When Beverly Hills — yes, that Beverly Hills — is out in the streets holding a “No Kings” rally, it raises an unexpected question: why isn’t West Hollywood, the city built on protest and progressivism, doing the same? Out of the more than 200 (incorporated) cities in SoCal, it feels like WeHo should be a “Let’s Go!” not a “No Go.”
So far, there’s been no public plan for a rally in WeHo. No announcements. No Council discussion. Just crickets.
Seems surprising, given that West Hollywood has a history of stepping up. This past June, thousands participated in a “No Kings” rally at West Hollywood Park, organized by council member Lauren Meister and her sister Debbie. We were marching and demonstrating -loud and proud- the city’s progressive spirit. That event showed what WeHo can do when it organizes, and it’s a reminder that leadership on civic issues does make a difference.
Local chatter reflects the curiosity. On platforms like Nextdoor, residents are asking: Is West Hollywood hosting a No Kings rally? So far, the answer is no.
Maybe it’s logistics — permits, timing, coordination. Or maybe local groups are waiting for someone else to take the lead. But given the city’s history, waiting doesn’t quite feel like WeHo. I don’t expect the challenge to only fall on Lauren either. Where are our other so-called progressive leaders? Why aren’t they leading on this? C’mon, this is a no-brainer folks.
West Hollywood was founded by activists and shaped by movements. It has never been shy about taking a stand, even when other cities hesitated. A “No Kings” rally here wouldn’t be out of character but not having one is.
And in a moment when silence can read as indifference, it’s worth asking: if not West Hollywood, then who?
Perhaps it’s time for city leaders — or even just its residents — to revive our activist roots and make sure the progressive heart of West Hollywood still beats loudly and often in public.
If Beverly Hills can take to the streets to defend democracy, then WeHo should, too.
(Photo: @Instaglenhanson)
You can have as many demonstrations as you want. The fact is that it doesn’t make any difference to the President. He’s there until 2028, so get used to it!
“defend democracy” every time I see someone say this, I just laugh. The irony that if DJT were a king or even kinglike they would NEVER be allowed to protest.
[…] to growing chatter on neighborhood message boards and social media this week, where residents and WeHoOnline questioned why nearby Beverly Hills — not West Hollywood — was the site of the closest […]
NO KINGS
OKAY, CITIZENS of Weho! LET’S hit the streets of OUR progressive City.
Tomorrow, SAT, OCT 18th at NOON
Meet up at Santa Monica Blvd and San Vicente for NO KINGS DAY RALLY
BRING SIGNS, FLAGS, and enthusiasm!
After Trump these people are going to have Marco Rubio for eight years. They better pace themselves.
The little mouse that sits on the oval office couch during press conferences and looks miserably lost. That guy? President? Wahahahahhhhhhh.
Maybe they’re just tired of protesting everything and anything. Or maybe because they found jobs?
Well, I know of at least one city council majority member who is way too busy working on his future political ambitions to bother with something that doesn’t put money in his campaign coffers…it really is shameful!
Maybe they don’t want to take away from the one in Beverly Hills? No idea, but West Hollywood should always be doing things that draw crowds when the opportunity presents itself because it can be good for the businesses while more people are out in the neighborhood when they normally wouldn’t be.
I think more and more people are questioning what good it does.
The usual suspects (purple haired with nose rings). Pushing more voters towards the GOP.
That must be why yesterday’s protest drew 2 million more people nationwide than the first one did.
Has it changed anything? No and never will!
More evidence that the City Council is there for virtue signaling, not sincerity. No excuse not to have formally organized something…I guess when you go that far left you eventually connect to the far right
Gone are the days when the City Council was filled with daring and often infuriating activists. Have the often infuriating voices of THAT City Council aged out of the picture. I attended almost every meeting! I knew the council members. Our voices were heard and WE GOT THINGS DONE.