BY PAULO MURILLO
STUDIO CITY
LIL NAS X HOSPITALIZED, ARRESTED AFTER SEMI-NUDE STUDIO CITY INCIDENT
Out rapper Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was hospitalized and arrested last month following a bizarre incident in the Studio City. Authorities responded to multiple calls from residents reporting a man acting erratically and walking semi-nude down Ventura Boulevard. According to a spokesperson for the LAPD, officers found the 26-year-old artist wearing only underwear and cowboy boots. Video footage showed Hill placing a traffic cone on his head and speaking incoherently. When confronted by police, Hill reportedly charged at officers. He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for evaluation due to concerns of a possible drug overdose. The LAPD later confirmed that he was arrested on suspicion of battery on a police officer and booked into jail after being discharged from the hospital.
PALM SPRINGS
EAGLE CATHEDRAL CITY TO OPEN IN FORMER BARRACKS SPACE
A new LGBTQ+ bar is preparing to open in Cathedral City, aiming to fill the void left by the closure of The Barracks in 2024. Eagle Cathedral City, owned by Jeremy and Phillip Nalwalker, is undergoing a full renovation with a redesigned interior, updated sound and lighting systems, and a larger dance floor. The co-owners, who frequented The Barracks, said they were inspired to open the venue to restore a gathering place for the community. Eagle Cathedral City is expected to open this winter.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
MIC’S BAR OPENS IN FORMER FUBAR SPACE IN WEHO
A new neighborhood bar has joined West Hollywood’s nightlife, taking over the former FUBAR space on Santa Monica Boulevard. The venue, now officially named Mic’s Bar, opened in late June but announced its name this past weekend following a community naming contest. Owner Jay Krymis, who also co-owns Schmitty’s WeHo, said the goal was to create a bright, welcoming space distinct from its predecessor. While open to everyone, the bar embraces its LGBTQ+ roots, with a rainbow flag hanging from the ceiling as a nod to the location’s history.
SAN DIEGO
LGBT CENTER WARNS OF POSSIBLE LAYOFFS
The San Diego LGBT Community Center has warned all 106 employees they could face layoffs this month as the nonprofit braces for possible federal funding cuts by the Trump administration. The Center, which provides health care, housing and crisis services, filed a precautionary notice July 3 under state and federal law requiring 60 days’ warning before mass layoffs. Roughly $4.4 million of its $15.5 million budget comes from federal grants, mostly from health agencies now facing cuts. Any layoffs could significantly impact programs serving tens of thousands in San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community.
CITY OF BELL
DOG FECES THROWN AT YOUTH CENTER SPARKS OUTRAGE
An LGBTQ+ youth center in Bell has been repeatedly targeted with bags of dog feces left at its entrance, raising concerns among staff and community leaders. The Mi SELA center, run by the Los Angeles LGBT Center and Latino Equity Alliance, offers programs and resources for LGBTQ+ youth in Southeast Los Angeles. Staff say the vandalism has happened multiple times in recent months. L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn has pledged $2,500 to install security cameras. Despite the acts, Mi SELA staff say they remain committed to serving the community.
