2024 kicked off with the sudden and unexpected closing of the beloved IHOP as the city prepared to turn its neighboring building, the former Holloway Motel, into an interim housing facility for the homeless. Famous bakery Sweet Lady Jane also kicked the bucket, but so did the hated Sierra Bonita hell house.
WeHo first became aware of the consequences of not turning in the Housing Element on time as several towering new developments that would never have been approved threatened to move into local neighborhoods.
January ended with signs MedMen, one of its oldest and most established cannabis dispensaries, was in trouble. The store would go on to close and then re-open, before being thrown a lifeline by the Business License Commission to continue operating after most of its franchises went under.
Good news came in February, as the city announced a $31.3 million budget surplus — although sales tax had plateaued.
WeHo honored its Community Cats program, which works so hard to care for the city’s unhoused feline population.
In March, Waymo got approval to operate its futuristic robotaxis throughout the county.
Lynn Hoopingarner made a long-awaited return to civic service when she was re-appointed to her old stomping grounds on the Planning Commission after a nothingburger controversy two years ago.
Scooter haters rejoiced as the city decided not to renew its contract with provider Bird, which later filed for bankruptcy.
A new wave of Rainbow District bar owners was born as Eric Braverman took over GYM Bar and Tristan Schukraft bought the Abbey.
Mayor John Erickson courted controversy by requesting that the city pay for his trip to Paris alongside Los Angeles city officials as part of preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.
After years of lobbying, City Council slightly relented to the Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to stall increases in the minimum wage rate. And City Councilmember Sepi Shyne announced she would not seek a second term after four rocky years in office.
In May, Heart WeHo announced it would be closing, later transforming into Beaches Tropicana. Micky’s was slapped with a silly citation during Pride, while Kesha made a triumphant comeback, performing her first show in years during WeHo’s OUTloud shows. And sheriffs delighted scooters opponents by announcing they had begun issuing far more citations than every before.
Part Two coming Jan. 1, 2025.
Can someone please ask Christain Schukraft why he leased two buildings in West Hollywood, painted them an ugly bright blue, painted signs on them saying “Mr. something or another”, then left them to lay rotting for all these years, causing a blight in their neighborhoods & contributing to the downgrading of the city? He should know better as a businessman & take the responsibility for his mistakes & judgments & not make the whole city suffer for it. These two building are so ugly & gross, that I have to look away from them when I pass. Get your act… Read more »
Happy Healthy New Year, Brandon!
Thanks for including news on scooters! It isn’t enough, but it is a start, and I’m grateful that you’re publicizing it!
Happy New Year, Brandon!
And to the all the great commenters at WEHOnline..
Sweet Lady Jane closed with the last owner but will reopen with a new one