro.net.
To ensure a safe Halloween weekend for everyone, the City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station are reminding residents, businesses, and visitors that public safety is the City’s number-one priority. If You See Something, Say Something: members of the public are encouraged to reach out to the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station 24/7 at (310) 855-8850 with any safety or security concerns. In an emergency, please call 911.
Additionally, the City’s Block by Block Security Ambassadors program leverages the effectiveness of local law enforcement and works in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Station to address nonviolent calls for service. The Block by Block Security Ambassador Hotline provides access to free 24/7 support by calling (833) WEHO-BBB or (833) 934-6222, or by calling/texting (323) 821-8604.
The City will lift residential permit parking Citywide between 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 and 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
West Hollywood Park facilities impacts/closures will occur as follows:
- West Hollywood Park will be closed from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 through 7 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
- West Hollywood Park small and large dog parks and basketball courts will be closed from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 through 7 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
- West Hollywood Park Five-Story Parking Structure will be closed all day on Tuesday, October 31, 2023; the structure will reopen on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 7 a.m.
Street closures associated with Halloween Carnaval are, as follows:
- N. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 12:01 a.m. on October 31, 2023 to no later than 7 a.m. on November 1, 2023. All alleyways between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 12:01 a.m. on October 31, 2023 to no later than 7 a.m. on November 1, 2023.
- Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Croft Avenue/ Holloway Drive and N. Doheny Drive from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.
- La Cienega Boulevard between Holloway Drive and Willoughby Avenue from 10 a.m. October 31, 2023 to 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.
- N. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Cynthia Street from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.
- N. Robertson Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.
- N. La Peer Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.
- N. Almont Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.
- Sunset Boulevard eastbound and westbound turn lanes onto southbound La Cienega Boulevard from 10 a.m. on October 31, 2023 through 6 a.m. on November 1, 2023.
Up-to-date details about Halloween 2023 will continue to be available at www.weho.org/halloween. To receive SMS/text updates about Halloween details, send a text message with the word halloween (or text a jack-o’-lantern emoji) to (323) 848-5000.
I appreciate the city starting the Halloween Carnival up again,but with the Middle East (Israel) carrying out a protracted military invasion that can go on for months and the resulting extreme political views on both sides,I wonder if this is the right time to have this carnival.
With the call for a day of jihad this Friday and the cautions from law enforcement,you are going to see more calls for violent actions.I think I am going to pass on attending the Halloween Carnival this year.
I’m glad this event is back. One of the best things about WeHo!!!!
I hope Danny Rivas can read the comments here and I also just emailed him too. Years ago the lighting for this event was much better and well illuminated everywhere and then in the past decade the lighting was not added which makes it much darker for people to walk around and see. Which can be a safety hazard. They used to have in the median crane like light apparatus that illuminated larger areas. If you could see what Lloyd Long had used on the information sheets for rentals than maybe you can get it done and duplicated, etc. The… Read more »
Yes – but blasting low light from the sides as in the past will just blind people and ruin the general atmosphere. Use high lighting pointed downward.
That’s what I already said, and meant
I recall some years ago you had a proposal to have voluntary suggested donations people can make, upon entering the area. I recall this is what they do at Folsom Festival in San Francisco, to try to offset some of the City’s costs. If they ask for say $5 per person, and they get say $2 per person, that’s around $200,000 for the City for putting on a great party. Maybe they will get lucky and get twice that. It’s a bargain, and might help pay for better lighting, security, cleaning etc. Of course this makes too much sense, so… Read more »
Ban dogs and children!
It shouldn’t have to be said but dogs don’t want to be there, and people can fall over a dog on a leash that they don’t see.
People can also fall over a child and especially a child in a stroller.