Last Thursday, September 29th, West Hollywood lost one of its iconic former residents and member of the Disability Advisory Board. Michael Arrigo was a shining light to all those who knew him.
Michael lived with HIV/AIDS and Parkinson’s disease, and was severely visually compromised. He was resting at Cedars Sinai for a number of days on life support. The Chairman of the Disability Advisory Board, Rick Watts, was by Michael’s side, and some visitors had the opportunity to pay their last respects.
Michael spent many years serving on the Disability Advisory Board, always bringing a “can do” attitude into the meetings. Michael spent his time helping others, too, serving on many community organizations including Being Alive, and he had his own public access show called “Living Well with HIV.” He won the Disability Service Award in the media category in 2009.
During COVID-19, despite all the various programs offered by West Hollywood social service organizations, Michael was evicted from his West Hollywood apartment and lived in a motel with a friend. For a time he was homeless on the streets but he finally got into a senior housing program in September 2021.
If you knew Michael he was super generous with anything that he had. His heart was gigantic and he appreciated the gift of life. He lived day to day but never lost his spirit. I had the pleasure of serving on the Disability Advisory Board with Michael and his inspiration has lifted so many at the worst of times. God Bless Michael Arrigo.
Why was he evicted and why was he homeless for even a single night, I want to know.
My guess is that his landlord may have used the dreaded Ellis Act to evict him.
Something sounds illegal if this was during covid snd the fact that he was s senior with a myriad of health problems including visual disturbsnce.
Who is this heartless landlord? Although I did not know this gentleman, it is a sad story about a good man.
Angels are hard to come by these days. I shall miss Michael. Heaven’s gain is Weho’s loss.